Servicemembers and veterans considering a career in diplomacy may fear their experience in unrelated fields won’t translate.
A doctor-turned-ambassador begs to differ.
“Veterans are mission-driven, reliable, and patriotic,” said Ambassador Aldona Z. Woś, M.D., who served as U.S. Ambassador to Estonia under President George W. Bush (2004-07) and is now president of the Institute of World Politics graduate school. “They are skilled at working in teams within organizational structures and have unique people skills, having navigated different environments, cultures and locations. … Whatever you did when you were in uniform has prepared you for a diplomatic career in ways a typical civilian education does not.”
MOAA Webinar: A Day in the Life of an Ambassador
Join Ambassador Aldona Z. Woś on Feb. 13 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern for this free session exploring diplomatic career opportunities for transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses. From national security to international affairs to the intelligence community, you’ll get expert insight on landing your next position.
Can’t make the live webinar? Register below and you’ll receive a link to the recording.
Woś is no stranger to career pivots: Her medical career ranged from private practice to teaching to industry consulting. After her time in Estonia, Woś became active in state-level government, serving as secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services and overseeing more than 18,000 employees (and a budget nearing $20 billion).
While service-earned skills will prove helpful in most any diplomatic field, some advanced education may be required to find a desired position, and the application process for such jobs can be time-consuming. Woś, who took over the IWP top job on an interim basis in early 2022, said many schools offering diplomacy-directed programs accept VA education benefits, and while finding a position can take time, “the wait is worth it.”
“One can get a job to pay the bills during the application process,” she said. “I encourage folks not to be put off by the length of the process and just go for it.”
[RELATED: Are You Eligible for Additional VA Education Benefits? Here’s What to Know (and Do)]
The reward for patience and persistence may be the chance to serve your nation in a wholly new, exciting capacity … drawing on your time in uniform to strengthen your performance.
“As a veteran, your life experiences are a phenomenal credential,” Woś said. “Whether it be in a graduate classroom or an embassy overseas, veterans with their unique, important perspectives and experiences have a tremendous amount to offer.”
For more ways MOAA can support any career path you choose, visit our Transition and Career Center.
Upcoming MOAA Transition and Career Events
- Feb. 26: MOAA’s Virtual Career Fair and Hiring Event
- Feb. 28: MOAA’s Executive Career Transition Accelerator Seminar
- Tuesdays in March: MOAA Event Series: Dare to Dream