Diplomats Are Trained And Recruited In Switzerland. Maximum Age Is 35

14 Mar 2013

The foreign ministry of Switzerland has opened this year’s recruitment drive for young diplomats who will represent Switzerland’s interests abroad and at international organizations. The selection process has been criticized, for not training more women or specialists. Criticism of a different kind comes from Foraus, a student-based foreign policy think-tank. Its president, Nicola Forster, believes a general review of the diplomatic training system is necessary.

“A diplomat is a man who thinks twice before he says nothing” according to a pun attributed to former British Prime Minister Edward Heath.

The role and status of ambassadors have seen changes over the years. Diplomats are used to be part of elite, but the glamour is increasingly fading into the past. “Diplomats have to act increasingly as managers in a highly complex environment,” says Reubi.

Unlike the United States, there are no political appointments in Switzerland for diplomatic posts. Last year a total of 282 candidates applied for diplomatic service; 22 were admitted, including four women. Candidates must be of Swiss nationality and not be more than 35 years of age. Other requirements are Proficiency in three languages (two of them official Swiss languages – German, French, Italian), university diploma, and professional experience an asset.

Source: http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/What_makes_a_good_Swiss_diplomat.html?cid=35060646