Wilmot Max Ramsay
Prof. James "Jim" Brennan
December 21, 1989
[UMass/Boston]
Career Choice
Nearing the end of the 1989 Fall Semester, Professor James F. Brennan, Director of UMass/Boston Honors Program, and our instructor for the Freshman Honors Seminar -- Honors C101 -- requested of us of the Honors Program to conduct interviews with persons knowledgeable about possible career choices we are currently contemplating. At least one of the interviews was to be done with an academic and another with a professional.
My career choice, or rather choices, are: Diplomat/Cultural Attache/Public Servant. For an academic opinion, I interviewed Professor Sandford Lieberman, a faculty member of the University of Massachusetts at Boston who, in fact, is my Political Science instructor. For a professional view, I had a conversation with Dr. Frank L. Morris, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Director to Jamaica, my native country, during the first term of the Ronald Reagan administration. The following [dialogues] represent abridged versions of my interviews.
Academic:
Q. Mr. Professor, in your opinion, what are the academic requirements to become a diplomat?
A. As a tradition, someone possessing language skills and a knowledge of International Relations is in good standing for any diplomatic assignment. However, I would also encourage anyone with such ambitions to be a generalist. Generalize.
A strong background in Political Science is not particularly necessary (because), once selected, you will be trained politically according to the nation's policies -- do's and don'ts. Specialists are told: There is no guarantee that you will serve in your area of specialization .... A competitive exam is taken in Washington, D.C., (the nation's capital). If successful, you are placed on a waiting list. This wait, sometimes, takes up to two (2) years, or even longer.
Q. What about a cultural attache?
A. Again, Political Science is not a must. But, similar courses in Economics plus languages (that would give exposure to the way of life in different parts of the world).
Q. And a public servant?
A. It depends. Specify.
Q. From city council to the highest (elected) office?
A. Major in something other than Political Science, (say: Physics, Biology, French, English, Spanish, Anthropology, Psychology. Even Chemistry. One of our great world leaders, the current Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher, is a Chemist; well she majored in Chemistry).
Q. Anything else?
A. Have a good general background. Seek an exposure to courses in logical thinking.
Q. So, what about Law? Isn't this a prerequisite?
A. No. However, in today's America, it is indeed true that the majority of our elected officials studied Law.
"Thank you very much Mr. Professor. It was indeed a pleasure conversing with you," I said in concluding my interview with Prof. Sandford Lieberman.
Professional:
Q. In your opinion Dr. Morris, what are the requirements to become a diplomat?
A. Have a working knowledge of the people and their culture. Have an interest in the humanities. Be familiar with current affairs. Some history too. At least one foreign language is a must. (It will) definitely (be) to your advantage.
As a diplomat, remember, you are the authorized personnel designated by the appointing country to represent the government abroad. For example, an Ambassador(ship).
Q. So, what about a cultural attache?
A. (It is) very much the same because a cultural attache is also a diplomat. As the word suggests CULTURE, you should get to know the people of the country you are assigned. So, be you an ambassador, a cultural attache, or any given assignment covering the Diplomatic Corps, you are your country's on the spot man, well make it person, responsible to foster on going good relations between your country and your host. Be savvy. Exhibit a warm personality .... Charm and appeal. And if you intend to become the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, then obviously, be visibly active especially showing an almost eagerness in the area of International Relations.
And, back to the topic of Ambassadorship. An ambassadorship is one of the most significant positions/functions of communicating; not so much the political but the cultural attributes of one's people. Being an ambassador, you are a political functionary but a good ambassador transcends the political veneer (that is, the unreal, false and deceptive mood). You should communicate the culture of your people in a broader and deeper sense than the current politics of your country. Be a spokesman; a symbol of your country ... like a Consul General.
Political Science yes, but more so linguistic ability. Ignorance of the language of the country to which you are accredited would be an insult to that country. An ambassadorship should be a positive, constructive work for everyone. You should have a good sense of Economics and some historical knowledge of your host country. You will, from time to time, have to host Heads of Missions and/or States especially responsible for visits of your own Head of State. Be a good natural psychologist. By natural, not necessarily a learned or studied psychologist, but you should have a knowledge of human behavior.
Q. That leads me to my next question, which is: What about being a public servant?
A. But, Maxim, you need no lecture on such a subject. When I first met you, you were already distinguishing yourself in that field. Well, let me see. Have a good sense of the interest of the country and the will of your people but do not shy away from shaping a leadership position. You should be a person of knowledge and decision-making ability. Be able and willing to explain your decisions.
Develop a good working relationship with the Fourth Estate (the media). Exhibit strength. You will on occasion meet, wine and dine with Heads of State including, maybe, Royalty.
In concluding our interview, Dr. Frank L. Morris quipped: "A good servant of the State is at the same time a good leader of his people."
"Thanks Dr. Morris," I said, "it is always a pleasure talking to you."
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