Why Foreign Service Officer and not a Foreign Service Specialist?

When I first started researching the Foreign Service, I found that I could either become an Officer or a Specialist. The two classifications share many similarities so it can be confusing to determine which path to follow.

Foreign Service Specialists provide specific services based on areas of specialization. Medical, IT, Administration, etc. Specialists are not required to take the Foreign Service Officers Test, though the rest of the selection process mirrors the one for Officers. As I was reading through the description, specialist positions seemed to be more similar to a job opening at a company that you would apply and interview for. Only the company is the State Department and the office is located overseas.

On the surface, it might seem that I should become a Specialist. I really enjoy Human Resources and have spent a great deal of time and effort improving my skills in it. I have a Master's degree and plan on taking the exam for the Professional of Human Resources (PHR) certification this May. Becoming a Human Resource Specialist in the Foreign Service seems a natural progression of my career.

So, why do I want to become an Officer? Mainly, I want to develop myself and my career beyond an HR specialization. Becoming an Officer puts you on a career track, which is something you don't get as a Specialist. I feel that I will eventually hit a wall as a Specialist and if all I wanted to do was get more HR experience, I don't have to join the foreign service to do it. I see myself joining the Foreign Service, developing my skills in new areas (as well as HR), and securing a great job with a company after I retire. I'm still young; I can have a full career in the Foreign Service and still retire from it well before standard retirement age. Also, I feel there is more prestige attached to Officers. I'm not saying that becoming a Specialist is easy or any less competitive, but more is expected of Officers. They have a greater range of responsibilities and tougher requirements. That level of challenge and accountability comes with more acclaim.

Deciding between a Specialist or Officer track was difficult, but in the end I'm happy with my decision. Now I just need to prepare for the selection process.