CS Fellowship
Under the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program, the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) intends to award competitive grants to appropriate institutions of higher education or students to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of, and interest in employment with the United States Foreign Commercial Service among minority students.
The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program targets graduate students interested in increasing their level of knowledge and awareness of and pursuing employment with the Foreign Commercial Service, consistent with 22 U.S.C. § 3905. The Program develops a source of trained individuals, from academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department, to represent the United States’ commercial interests abroad. This Program is intended to recruit graduate students for a career with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service. Applications will be solicited through a Notice of Funding Opportunity published on grants.gov.
What do Foreign Service Commercial Officers do at the U.S. Department of Commerce?
Commercial Officers carry out a wide variety of critical functions and work with a broad spectrum of government and private sector organizations to articulate, develop and refine United States foreign commercial policy, promote U.S. exports, and protect U.S. commercial interests abroad. Key to the successful execution of a Commercial Officer’s duties is the ability to cultivate personal and professional contacts to be used in influencing foreign trade policies to advance and protect United States commercial interests. Serving a substantial portion of their careers at overseas diplomatic missions (usually in embassies, consulates, or trade centers), Foreign Service Officers enjoy access to people and places beyond the experience of most United States Government employees.
Foreign Service Career
A career as a Commercial Officer also provides outstanding opportunities to learn new languages and travel internationally. As a Commercial Officer, you will have the opportunity to experience foreign cultures, make friends around the world, and help shape history. You can expect to spend two-thirds of your career overseas. Joining the Foreign Service is a career opportunity of a lifetime for some, but it isn’t the right lifestyle for everyone. While some people might find the career challenging, exciting, and rewarding, others will see it as a less-than-perfect match.
Learn More
To learn more about a Foreign Service Commercial Officer Career, see our Foreign Service Outreach page.