A new club focusing on foreign service is being formed at SUU.
Joshua Spongberg, a junior Spanish/political science major from Salt Lake City, is trying to form the Foreign Service Student Organization on campus.
"(It is an) opportunity for students to learn more about career opportunities in the foreign service," he said.
Spongberg said he got the idea to have a foreign service club at SUU after he attended a BYU Foreign Service Student Organization during the summer.
Jobs offered in the foreign service fall into five categories: management affairs, consular affairs, economic affairs, political affairs and public diplomacy, according to www.careers.state.gov/opportunities.
Spongberg said all majors would qualify in one of the five categories.
"(The foreign service) is open to any major and any student interested in foreign service," Spongberg said.
To join the foreign service, one must take the Foreign Service Exam, a written and oral test given once a year, he said.
"You can take (the exam) as many times as you want," Spongberg said. "It would be worth one's benefit to take (the exam) ASAP, just for the experience."
He said the written exam consists of topics including history of diplomacy and job knowledge.
Part of the reason Spongberg said he wants to start the Foreign Service Student Organization is so students can help each other study and prepare for the exam.
"The best way to study for the exam is by helping one another," Spongberg said.
Spongberg said he has approached G. Michael Stathis, political science professor, about being the club adviser.
Stathis said he thinks the club could bring students together.
"The club would tend to bring students with these kinds of interest together." Stathis said.
Stathis said he thinks the organization would benefit many majors including political science, history, economics, finance and management.
"We often have students that only think political science (is the major you need)," Stathis said.
Stathis said he thinks more students need to consider wider career opportunities.
"More students need to think outside the box," Stathis said.
Spongberg said he is unsure if he will be able to lead the organization this semester or if he will have to wait until next semester.
Spongberg said he has had students show an interest in
the club.
Josh Allen, a senior art major from Las Vegas, was unaware of the possibility of a foreign service club, but said he thinks it would be a good idea and that students interested would benefit from it.
Students who are interested in careers in foreign service can find more information at www.careers.state.gov/opportunities.
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