The field of diplomacy is not only defined as a profession, but also a science and an art. In simple terms, diplomacy is one of the ways in which countries strive to survive in the world. Accordingly, countries seek to ensure the presence of their representatives, or diplomats in necessary locations. Through observation and research, the duty of diplomats is then to report on situations related to the interests of their country, use negotiation and other forms of struggle to develop relationships, protect national security and foreign affairs, build an international environment conducive to the survival and development of their country, and exert influence on the world.

What is diplomacy?

Diplomacy is a profession that represents a group entity or a specific country in negotiating and bargaining with the other party, often referred to as international diplomacy. Through the mediation and intervention of diplomats in issues related to tourism, economics, politics, war and conflict, et cetera, their aim is to promote peace. Using their adaptive and quick-thinking skills, diplomats engage in negotiations to gain favourable outcomes while behaving in a gentle, courteous manner, and avoiding confrontation. They carry out the tasks and objectives of foreign policy, based on the interests of their nation, national security, and international law.

The Main Tasks of Diplomats

Depending on their specific function and position, diplomats carry out the following main tasks:

• Engaging in diplomatic contact and negotiation.
• Drafting diplomatic documents and papers.
• Researching and studying the situations of countries and the world, proposing opinions, and contributing to the country’s general foreign policy strategy.
• Conducting foreign propaganda work.
• Performing consular work and protecting the rights and interests of citizens in foreign countries.
• Providing reception and hospitality services: arranging visits, congratulations, condolences, organising sightseeing, receptions, and many more.

By joining the diplomatic field, you can become an embassy staff, work at a consulate in a foreign country, or specialise in research and technical work in bureaus such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Affairs Department for Foreign Affairs, the Regional Affairs Department, the General Economic Department, the Department in Charge of International Organisations, and so on.

At the Consulate

There are the Consul General, Deputy Consul General, and Consular Officers with the following responsibilities:

• Promoting trade relationships.
• Protecting the rights and interests of overseas citizens.
• Resolving disputes related to business and trade.
• Studying the situation of the host country.

At the Embassy

There are various positions with specific responsibilities:

• Ambassador: This is the highest representative of the State and the Government, responsible for the development of the relationship between the home country and the host country. The Ambassador commands the different sections in the embassy.
• First Secretary: Responsible for some of the embassy’s work such as reception and hospitality, consular services, et cetera.
• Second Secretary: Responsible for supporting the First Secretary and Counsellor, carrying out work in a room or a section.
• Third Secretary: Someone who will assist the First Secretary, Second Secretary, or Counsellor.
• Attaché: Usually young diplomats who have just graduated and work as assistants in sections such as culture, politics, media, and so on. They receive diplomatic privileges and immunities.

Currently, in addition to working in departments, committees, public agencies, and local governments, young people can work for enterprises. Therefore, job opportunities are diverse and open with many options to choose from.

Conditions and Career Opportunities

It would be a mistake to choose a career in diplomacy just for its glamorous appearance, which many people still misunderstand. Communicating in diplomacy also means you have to be careful and responsible for every gesture, word, facial expression, behaviour, or even clothing.

The substance of diplomatic work is the struggle to protect and promote the interests of the nation and to maintain world peace. Therefore, in any position, under any circumstance, you must always be loyal to this goal.

Career opportunities in the field of diplomacy are quite open to young people from different majors and fields. However, the competition for admission to the profession is quite fierce due to the high level of interest among young people.

Qualities and Necessary Skills

• Good political and ethical qualities.
• Genuine love for the country, strong political courage, and a high sense of responsibility.
• High level of comprehensive knowledge, foreign language and diplomatic skills, profound knowledge of culture, history, and language of the countries in their jurisdiction.
• Accurate, persuasive, and eloquent in communication.
• Sharp, sensitive, proactive, and versatile.
• Courageous and loyal.
• Adequate physical health and clear background.
• Meet other high requirements.

Here are some public institutions that offer training in International Relations and Diplomacy in Vietnam:

Diplomacy and International Relations usually recruit talents who have been trained in specialised fields such as politics, economics, sociology, law, foreign languages, international studies, journalism, and so on, or at specialised institutions for diplomacy.

In addition to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, which specialises in training for diplomacy, there are also departments that offer training in International Relations or International Studies at some public universities such as the Vietnam National University of Hanoi, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, HUE University, and more.

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