To become a diplomat, you typically need a completed master’s degree, excellent foreign language skills, and success in a competitive multi-stage selection process within the diplomatic service. Degree programs with an international, economic, and legal focus are particularly suitable.
A diplomatic career is demanding and highly competitive. Representing a country abroad or working in international organizations requires in-depth knowledge of global economics, international law, and political affairs.
Diplomats represent their country abroad. They work in embassies, consulates, and international institutions and are responsible for:
Analyzing political and economic developments
Preparing and supporting international negotiations
Promoting economic cooperation
Contributing to EU and multilateral organizations
Assisting citizens abroad
Managing crises and conflict situations
Diplomacy combines politics, economics, law, and strategic communication in an international environment.
Entry into the diplomatic service usually requires a completed master’s degree. Suitable academic backgrounds include programs with an international, economic, or legal focus.
At MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, the following programs can provide a strong foundation:
BA Management & Law
BA Business & Management
MA International Business & Management
MA International Business & Law
These programs combine international business expertise with legal fundamentals and strategic management. Students develop competencies in global market analysis, international contract law, negotiation skills, and intercultural communication — qualifications that are highly relevant in diplomatic environments.
English-taught courses, international partner universities, and practice-oriented teaching formats support the development of global perspectives.
Entry into the diplomatic service involves a multi-stage selection process. This typically includes:
Written examinations (general knowledge and subject-specific tests)
Assessments on international political and economic topics
Foreign language examinations
Structured interviews
Assessment centers
The process is competitive and requires both academic excellence and personal suitability.
In addition to a university degree, the following competencies are particularly important:
Intercultural competence
Excellent English skills and additional foreign languages
Economic and legal understanding
Analytical and strategic thinking
Communication and negotiation skills
Internationally oriented degree programs foster these competencies through project-based learning, international case studies, and interdisciplinary content.
As responsibilities grow within international institutions or diplomatic roles, specialization and leadership skills become increasingly important.
Executive Education programs at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® may support professional development in later career stages, for example:
MBA International Management
MBA General Management
LL.M. Compliance & Corporate Governance
MSc Management & Leadership
These programs deepen expertise in international management, governance structures, compliance, and strategic leadership — competencies relevant in global and multilateral environments.
Becoming a diplomat requires a strong academic background, international awareness, and strategic capability. Degree programs such as the bachelors' in Business & Management and the master's in International Business & Law at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® combine business, legal, and international perspectives and can provide a solid foundation for a future diplomatic career.
International perspective, economic expertise and legal knowledge form key foundations for a diplomatic career. ©MCI/Christian Kasper
At MCI, students develop intercultural competence and strategic skills for global career paths. ©MCI/Christian Kasper
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