United States Department of State

"It's a bureacracy, which means you are going to be burdened running your work past a lot of "stakeholders" with "equities" in your "initiatives." Good ideas often get flattened in the process of review by committee. But there are some good offices and good projects."

"There is still an entrenched old boys network, however, things are changing, albeit ever so slowly."

"Very equitable work place"

"Practically, the Foreign Service is a good job. The USG pays for your housing, utilities, and moves your stuff around for you. But day-to-day all depends on your boss and the leadership in your Embassy. While women are represented in all roles, their ideas are seen as soft... until a man mentions the same idea, then it is considered "strategic." Women have to adapt in this organization in order to have their ideas, initiatives, etc. heard and implemented. This is especially true if the Ambassador and DCM are men."

"this is the government. you will make the same money, but you will not be treated the same. if you do high-level management work, you will still be seen as a clerk. if you are a man, you have initiative; if you are a woman, you are pushy. the work is still worth doing, but you need to be able to handle this stuff."