Date of Award

Spring 3-5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This research paper focuses on retention issues among first-tour employees of the State Department. Every new employee in the State Department must serve an initial directed two-year tour at one of the eight (8) Field Offices in the United States. Despite a lengthy hiring and training program for State Department employees, many first-tour (entry-level) Foreign Service Specialists decide to leave the State Department for other federal agencies or the private sector before the end of their first tour. Assessing why retention is an issue after so much time and resources spent during the selection and training process will help the State Department better understand the needs of first-tour employees. It can lead to different recruitment, training, and management approaches during employees' first-tour in their field office. For this paper, I used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data (Mixed-Methods Research approach). Five (5) research interviews with subject matter experts were conducted, and twenty-five (25) surveys were deployed, of which 16 were returned completed. The results confirmed that first-tour employees’ initial training, management at the field office, and lack of professional development were seen as major factors affecting retention at the State Department, while the hiring processes successfully identified candidates motivated to stay for a full career.

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