After a course in U.S. diplomacy with Dr. Christopher Jespersen, dean of the College of Arts and Letters and a history professor at the University of North Georgia (UNG), Ronald Tobin knew he wanted to be a Foreign Service officer for the U.S. Department of State. He did not let initial setbacks get in the way.
He initially failed the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), but Tobin refused to be denied. About 15-20% of test-takers pass the first time, but only 3-5% of those who begin the hiring process with the test are hired each round. Tobin passed the test his second time and eventually made it through the whole process to be hired as a diplomat on his seventh try.
Before he became a diplomat, he started his own intelligence analysis firm. He moved to South Korea and wrote in-depth white paper reports about foreign policy. He gave talks at places like Georgetown University and the State Department's Global Diaspora Forum.
"I knew I wanted to serve my country," said Tobin, who earned a degree in history in 2008 and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. After an injury his senior year, he did not commission.
As a diplomatic courier, Tobin has visited about 150 countries. In August 2020, he made a permanent change of station from Bangkok, Thailand, to Seoul, South Korea. He is excited to be in an active part of the world near North Korea and China.
"I owe it all to North Georgia because leadership is what we're taught," Tobin said. "My North Georgia background keeps me level-headed when I'm making decisions for the country. I understand how to strategize. I understand composure. I understand that even if it gets worse, I'm here because I was trained to be here."
Tobin considers himself a resourceful leader. In various spots around the world, he has to consider multiple contingencies and accomplish his missions on a tight timetable. In working with people from other countries, he focuses on their common humanity to form connections.
"I'm a representative of my country, and I love that," Tobin said. "I love being the beacon of light that America puts out there."
