Luckily, my wife is very supportive of my dream, and we don't have kids yet, so it's a good time for me to get in.
As far as who they are looking for, you can find all of the requirements on the State Department website. Some of the absolutes are: U.S. Citizen, no older than 37 at time of final offer (waived for veteran's preference now), 4-year
college degree, compliance with selective service, no felonies.
The application process is very selective and very competitive, and you have to go through a very extensive background investigation, as well as a very thorough medical examination-you must qualify to be eligible for world-wide assignment as most of your career will be spent overseas.
Of course before the background and medical checks, you have to apply online and qualify first with a high score. If your score is high enough, then you get invited to the BEX (Board of Examiners), where you go through an intense 4-part test and panel interview process. You must pass each stage in order to move onto the next stage. If you don't pass any of the four stages, then they will ask you to leave and your application is withdrawn. If you pass the BEX-all 4 stages-then you will get a COE, and then begin the medical, background, etc.
Of course you will get extra points for military service and language skills.
I think it would be the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding career out there! I'm really excited about the prospect of being a DSS special agent!
Good luck to everyone!