My sister emailed me this link for The New York Times about how the Foreign Service is ramping up it's hiring. For a while now they had not be replacing open positions, but with the new president-elect and new funding from Congress they are looking to fill open slots as well as new positions.
This is encouraging news and makes me want to apply for a 2009 test date. Patience may be a virtue but when I'm interested in something I tend to focus on it and lose sight of the long game. However, maybe I should look into readjusting my strategy a little. Strike while the iron is hot and all that.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Why Foreign Service Officer and not a Foreign Service Specialist?
When I first started researching the Foreign Service, I found that I could either become an Officer or a Specialist. The two classifications share many similarities so it can be confusing to determine which path to follow.
Foreign Service Specialists provide specific services based on areas of specialization. Medical, IT, Administration, etc. Specialists are not required to take the Foreign Service Officers Test, though the rest of the selection process mirrors the one for Officers. As I was reading through the description, specialist positions seemed to be more similar to a job opening at a company that you would apply and interview for. Only the company is the State Department and the office is located overseas.
On the surface, it might seem that I should become a Specialist. I really enjoy Human Resources and have spent a great deal of time and effort improving my skills in it. I have a Master's degree and plan on taking the exam for the Professional of Human Resources (PHR) certification this May. Becoming a Human Resource Specialist in the Foreign Service seems a natural progression of my career.
So, why do I want to become an Officer? Mainly, I want to develop myself and my career beyond an HR specialization. Becoming an Officer puts you on a career track, which is something you don't get as a Specialist. I feel that I will eventually hit a wall as a Specialist and if all I wanted to do was get more HR experience, I don't have to join the foreign service to do it. I see myself joining the Foreign Service, developing my skills in new areas (as well as HR), and securing a great job with a company after I retire. I'm still young; I can have a full career in the Foreign Service and still retire from it well before standard retirement age. Also, I feel there is more prestige attached to Officers. I'm not saying that becoming a Specialist is easy or any less competitive, but more is expected of Officers. They have a greater range of responsibilities and tougher requirements. That level of challenge and accountability comes with more acclaim.
Deciding between a Specialist or Officer track was difficult, but in the end I'm happy with my decision. Now I just need to prepare for the selection process.
Foreign Service Specialists provide specific services based on areas of specialization. Medical, IT, Administration, etc. Specialists are not required to take the Foreign Service Officers Test, though the rest of the selection process mirrors the one for Officers. As I was reading through the description, specialist positions seemed to be more similar to a job opening at a company that you would apply and interview for. Only the company is the State Department and the office is located overseas.
On the surface, it might seem that I should become a Specialist. I really enjoy Human Resources and have spent a great deal of time and effort improving my skills in it. I have a Master's degree and plan on taking the exam for the Professional of Human Resources (PHR) certification this May. Becoming a Human Resource Specialist in the Foreign Service seems a natural progression of my career.
So, why do I want to become an Officer? Mainly, I want to develop myself and my career beyond an HR specialization. Becoming an Officer puts you on a career track, which is something you don't get as a Specialist. I feel that I will eventually hit a wall as a Specialist and if all I wanted to do was get more HR experience, I don't have to join the foreign service to do it. I see myself joining the Foreign Service, developing my skills in new areas (as well as HR), and securing a great job with a company after I retire. I'm still young; I can have a full career in the Foreign Service and still retire from it well before standard retirement age. Also, I feel there is more prestige attached to Officers. I'm not saying that becoming a Specialist is easy or any less competitive, but more is expected of Officers. They have a greater range of responsibilities and tougher requirements. That level of challenge and accountability comes with more acclaim.
Deciding between a Specialist or Officer track was difficult, but in the end I'm happy with my decision. Now I just need to prepare for the selection process.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Hello and Good Evening
Today is my 28th birthday and I felt it was an auspicious enough occasion to warrant the launch of this blog. Recently, a deep down wish finally bubbled to the surface and provided me with a career direction and goal. I'm an army brat, and even though entering the armed forces never had any real appeal to me, I have always desired, deep down, to be of service to my country.
This was how I came to decide to pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO). Working in a consulate, overseas in a foreign country, and serving the diplomatic interests of my country holds a great deal of appeal for me. I feel it would be a great use of my education and experience as well as a great way to further my career.
Becoming a FSO is not easy. It's a multi-step process and highly competitive. As I reflect on my birthday it is clear that I am not ready. Not yet, at least. This blog will hopefully start out following me along my journey of preparation and eventually (hopefully), transition into a record of my service as an FSO. I promise to keep it informative, interesting, and entertaining. It's what I do.
This was how I came to decide to pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO). Working in a consulate, overseas in a foreign country, and serving the diplomatic interests of my country holds a great deal of appeal for me. I feel it would be a great use of my education and experience as well as a great way to further my career.
Becoming a FSO is not easy. It's a multi-step process and highly competitive. As I reflect on my birthday it is clear that I am not ready. Not yet, at least. This blog will hopefully start out following me along my journey of preparation and eventually (hopefully), transition into a record of my service as an FSO. I promise to keep it informative, interesting, and entertaining. It's what I do.
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