tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45876067279495922332024-02-20T17:58:08.157-06:00To Seek and PursueI promise to keep it interesting.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-26268600582566657242010-09-10T10:54:00.002-05:002010-09-10T11:08:59.273-05:00Disappointing NewsSo I learned the other day that I did not make it to the next step in the process; I was not asked to the Oral Assessment. I'm disappointed to say the least, especially as I made it that far last time. All I can think of is that my lack of focus came through in my Personal Narratives this time around. I clearly did not do as good of a job as I had on the first attempt. As I've mentioned before, my life is in something of an upheaval right now, both in good and bad ways, but stressful nonetheless. I'm not in the same place or frame of mind as I was when I started this blog and Foreign Service journey almost two years ago.<br /><br />Which makes me wonder: Is this really the right time for me to be attempting something so life changing as the Foreign Service? As much as I want to do it, and I really do, maybe I need to get myself to a more stable place before I try again. Maybe I just need to mature and grow more as a professional, develop my skills, before I am ready. It's a lot to think about. I'm not eligible to take the test again until next summer, so I do have another 8 to 9 months to think about my next steps. A lot can happen in that short amount of time. I can't wait to see what will.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-11365107729732172652010-07-24T10:32:00.003-05:002010-07-24T10:45:55.438-05:00One hurdle downSo about 3 weeks ago I learned that I passed the FSOT for the second time!!! Yay! And then about a week ago I turned in my personal narratives for the second time. I mostly used the same examples from the last time, I just tweaked and adjusted them. And now it is back to waiting. Pursuing the Foreign Service is an exercise in patience followed by intense bursts of activity. Apply for the test, wait, sign up for the test date, wait, take the test, wait, and so on. But in a way, the complicated and extensive hiring process is a great way to self select out candidates. After all, if you can't handle the application process, there is no way you would be able to handle working in a government position. So for now I will continue on with my life, which is going through some major upheavals right now anyway, and see what happens. I won't know if I am moving on to the Oral Assessment again for about two more months. Cross your fingers for me.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-46624842105426159682010-06-12T19:23:00.004-05:002010-06-20T18:53:24.631-05:00Jumping back into the frayLast Saturday I took the FSOT for the second time. I have to say, this time I went into the test much more confident and relaxed. Even though I know I need to wait another 3 weeks or so before I find out how I did, I do feel confident that I will pass again. It's weird getting back into the foreign service game. Last year I focused so much energy and worry over the process that when I failed to pass the Oral Assessment I felt very deflated. I didn't know if I would have the energy to try again. However, after going through everything last year, I find that I have a better perspective on the process and don't find myself fretting over things needlessly. I'm glad I'm trying again. When it all comes down to it, if this is truly something I want to do, and it is, I owe it to myself to keep going. So with that, the waiting game begins again.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-29068837833730194292010-05-06T08:06:00.002-05:002010-05-06T08:11:46.887-05:00One MonthWell, in one month I am ready to kick off the whole Foreign Service Process again. That's right, on June 5th I will be taking the FSOT for the second time. I am approaching the test this time a lot calmer. I know what to expect and I know that I was able to pass it once. This does not mean I am taking passing the test for granted. I am still studying/reviewing for it and I am taking it seriously. The test changes all the time so I know I need to be prepared. But the anxiety is not there and that is important. So I am confident, hopeful, and can't wait to kick all kinds of butt!Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-65174458203599182842010-02-26T09:38:00.002-06:002010-02-26T09:51:06.586-06:00Here I go againWell, a month ago I gave the Oral Assessment my best shot and failed. It was tough and I left DC a little heartbroken. I remember looking at my results and wondering if I could put myself through all that effort and stress again. But the Foreign Service Officers who gave me my results were encouraging that I should try again and my score wasn't that far off from the 5.25 I needed. I am confident that having gone through the process once, I am much better prepared if I make it that far the next time. So, here I am, picking myself up and today I submitted my application for the FSOT. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINJQ5LRh-0">Here we go again.</a>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-20232759168106491852010-01-27T15:23:00.002-06:002010-01-27T15:29:58.256-06:00I wish I had better newsI failed. Yup, I did not pass the Oral Assessment. I passed the Structured Interview but not the Group discussion and not the Case Management section. They say you should know what you messed up on if you reflect upon it and I do. I know what I should have done. Doesn't make this any easier. I feel a little bad because I didn't stay to see if the other 5 in my group passed. I couldn't be happy for them at that moment, I needed to be sad. I hope they contact me and let me know.I hope they all did well. The accessors were very nice to me, very encouraging about my score. They asked me if I would do it again. I will. But tonight, I need a hug.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-14693034136726051372010-01-25T18:43:00.002-06:002010-01-25T18:56:48.527-06:00Here I goTomorrow I'll be flying out to Washington DC for the Oral Assessment on Wednesday. Am I still a little freaked out? Yup. Am I excited? Most definitely. More importantly, I'm ready to go. A lot of time, energy, and effort has brought me to this point so I'm going to have to keep doing my best. See you on the other side.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-71082532578898809062010-01-13T14:05:00.004-06:002010-01-13T14:42:39.197-06:00HaitiThe <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/13/haiti.updates/index.html">earthquake that hit Haiti</a> was devastating. So many dead, hurt, missing. My heart goes out to all those who are struggling through the destruction. It's hard to think of it without wishing I could do more to help. It makes me wish I was in the foreign service, on-site, there to help the Americans living abroad and all the locals. A close friend told me that watching coverage of Haiti makes him nervous of me joining the Foreign Service. Many Embassy staffers are hurt and many more are missing. It's scary to think that if I join that someday I may be one of those hurt or missing. And I can't go into the Foreign Service with my eyes closed to the possibility that I could be hurt or killed. But as scary as it is, it isn't scaring me away. I am more resolved than ever to keep going. If you can, please help the people of Haiti and donate to a reputable non-profit such as the <a href="https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?4306.donation=form1&idb=15839682&df_id=4306&NoJSReload=1">Red Cross</a> or <a href="https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=197&hbc=1&source=AZD0900H1001&__utma=1.342091467054992200.1263342841.1263342841.1263342841.1&__utmb=1.4.10.1263342841&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1263344392.1.2.utmgclid=CNfmzdiUoJ8CFQ975Qod3i4FTA|utmccn=%28not%20set%29|utmcmd=%28not%20set%29|utmctr=help%20for%20haiti&__utmv=-&__utmk=130502671">Doctor without Borders</a>.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-78699451426699438072010-01-08T11:12:00.005-06:002010-01-08T12:05:45.465-06:00Oral Assessment prep session<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4KVO7tR3_tIoY4CJ780H1qiuLKmfcxL6AZwEFtbJL0YeVOGGywnc1TxVic4yLTWriHpu5Vdbli1awuP_A9fNpCVvqQlMfCMlmXp5inCX9HXEDNAse_XEUb5MTIpkk-RSLt6_uKXPrpAS/s1600-h/DSCF1229.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4KVO7tR3_tIoY4CJ780H1qiuLKmfcxL6AZwEFtbJL0YeVOGGywnc1TxVic4yLTWriHpu5Vdbli1awuP_A9fNpCVvqQlMfCMlmXp5inCX9HXEDNAse_XEUb5MTIpkk-RSLt6_uKXPrpAS/s320/DSCF1229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424431690764312098" /></a><br />I'm here in Chicago, happy to watch the cold snowy weather from inside my warm hotel room. On Wednesday I arrived in Chicago and went straight to my Oral Assessment prep session. I'm really glad I went. It was great meeting others who are preparing and I really enjoyed meeting the Ambassador in residence. I do have to say, I feel both better informed and more intimidated. I feel confident I now know what I need to do to prepare effectively, which is a good thing too because my assessment is less than 3 weeks away! But at the same time, I feel a little intimidated. The Foreign Service has high standards, rightly so, and that means some additional pressure to do my best. Additionally, I think it's really hitting me that I might get in. And that thought is both exciting and scary. So needless to say, I have a lot on my mind. But at times like this, the best thing to do is to focus on what I need to do and on doing my best. See you next in DC!Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-70598347580521244022009-12-08T20:05:00.003-06:002009-12-08T20:20:17.764-06:00ChicagoIn a little less than two months I will be winging my way to Washington DC for the Oral Assessment. But before that, I will be road tripping it to Chicago for a prep session at the University of Illinois - Chicago. Ironically, I probably wouldn't have signed up for the prep session, despite how useful I think it will be, if I wasn't already planning a trip to Chicago in January. After all, I will spend more than 12 hours total in the car for 3 hours in a prep session. But hey, two birds, one stone. I'm super excited. I get to visit Chicago, do the tourist thing, and hang out with friends. Plus, I get to meet other Foreign Service hopefuls, be better prepared for the Oral Assessment, and learn from someone in the Foreign Service. I can't wait.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-10716154622884419022009-10-12T22:01:00.003-05:002009-10-12T22:15:52.866-05:003 1/2 monthsSo I was bad and forgot to update the blog on my signing up for the Oral Assessment. Fall is always super busy for me and I got distracted. But enough about that. Registration for the Oral Assessment opened on Sept. 28th and I decided to wait until I got home from work to sign up. Little did I realize that I was the only one waiting. In 9 hours all the assessment slots for November, December, and even most of January were already taken. Sigh. I was hoping to get a slot in December. On the bright side, this will give me more time to prepare. I'm all signed up, booked my flight, and even found a hotel within walking distance of the test site. I'm even looking forward to meeting up with some friends in DC while I'm there. January 27th is the magic day so I better work hard so that I can do my best!Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-76576479984242016302009-09-14T18:39:00.003-05:002009-09-14T19:25:38.337-05:00Hello Washington DC!When I got home today I had an unexpected surprise waiting for me; I am being brought in for the Oral Assessment! I am soooo excited! In about two weeks I will get to sign up for my assessment date and book my trip. I'll likely pick a date in December as that would work best with the temp gig I just started today. That means I have 3 months to prepare for the Oral Assessment so I really need to work hard. This is one more hurdle I've jumped over but there's still more.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-60808753242767021912009-08-08T14:59:00.003-05:002009-08-08T15:32:54.308-05:00Julie & JuliaThe husband and I went to see the movie <a href="http://www.julieandjulia.com/">Julie & Julia</a> today. I went in expecting a cute and touching movie about Julie Child and a blogger whose blog was inspired by her. And it was both cute and uplifting. Being a blogger myself, both here and at my <a href="http://hrminion.blogspot.com/">HR blog</a>, I expected the movie to be relevant to me. What I didn't expect was that it would be relevant for more reasons than that. You see, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/14/obituaries/paul-child-artist-dies-at-92.html">Paul Child</a>, Julia Child's husband, was a foreign service officer.<br /><br />How cool is that? I never knew that the reason Julia Child was in Paris in the first place was because her husband was a diplomat. Of course, the movie didn't really focus on that much, but it was great seeing them interact at embassy parties, Julia speaking with other diplomats wives, moving to different countries, etc. So many things to look forward to if I get through the rest of this process. Just two more months to go until I find out if they are bringing me in for the oral assessment. *crosses fingers*Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-16623927696949773692009-07-12T17:56:00.002-05:002009-07-12T18:12:25.542-05:00Personal NarrativeSo I have just completed and submitted the answers to my personal narrative. Wow, that strained the brain a little bit. The questions basically assess whether you can provide examples of times when you exhibited certain behavioral traits that are essential to being a Foreign Service Officer. It sounds easy at first, until you realize you have provide current contact information for someone who can verify your examples. I found myself having to reject some examples that came to mind because I did not have current contact information for anyone who could confirm it. That's a big reminder of how important it is to network and keep in contact with the people you meet.<br /><br />However, I found that once I determined what my examples would be and confirmed I had current contact information, the rest feel into place. I tend to be a succinct writer, as the length of my blog posts will attest, so I never ran out of room for my answers. I just hope I was descriptive enough and provided enough variety in circumstances to show a good range of my abilities.<br /><br />Now I will have to be patient and wait until October to find out if I will be invited to the Oral assessment. I just hope that I impress the QEP and that I compare favorably to the rest of the Management track candidates. For now though, I will continue to prepare in the event that I do move forward in the process.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-23326973449993180392009-07-01T16:42:00.006-05:002009-07-01T17:06:41.538-05:00It suddenly feels realSo I finally received the email I've been waiting for these last 3 weeks. I... passed the FSOT!! Suddenly, I'm not just someone interested, I'm someone who actually has a shot. I'm both thrilled and freaking out at the same time. That's one hurdle, one step of many, that has been cleared. <br /><br />This is how I look at the process:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Step 1:</span> Pass FSOT<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Step 2:</span> Submit Personal Narratives & clear the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Step 3:</span> Pass the Oral Assessment<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Step 4:</span> Pass the Background/Credit/Health checks<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Step 5:</span> Enter a training group & secure an overseas assignment<br /><br />So, step 1 has been completed! (does a little dance) Just 4 more left to go. (starts hyperventilating)Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-74756971332248942852009-06-06T12:04:00.004-05:002009-06-06T12:23:36.229-05:00I can breathe normally againSo I just got home from taking the FSOT this morning and I have to say that it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be! I'm not saying it was easy, but it wasn't so horrible that I feel mentally drained now. It was a challenge, a stretch of your mind, but not overwhelming.<br /><br />Here's my breakdown (keeping in mind that I can't go into too many details because then I would get in trouble and no one wants that, especially me):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Job Knowledge Section:</span> This is probably the section I'm worried about. Some questions I feel I nailed while others were plain guesses. Makes it hard to pin down how I did.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">English Expression Section:</span> I know I kicked butt in this section, but then writing and grammar have always been things I'm good at.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Biographic Information Section:</span> I think I did well on this section, but it was sometimes hard for me to think of examples in the short time frame and explain them in the brief space provided.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Written Essay Section:</span> I actually found this section to be fun! It was almost like being in debate again. But I had to force myself to go into more detail because I tend to be more concise than expansive.<br /><br />Overall, I think I might have done well. I always had time remaining on each section, even the essay, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it might be. I do have to say that the Study Guide I purchased was a great reflection of the types of things I saw on the test so I would highly recommend it. <br /><br />On a personal note, I think I was the oldest person there taking the test and I'm not that old! A lot of college age kids took it with me. And this waiting 3 to 5 weeks for results? I'm so impatient,I want my results now! Sigh. Nothing to do but wait. Wait, and start preparing for the next stages of this process on the chance that I do get to move on.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-84307353406771916662009-06-05T21:28:00.002-05:002009-06-05T21:45:41.741-05:00Tomorrow</p><blockquote>I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.<br />-Douglas Adams</blockquote><p></p> Holy wow, the test is tomorrow! What the hell happened to May? I'm about to head to bed, I want to make sure I get a good nights sleep, and I'm trying to put the test in perspective so I don't freak out.<br /><br />Deep breaths, Deep breaths.<br /><br />I'm going to go in and do my best. Because there isn't anything else I can do.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-60780442356289845522009-05-06T20:57:00.003-05:002009-05-06T21:08:11.262-05:00One down, one to goSo the good news is that last Friday I passed the PHR!!!!!! I've been really stressed out and focused on studying, which is part of the reason why I haven't been blogging here lately.<br /><br />What really tweaked me out though was that on 4/29/09 I signed up for a time slot for the FSOT! June 6th is the magic date! Which means that I have one month left to prepare! Ok, let me just stop hyperventilating and I'll be good, I promise.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-17098931943458816302009-03-16T20:12:00.005-05:002009-03-16T21:07:28.111-05:00Study, Study, StudyI'm committed. 1 1/2 months from now I'm taking the PHR. 3 months from now I should be taking the FSOT. That means the next few months will be dedicated to preparation for both tests.<br /><br />Luckily, I have already taken prep classes for the PHR so all I need to do for that is review. As for the FSOT, I've already downloaded the study guide and started requesting books from the recommended reading list. I took the practice test that came with the study guide and it helped relieve some of my worries. I think if I take the time to review things like history, grammar rules, business, and stay up on current events I should be okay. The tests cover a lot of areas, and they can't possibly expect anyone to be an expert on all of them. It contains a lot of information so I can see why so many people recommend it.<br /><br />The same goes for the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Realities-Foreign-Service-Life-Retrievers/dp/0595250777">Realities of Foreign Service Life</a>. Far from scaring me away with the often sad stories, the book only increased my desire to join. Two big things I have learned from it: It's hard to be in the foreign service with children and anything involving food is important. It also helped me feel more confident about dragging my husband along. My husband wants to do freelance writing and editing and that's probably one of the easier careers to tag along with a foreign service spouse. I've already ordered the second book and I look forward to a lot of reading over the next few months. Good thing I'm such a bibliophile.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-63702806039196683262009-03-03T07:48:00.003-06:002009-03-03T08:01:39.331-06:00It's officialThis has been a busy last month. I ended one job and started another. All in all, I was only unemployed for about a week. Unexpected, but happy. So where does this leave my FSO plans?<br /><br />Well, on Sunday, March 1st, I submitted my application. And on Monday, March 2nd, I got the confirmation email that around April 29th I'll get an email telling me to sign up for a seat for the June testing window. It's official now. I have 4 months to study and prepare for the written exam. Oh, and did I mention I also signed up for the PHR May testing window? That's right, I have to prep for my HR certification test at the same time.<br /><br />Can you say glutton for punishment? Or maybe you could just call me driven. Why did I sign up so soon for the FSOT? Well, my new position is contract, not a permanent position, so I have no idea how long it will last. Right now, I have more to lose if I don't jump in and go for it. The next few months are going to be intense though.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-36355527079128873502009-02-05T18:56:00.003-06:002009-02-05T19:07:23.808-06:00A selfish kind of loveThis weekend I finally told my mom about being laid off. She has a lot of stress on her plate right now and I have been hesitant to contribute to it. I was talking to her about my plans and mentioned to her that I was planning on taking the FSOT this year, maybe in only a few months (yikes! so soon!) if my job hunt wasn't going well.<br /><br />Now, I didn't expect her to be happy. My sister isn't even happy about it because she doesn't want me to be so far away. What I didn't expect was for my mom to tell me that, and I quote, she wants me to <span style="font-style: italic;">fail horribly</span>. Sigh. She doesn't want me to possibly go to a country where my life would be put at risk. But really, fail horribly? I guess that's love, if only an incredibly selfish kind of love that has completely effed up priorities.<br /><br />She also seems to hope I lose my house and have to live with her. Yeah, no. Do other people who join the foreign service face these kinds of issues from their family?Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-86760376269546977902009-01-14T13:01:00.004-06:002009-01-14T13:13:41.384-06:00Shifting prioritiesI would have blogged about this sooner, but I've been busy (no excuse, right?). Last week I received some bad news; I'm being laid off from my current position on Feb. 6th. Not completely unexpected, but still a big blow. Just when I thought I had laid out some nice goals and plans for 2009, this comes along and shakes everything up.<br /><br />This is when it is good to be flexible and resilient. Thankfully, I'm both. So how is job searching going to be affecting this blog and my FSO goals? Well, that depends. If I don't have a new position by April/May, I may decide to move up my plans of taking the FSOT. No point in waiting around until Oct. if I need a job now. However, if I secure a position relatively quickly (crosses fingers), then I'll probably push back my plans again. I'm not a job hopper so I would never want to leave a job so quickly, assuming I passed the tests and all.<br /><br />Things are up in the air at the moment, but the blog will continue! Let's see how things play out.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-16245163009100108572009-01-05T14:53:00.005-06:002009-01-05T15:07:57.278-06:00Hello 2009It is the new year and I know it will go by fast. I have decided that I will sign up for the FSOT testing window for October of this year. That means I have a lot of preparations to make in about 10 months. Yikes.<br /><br />This is earlier than I was planning on taking the test because I wanted to give myself more time to prepare. I'm sure that to a certain extent I am overly worried about my abilities. However, I would rather be over prepared for the test than under prepared and fail horribly. But if I don't pass, I can still take it the following year. I lose nothing by taking the test this year and probably have a lot more to gain.<br /><br />So with my goal set I have a bunch of things I need to get done. Please look forward to posts on that later this month. And no, I'm not making these resolutions, I hate making resolutions.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-68474500580919788892008-12-23T09:50:00.004-06:002008-12-23T09:59:47.056-06:00Some good newsMy sister emailed me this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/jobs/21officers.html?_r=1">link</a> 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.<br /><br />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.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4587606727949592233.post-89101074112029167092008-12-17T09:27:00.004-06:002008-12-17T11:10:55.035-06:00Why 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.<br /><br /><a href="http://careers.state.gov/specialist/index.html">Foreign Service Specialists</a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So, why do I want to become an Officer?</span> Mainly,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br />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.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099995496359652954noreply@blogger.com0