After successfully passing the FSOT, the next step is submitting your Personal Narratives within 3 weeks of receiving the congratulatory e-mail.
The PNs are short essays (~200 words) asking you to describe specific examples from your life regarding certain criteria that make a successful FSO. Examples of your leadership ability, good judgment, communication skills and creativity are all tested to some degree. It is up to you to write concisely and persuasively to pass this part of the test.
There is no time limit outside of the 3 week deadline. The PNs are submitted electronically, thus you are able to write them at your own pace, at your own time and simply copy and paste them in to the selected fields before the deadline. I highly suggest finishing a day or two in advance just in case there are any issues with the website or your own personal internet. You really wouldn't want to fail out because your internet crashed right before they were due...
I highly suggest having others edit them before you submit them. Friends, family members are all free to edit it, employees of the State Department, as I understand it from a DIR, are forbidden from editing your narratives.
There is no set score that you have to reach, the QEP takes a "Total Candidate approach" (State Dept. Website) to review your file. This makes things very frustrating for people that fail. Unlike other aspects of the test, you can't see where you went wrong at this stage of the process. You simply receive a congratulatory e-mail, inviting you to the Orals, or you get a... not so positive e-mail, simply stating you failed to reach the mark and try again next time.
To be blunt, you either have it or you don't at this point. The QEP either likes what they see from you or don't, there's really no other way of saying it. I've read countless threads and posts of people quitting at this point in the process because they feel so qualified and haven't made it. While I don't care to dispute or discredit people's hard earned degrees, that's not what the Service is necessarily looking for. If they were then I wouldn't be able to explain how I made it through to the Orals myself. I believe that what the QEP wants and needs to see from successful test takers is meaningful experiences given your life opportunities up to this point.
Being fluent in 5 different languages, higher educational degrees from prestigious universities are not enough if you have no substantial overseas experience. The Service will teach you a language if you need it, having a pre-existing fluency is simply bonus points at the end of the whole process. Higher educational degrees are irrelevant, you technically don't need any degree to become an Officer. What is invaluable, and really demonstrates a positive potential is real, long-term overseas experience. This doesn't count studying abroad in Europe for a semester or two in college. I'm talking about having lived over "there" for a prolonged period of time, interacting with local people on a daily basis, and then returning to the U.S. a better person because of it. I hate to sound like I'm preaching but having read so many of the same negative comments about the process from people that feel they deserved to have passed frustrates me.
At the same time it gives people a little insight in to the, arguably, the hardest portion of the test. Knowing a little something about why they failed makes it easier the next time to present what the QEP is after. This is not a career choice for everyone.
While I have absolutely no proof of how the QEP passes and denies certain individuals, I can only deduce these observations based on my PNs and my subsequent approval to continue to the OA. I have been fortunate enough to have had a truly international life. I was born in the Philippines, lived in Japan, Germany and the UK before coming to the U.S.. Compared to someone with a Ph.D., I probably look like a much more world-ready candidate to the QEP because I'm already familiar with the rigors of traveling constantly and continuously interacting with other nationalities yet firmly remaining an American at heart. Being an American diplomat is all about understanding and coexisting with other nationalities, yet remaining rooted in American values and beliefs. No number of degrees will be able to convey that to the QEP or impress them.
I'm sorry if that came off rather preachy. Again, I certainly don't want to under-value the importance of higher education, I certainly plan on getting a Masters degree or a Ph.D., but at the same time that isn't what the QEP want to see in a candidate. Certainly they are a positive factor, but not the ultimate factor that will change your file from a "maybe" to a "definitely". Ways to improve your lack of international experience is simple. Go out and get some. The Peace Corps or a stint in the military are great ways to boost that. If you work in the private sector, request a posting overseas. Anything involving another culture will suffice, I'm sure.
Your cone is also of huge importance. If you select the Economic cone, then showcasing your ability to analyze budgets through specific examples or something of that nature is going to be critical. Likewise if you are a Management cone candidate. Troll through your life experiences to find a concrete example of how you managed a big case or project and concisely describe it.
Following basic good essay writing is key to success. It's not just what you write about but how you write it too. Be organized, make it easy for the QEP to find the information they're after. State the situation, give the background information. State what you did, clearly, and show the effects of your action. What were the results?
Good luck. Stay motivated.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Selecting a Cone, Registering, and Prepping for the FSOT
Choosing Your Cone:
The very first thing that any prospective FSO should do is to educate himself/herself on the five different "cones" that exist within the Service. Your options (in alphabetical order) are:
Consular
Economic
Management
Political
Public Diplomacy
There are incredible amounts of information on each of these cones. Information can easily be found directly from the State Department's website. Once your track is chosen (you declare it when you register for the FSOT), you are held to that choice and cannot change it. Don't fret too much, this selection should be something that you have a genuine interest and experience in, and should not be based on a rumor that Consular Officers have the shortest wait time on the roster. While this may be true, selecting Consular purely for that reason will probably not work out for you as the evaluators are very good at exposing unmotivated candidates.
FSO are considered Generalists and differ from FSS (Foreign Service Specialists) in that FSOs can do jobs out side of their selected cone. This is fairly common as the Officers have a direct hand in the assignments that they receive via the bidding process.
I selected the Management Cone because I have experience managing a multi-million dollar transportation operation during my time in college. I found the experience to be very rewarding, I liked being in charge, making decisions and helping others with their problems. I had plenty of practice thinking quickly on my feet, under pressure, and managing conflicting needs with limited resources. I was also particularly interested in the Political Cone because directly influencing policy and rubbing shoulders with other diplomats regularly appealed to me (as it does to many, the Political Cone is the most popular), I felt I did not have enough meaningful experience with that, outside of the classroom, to pass the tests.
Registering for the Test:
Once you have your cone selected, the next step is signing up for the FSWE. The FSOT is offered on a limited basis per year. ACT.org administers the test, and all registering is done through their system. The test is administered on the computer at one of their many testing sites around the nation. Be sure to adhere to their deadlines, there is no forgiveness unless arrangements are made well in advance for missed test dates.
I signed up and took my test during the June window of 2010. Unfortunately for me, the only time I could select for my test was right at the end of my Finals Week. Needless to say I was pretty stressed out that week. My test center was at San Diego State University at 11am. There was lots of flexibility in the time that I could take it, however there was only one center that was remotely close to where I was for me to choose.
Preparing Yourself:
I was incredibly nervous about this test before I took it. I heard many rumors from lots of people that had been through the test that it was the hardest test they've ever taken. I also read many blogs and comments from people, proudly displaying their qualities, that had not passed either. Being relatively young and not possessing a Master's or Ph.D. I was certainly weary of my prospects. I met with two DIRs to pick their brains about the test and ask them for any advice or strategies on the test.
Both assured me that this was not a traditional test that had a simple study guide with all the possible answers in it. According to the State Department website, the test is broken down as follows:
Job Knowledge
English Expression (Think SAT style "fix this sentence to make it grammatically correct")
Biographical Information
The Job Knowledge section of the test encompasses information including: US and World History, US Government, World Geography, Basic Finances and Economics, Management Theory and US Culture. Basically, the best piece of advice is to not get overwhelmed with this broad range of topics that can be covered. The only way to truly prepare for this test, if there is such a thing, is to read, read, read.
Both DIRs expressed this point to me repeatedly. Well, read what, you may ask? The Economist. Hands down, subscribe to this magazine and read it religiously the 3-6 months prior to your test. Cover to cover. I cannot stress enough how awesome that magazine is. It really shouldn't even be a chore. I, personally, found this piece of advice very reassuring because I love reading The Economist, or Time, or even Newsweek. And guess what, it has a fair amount of all the above topics rolled in to one handy magazine.
The English Expression section is probably the easiest section to traditionally study for, as it is the most traditional part of test. As mentioned above, think back to your SAT test and the English section where you had to pick the best sentence choice in a selected paragraph that was altered to be wrong. Study up on the basics of grammar, punctuation and spelling and this will be a breeze. Nothing too difficult here.
The Biographical Information section is usually the most neglected section (in terms of time devoted to study on the matter). According to one DIR, this is one of the reason people usually fail the test. Thinking about the Biographical Information section, you're probably thinking to yourself, "Hey, I know me. Why do I need to study it?", right? Well, wrong. The advice I was given, and will pass along, is to think long and hard about concrete examples from your life regarding attributes that you think will make you a qualified candidate for the FS. The NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) prevents me from elaborating too much further on the matter, but suffice to say, don't over look this section at your own peril.
Finally, the dreaded timed essay. Personally, this was my favorite part and the most relaxing for me. You're given a prompt and have a certain amount of time to finish an essay on the subject. It is not so important what you write about as how you write. Be sure to have an argument for your essay, defend it, and refute any counter-arguments to yours. Be organized and don't make too many (if any) grammatical errors. Don't feel too rushed; take your time to think of a game plan for your essay and then execute it. Practice writing under a time constraint to get the feel of how fast time will fly. This wasn't that big of a deal to me because I was still in college and used to formulating an idea and writing very quickly.
Remember, all of this is done on the computer, so typing proficiency is key. If you can type around 100 wpm then you'll have a bit of an edge in writing your essay. Don't be too afraid, there was plenty of time for the test. I was finished a good hour early and walked out of the center a little freaked out that I had so much time left. I don't normally ever leave a test early but I had triple checked all my answers before I moved on and was sure of almost every single answer.
Staying composed and thinking quickly on your feet while remaining organized is key to this test. You'll be nervous but part of the job will be to combat that and put your best foot forward. Best of luck!
The very first thing that any prospective FSO should do is to educate himself/herself on the five different "cones" that exist within the Service. Your options (in alphabetical order) are:
Consular
Economic
Management
Political
Public Diplomacy
There are incredible amounts of information on each of these cones. Information can easily be found directly from the State Department's website. Once your track is chosen (you declare it when you register for the FSOT), you are held to that choice and cannot change it. Don't fret too much, this selection should be something that you have a genuine interest and experience in, and should not be based on a rumor that Consular Officers have the shortest wait time on the roster. While this may be true, selecting Consular purely for that reason will probably not work out for you as the evaluators are very good at exposing unmotivated candidates.
FSO are considered Generalists and differ from FSS (Foreign Service Specialists) in that FSOs can do jobs out side of their selected cone. This is fairly common as the Officers have a direct hand in the assignments that they receive via the bidding process.
I selected the Management Cone because I have experience managing a multi-million dollar transportation operation during my time in college. I found the experience to be very rewarding, I liked being in charge, making decisions and helping others with their problems. I had plenty of practice thinking quickly on my feet, under pressure, and managing conflicting needs with limited resources. I was also particularly interested in the Political Cone because directly influencing policy and rubbing shoulders with other diplomats regularly appealed to me (as it does to many, the Political Cone is the most popular), I felt I did not have enough meaningful experience with that, outside of the classroom, to pass the tests.
Registering for the Test:
Once you have your cone selected, the next step is signing up for the FSWE. The FSOT is offered on a limited basis per year. ACT.org administers the test, and all registering is done through their system. The test is administered on the computer at one of their many testing sites around the nation. Be sure to adhere to their deadlines, there is no forgiveness unless arrangements are made well in advance for missed test dates.
I signed up and took my test during the June window of 2010. Unfortunately for me, the only time I could select for my test was right at the end of my Finals Week. Needless to say I was pretty stressed out that week. My test center was at San Diego State University at 11am. There was lots of flexibility in the time that I could take it, however there was only one center that was remotely close to where I was for me to choose.
Preparing Yourself:
I was incredibly nervous about this test before I took it. I heard many rumors from lots of people that had been through the test that it was the hardest test they've ever taken. I also read many blogs and comments from people, proudly displaying their qualities, that had not passed either. Being relatively young and not possessing a Master's or Ph.D. I was certainly weary of my prospects. I met with two DIRs to pick their brains about the test and ask them for any advice or strategies on the test.
Both assured me that this was not a traditional test that had a simple study guide with all the possible answers in it. According to the State Department website, the test is broken down as follows:
Job Knowledge
English Expression (Think SAT style "fix this sentence to make it grammatically correct")
Biographical Information
The Job Knowledge section of the test encompasses information including: US and World History, US Government, World Geography, Basic Finances and Economics, Management Theory and US Culture. Basically, the best piece of advice is to not get overwhelmed with this broad range of topics that can be covered. The only way to truly prepare for this test, if there is such a thing, is to read, read, read.
Both DIRs expressed this point to me repeatedly. Well, read what, you may ask? The Economist. Hands down, subscribe to this magazine and read it religiously the 3-6 months prior to your test. Cover to cover. I cannot stress enough how awesome that magazine is. It really shouldn't even be a chore. I, personally, found this piece of advice very reassuring because I love reading The Economist, or Time, or even Newsweek. And guess what, it has a fair amount of all the above topics rolled in to one handy magazine.
The English Expression section is probably the easiest section to traditionally study for, as it is the most traditional part of test. As mentioned above, think back to your SAT test and the English section where you had to pick the best sentence choice in a selected paragraph that was altered to be wrong. Study up on the basics of grammar, punctuation and spelling and this will be a breeze. Nothing too difficult here.
The Biographical Information section is usually the most neglected section (in terms of time devoted to study on the matter). According to one DIR, this is one of the reason people usually fail the test. Thinking about the Biographical Information section, you're probably thinking to yourself, "Hey, I know me. Why do I need to study it?", right? Well, wrong. The advice I was given, and will pass along, is to think long and hard about concrete examples from your life regarding attributes that you think will make you a qualified candidate for the FS. The NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) prevents me from elaborating too much further on the matter, but suffice to say, don't over look this section at your own peril.
Finally, the dreaded timed essay. Personally, this was my favorite part and the most relaxing for me. You're given a prompt and have a certain amount of time to finish an essay on the subject. It is not so important what you write about as how you write. Be sure to have an argument for your essay, defend it, and refute any counter-arguments to yours. Be organized and don't make too many (if any) grammatical errors. Don't feel too rushed; take your time to think of a game plan for your essay and then execute it. Practice writing under a time constraint to get the feel of how fast time will fly. This wasn't that big of a deal to me because I was still in college and used to formulating an idea and writing very quickly.
Remember, all of this is done on the computer, so typing proficiency is key. If you can type around 100 wpm then you'll have a bit of an edge in writing your essay. Don't be too afraid, there was plenty of time for the test. I was finished a good hour early and walked out of the center a little freaked out that I had so much time left. I don't normally ever leave a test early but I had triple checked all my answers before I moved on and was sure of almost every single answer.
Staying composed and thinking quickly on your feet while remaining organized is key to this test. You'll be nervous but part of the job will be to combat that and put your best foot forward. Best of luck!
The First Steps...
I've been playing with the idea of creating a blog of my experiences while under-going the arduous Foreign Service Officer Test. So far I've passed the first test, the FSWE (Foreign Service Written Exam), and the second test, the PNs (Personal Narratives). I was invited to participate in the OAs (Oral Assessments) and selected a February 2011 test date in Washington D.C.
Having started this whole process in June 2010, I've spent hours upon hours researching and reading up on other blogs, websites, and groups about the whole process from beginning to register, all the way to the swearing in ceremony and the first assignment. I have also personally met, and spoken with, a few Diplomats in Residence (DIRs) along the way.
I hope that as I continue this blog, people manage to find it, and benefit from the knowledge that I share. Even if most of it will be a repeat of things that are found on other websites, there must be some level of reassurance that the information found is accurate enough to be re-posted elsewhere. Of course, I am bound by the Non-Disclosure Agreement and will adhere to it, so unfortunately, if my answers to questions (feel free to ask/comment) are a little obscure then that is probably why.
A brief background on myself: I am 22 years old and a recent graduate from the University of California - San Diego. My degree was in Political Science - International Relations. I've spent most of my life living overseas (in Germany for 4 years and the UK for 6 years respectively) and have been in the U.S. since 8th Grade through college. I took the FSWE in June 2010 as a Management Officer candidate.
In subsequent posts I will present everything you need to know about registering for the FSOT and my thoughts and reflections on my experience of it.
Having started this whole process in June 2010, I've spent hours upon hours researching and reading up on other blogs, websites, and groups about the whole process from beginning to register, all the way to the swearing in ceremony and the first assignment. I have also personally met, and spoken with, a few Diplomats in Residence (DIRs) along the way.
I hope that as I continue this blog, people manage to find it, and benefit from the knowledge that I share. Even if most of it will be a repeat of things that are found on other websites, there must be some level of reassurance that the information found is accurate enough to be re-posted elsewhere. Of course, I am bound by the Non-Disclosure Agreement and will adhere to it, so unfortunately, if my answers to questions (feel free to ask/comment) are a little obscure then that is probably why.
A brief background on myself: I am 22 years old and a recent graduate from the University of California - San Diego. My degree was in Political Science - International Relations. I've spent most of my life living overseas (in Germany for 4 years and the UK for 6 years respectively) and have been in the U.S. since 8th Grade through college. I took the FSWE in June 2010 as a Management Officer candidate.
In subsequent posts I will present everything you need to know about registering for the FSOT and my thoughts and reflections on my experience of it.
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