I spoke with an aspiring FSO earlier this week. She was smart (PhD, former college professor) and funny and very personable. But there was something that didn’t click in our conversation. Admittedly, it was just a 20-minute telephone call, but still it was almost immediately evident that she was missing what is perhap. s the […]
Continue reading... March 24, 2013
State Dept Guidebook for Oral Assessment
For those of you facing the Oral Assessment phase of the Foreign Service Exam, I want to call your attention to the outstanding manual that the Department has recently released. It’s not only an excellent overview of the assessment process, but provides a lot of examples on how to handle the group exercise, the writing […]
Continue reading... March 11, 2013
Pointers on the Oral Exam (Part 1 of 2)
Okay, I know a lot about African Big Men and State Department policymaking, but Word Press at times leaves me stumped. I’m sorry that this post originally went up unfinished on the website. I’ve figured how to avoid that in the future. Please bear with me. I have promised a post on the Oral Assessment […]
Continue reading... February 1, 2013
My Test-Taking Strategy and Time Management Tips
Good luck to those taking the FSOT over the next week. Don’t be nervous, don’t cram (it’s too late for that!), just try to relax and do your best. I remember sitting for the Foreign Service Exam at the Hotel Talleyrand, formerly the U.S. Consulate and Public Affairs annex in Paris. The year was […]
Continue reading... January 27, 2013
Fall 2013 State Department Internship Opportunity
This is an ideal opportunity for anyone enrolled in an undergrad or graduate program this fall. Many colleges and universities will offer credit, I understand. There is no better way to experience the Foreign Service than to travel overseas to work in an embassy or consulate. While it’s unpaid, it’s worth the investment… On other […]
Continue reading... January 25, 2013
John Kerry: Foreign Service is in my blood
The new boss… From YouTube of John Kerry’s testimony before the SFRC on Jan 24, 2013:
Continue reading... January 25, 2013
Just Do It — Deadline for February FSOT
The February FSOT is fast approaching. Don’t miss the chance to take the test. According to the State Department site — the bible for the FSOT (so check it out immediately, if you haven’t) — the deadline for signing up to take it overseas is today. For those taking it at US test centers the […]
Continue reading... November 1, 2012
Suggestions on Writing Your Personal Narrative
Sorry that I’ve been out of pocket for the past month, but I’ve started a new job and, well, it’s been hectic. First, I want to congratulate all of you who passed the written exam. For those of you who didn’t, remember that you can give it another try in 11 months or so. Don’t […]
Continue reading... September 23, 2012
Last Day to Register for the FSOT — Wednesday, September 26, 2012
You have until Wednesday, September 26 to register for the upcoming Foreign Service Exam. If you’ve forgotten or been sitting on the fence, you really should sit down at a computer and complete the registration process. You’ve really got nothing to lose. It’s free, failing is not held against you and it gives you a […]
Continue reading... September 17, 2012
Student Internship Applications Accepted Now
Big news, undergrads, the best internship program for the Foreign Service has opened with a a deadline of 11/2. Don’t miss it. These are non-paying positions overseas and in Washington. Language skills would help, but are not required. Big news, undergrads, the best internship program for the Foreign Service has opened with a a deadline […]
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