D-Day +1: The Oral Assessment

Short and Sweet: I scored a 5.00 on the Foreign Service Oral Assessment.

Long and ... frustrated: I missed the cut-off by a quarter of a point! Groan. Specifically, I did not pass the Group Exercise or the Case Management. I did pass the Structured Interview. I knew I'd done badly on the GE and CM and felt I did OK on the SI. The fact that I came so close, however, despite my abysmal performance on the GE and CM, leads me to suspect that I not only did OK, but extremely well on the SI.

What Went Wrong & Lessons Learned:

I arrived in DC on the day before the Orals. I arrived in time to relax and study further. However, I was coming right off a four-day business conference, which had sapped a great deal of my strength. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that.

What Went Wrong Number 1: I signed into a wonderful hotel, in terms of accommodation. However, it did not serve breakfast at the time at which I had to get up and sign out, i.e. 7 a.m.

What Went Wrong Number 2: I didn't at least make coffee in my hotel room or buy snacks the night before. Why did I have to get up so early and sign out? Because I wanted to get to the Orals on time.

What Went Wrong Number 3: This should actually be Number 1: I chose to take the Orals in Annex 1. For me, a bad decision. As my taxi wound its way through DC, it was still dark outside. I hoped to find someplace to grab a coffee or snack. Those hopes dimmed once I reached the Annex. It's tucked away inside a complex. There were no eateries to be seen. Later I would learn that there is a restaurant, but it's inside the building and one must be accompanied to enter it.

RESULT: I took the GE and CM exercises on an empty stomach. I started off the GE quite well, actually. Then I felt my blood pressure drop and with it my ability to focus or think clearly. I was in an especially assertive group and they debated hotly. They were sharp and smart. I just couldn't keep up.

What Went Wrong Number 4: I received the weakest of the projects. I want to emphasize that, in and of itself, this is not something that "went wrong." What went wrong is that I did a poor job of defending a poor project. It's easy to defend a strong project; a poor one requires a bit of finesse. OK, more than a bit. I should have taken the initiative, defended it assertively and then taken the initiative to withdraw it. I mean, it was a worthy project in and of itself, but it did not supersede the others in priority. Once I saw that, I should have made the case for it, but then withdrawn it. Instead, I let it quietly die.

COMMENT: There are six projects. Usually, one is very strong; one is noticeably weak. The others are middling and sometimes overlap one another. The group quickly recognizes the strong project and gives it full funding. The test, as it were, then becomes the debate over which of the middling projects to choose for partial funding. That's where you can quickly lose track of time, something for which the entire group might suffer, since everyone is responsible for being aware of time and staying on track. Yes, there's a "timekeeper," but everyone is still held accountable for an awareness of the time. So that's where the criterium can really provide guidance and help toward a consensus.

What Went Wrong Number 5: I did not chose a criteria or criterium and stick with it. Having a set of criterium in mind gives you something to fall back on if you can't think of a question about a project or you need a way to measure them one against the other. One of the other participants, for example, asked each person whether the projected he or she represented was sustainable. In other words, would the project be able to sustain itself or require continued U.S. funding? No matter what the project, this woman asked the same question of every single one. It was clear that this was the measuring stick she was using. I believe she passed the Group Exercise with flying colors.

What are other good criterium? Examples would be:

• What/how many U.S. objectives does the project meet?
• How modular is the project? Can it be funded in part and still be effective?
• How much of the population does it benefit?
• Does the project replicate other projects already under way?
• Does any part of it contravene U.S. policies (such as funding abortions) or those of the host government?

The U.S. objectives criteria is one of the easiest and most readily measurable ones. All you have to do is count the objectives and no one can argue against it.

Modularity is one that you have to pay attention to also. It's the one you go for when it's clear that your project will not get full funding. It's your save, in other words.

Redundancy is the one you go for when you're basically trying to explore the weakness in someone else's project. (But be aware of it in your own project, too, and have a response when someone addresses you about it.) If a project contains redundant elements, then it behooves you to find that out. You can then argue that the money would then be better spent on a project that is unique (i.e., such as the one you represent).

Summary:

Most of the comments, as you've no doubt observed, concerned the GE. Why? Perhaps, because that's where I had the most regrets. I never had confidence in my ability to successfully tackle the CM. That was no doubt a mistake, but my strategy was simple: Be good in at least two of the three exercises. I started off strong in the GE, but lost my oomph. I mean I can actually remember the moment when the air went out of my sails. Then the CM followed. Two of my weakest areas, taken first thing in the morning, with nothing on my stomach, low blood pressure: results predictable.

It's no coincidence that I did my best after lunch. The SI was no picnic, and like everyone else I've read on the Yahoo Forums board, I faced tough questions for which I had no prepared answers. Yet I managed to do well. I even managed to make my assessors smile.

Which brings me to another point.

The Assessors.

I don't know if they're kind people are not. I do believe, however, that they are rooting for you. They want you to do well. Mine were strict (or at least strict-looking), but every now and then something I said touched them and they showed it. What's terrifying about the OAs is not the assessors themselves, but an incredible awareness of one's own perceived inadequacies.

What Else?

Miscellaneous points: Back to the GE. I really felt as though I were at the races. As soon as the assessor said "start," it was as though the gates opened and the horses raced onto the field. That speed never let up. Not till the end.

Everyone came with a strong game plan. I quickly realized that I was in a group that had studied the Yahoo board and were über-prepared.

We had someone who said she would serve as timekeeper. Obviously another fellow had wanted to volunteer for that position, but she spoke up before him. So you know what he did? He took out his watch and watched the time, anyway. He spoke up during the debate before she did, when it came to reminding the group that we were down to ten minutes, then five. Did that unsettle her? Don't know. If it did, she didn't show it.

They both grabbed for the blank sheet upon which the memo was to be written, too. He got it first, but graciously slid it over to her. Did they both pass the GE? Yes, they did. Do I recommend that others do as they did? I recommend that you be active, speak up and stay on your toes. That means something different for everyone. I recommend mainly that you eat a high protein breakfast.

FINAL RESULT: No one in my group passed the Orals.

Question: Will I try for it again?

First reaction: Yes, I want to go back and fetch my quarter of a point. Seems silly. But it also seems silly not to try again when I came so close. But will I?

Second reaction: I don't know. I really don't. But within hours of getting my score, I actually went online and registered to take the Written Exam again.

Fact: At the moment, I am mentally and physically exhausted. I don't feel hurt or rejected or bitter. I still feel awed that I even got that far. If I feel any negative emotion at all, it's annoyance or irritation with myself. An inner critic screams that someone who couldn't even manage to organize breakfast for herself on the day of such a major exam ... well, you get the drift.

That's it. I hope this helps someone out there who is about to face the Orals. Best of luck for sure!

P.S. I want to thank everyone for sending me positive thoughts and prayers, and especially Digger over at Life After Jerusalem. Digger gave excellent advice. For all about to take the OA, listen to it!

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10 BOA: Obama & the Nobel Peace Prize! Wow!

Imagine serving under a president who has won the Nobel Peace Prize! Wow! That would be so cool! I'm so happy he won. I hope this gives a real boost to diplomacy efforts for peace. It will certainly engender more hope and -- I hope -- make the job of FSOs toiling abroad a lot easier. To me, one of hardest parts of life overseas is not necessarily the possible physical discomforts, which can be severe, but the suspicion with which your efforts are met -- simply because you are American. Our FSOs make so many sacrifices and yet those sacrifices sometimes go unappreciated, because they are working in a world in which the actions of the United States are often misunderstood and viewed with suspicion. I hope that with this Nobel Peace Prize, U.S. peace efforts and the men and women who spend their days working for it, will have an easier time of it.

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43 BOA: Admittedly Feeling Down

No one ever admits this publicly, it seems. But I might as well use this blog to report my changing levels of confidence.

About midway through summer, I began to feel very confident about passing the Oral Assessment. Don't ask why. I wasn't even sure myself. I wasn't doing all that well in the practice groups. I came away after each one very much aware of my weaknesses and I was developing a sense of dread toward not only the Structured Interview, but the Case Management exercise. This, of course, followed a period of intense worry over the Group Exercise. So why this sudden burst of confidence? Had I simply worn myself down to the point where I couldn't worry anymore, where I was numb and in the midst of my numbness suffered a rush of wishful thinking?

I don't know, but I'm here to say that the "rush" is well over. I'm at the opposite end of the track now, not terrified but ... concerned. Yes, concerned. That would be a polite way of describing it.

I put aside active studying for the last month. Too much family business -- kids flying in an out, moving one kid to college, dates due at work. I decided to renew my studying, basically setting aside the same block of time every day, starting next Monday. At that point, the household will have settled down. At that point, I will be close enough to the OA to feel that it's okay to focus on it, to give it priority over other obligations.

In the meantime, one of my study group members has passed the OA and one did not. Both were very generous in sharing their experiences, careful to stay within NDA guidelines. The funny thing is, neither felt very confident of their performance during the test. So what does that say about self-assessment?

In other news, I've recruited a friend, also in my age group, to embark on this Foreign Service Journey. She'll be taking the written exam next month. I just sent her a list of helpful websites and some suggestions for studying. I do hope she passes the exam; she'd make a wonderful FSO. One thing she did do that was quite wise: she chose the Consular track. Not only does it coincide with her professional expertise and inspirations, but the hiring is much faster in that track.

So yes, as my date in DC approaches, I'm feeling rather low about my chances for passing. Oddly enough, however, whenever I close my eyes and envision that day, I still picture myself in a room with other people, being given good news. I see smiles and hand-shaking. I guess I'm just a stubborn old optimist. Even as one part of my conscious generates fear, another part insists that I'll make it through. How's that for internal conflict?

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70 BOA: Slowing Down, Gearing Up

I have the feeling that I'm slowing down in my preparations for the OA. I haven't attended a study group session in, what? some three weeks, not since the hypotheticals party. I intended to start up again this week, but a friend I see once a year is visiting town.

Meanwhile, although I have the feeling that I'm doing less, when I think about it, I realize that I'm not. I've been reading Bush Hat, Black Tie, (see above), the memoirs of a Public Diplomacy Officer who worked in the 1950s-1960s, in Nigeria and France, among other places.

I also spent a good part of Friday with a friend, working on anecdotes for the Behavioral section of the Structured Interview. And I finally printed out all the documents I've compiled for study -- including the now infamous Case Management exercise. I say infamous because of late, survivors of the OA have said on the Yahoo Forum that the study files there are much, much less complicated than the actual test files. If that's true, then I'm in trouble. The CM is also the only exercise where you have an "opportunity" to demonstrate your skills (or lack thereof) with quantitative analysis. Quantitative what? I think I'm becoming more worried about it, than I was about the hypotheticals, the behaviorals, and the group exercise all rolled together -- and that's saying something.

Sometimes I feel as though I'm in totally over my head. It's not that I don't think I could do the job -- I do. It's more than I wonder whether, or how well, I'll be able to demonstrate that fact. But I guess that's what everyone wonders, don't they?

With the anecdotes, for example, I had such trouble coming up with specific examples. I told my friend, "It's like trying to remember the last time I put salt on my food. Helping out or running here and there to assist people, or my kids, it's just a normal part of my existence -- as it is any mother's -- that it's hard to think of a specific instance that would stand out."

At some point, I do begin to wonder whether ignorance isn't bliss. It's easy to become terrified, easy to focus on all one's weaknesses instead of strengths, easy to act as though -- well, as though you were a young college freshman again, easily falling into the trap of losing perspective -- something you should have well gained when you reach my age.

I finally registered a hotel room for the OA, by the way. Amazing how just that little act makes it even more real -- as though it weren't real already.

I've been reading Career Diplomacy, as is highly recommended by just about everyone, from the DIR who ran our OA Prep at SIPA, to those who've passed the OA. However ... I have to say that I find myself shying away from it, in part, I think because it breaks my heart. I'm not sure why. I don't really want to read about pay raises and promotions, etc. The information is only useful if I pass the OA; until then, it's simply a painful tease. Maybe not the best way of looking at it, but apparently that's how I feel.

Kitten here has suddenly decided to curl up next to me and act all lovey-dovey. She wants to be fed. She pours it on when she's hungry. Otherwise, I don't see or hear her. I need to get up, anyway. Have to get ready to go out for dinner.

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77 BOA: More Results ...

More results from my study group: One got a 5.1. One got a 5.6. ("Passing" requires a 5.25.) No formal recaps from either one, but they have either shared impressions (in one case, great moments of humor) and/or are willing to privately share their experiences.

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84 BOA: A Trip Down Memory Lane, Sleep, Miscellany

The folks in my study group are slowly, trickling down to DC for their Oral Assessments and I'm beginning to wish I'd schedded mine for next month instead of October. I feel prepared now. I feel prepped now. And I'm beginning to want to "get it over with," while I still feel positive and energized.

However, on close examination, I realize that there's still a lot of preparations I want to make: work on the Case Management exercise, for example. And study the projects so I get used to reading and understanding them for the Group Exercise. Digger, the FSO behind Life After Jerusalem, kindly left a comment the other day, urging me to focus on the numbers involved in the projects. He's correct. The numbers -- understanding them, explaining them -- are the hardest part of the GE exercise for me. I also have to think more about my anecdotes, and of course, write my Statement of Interest.

I have begun work on my security clearance form -- the one you hand in when you show up for your orals. Whether or not it comes into play depends, of course, on whether you actually pass them. I was nervous when I began filling out the form, afraid I would make a mistake, but after a time I began to enjoy it. It was a walk down Memory Lane. Wow! The people I've known; the places I've been; the jobs I've had! It was interesting seeing it all slowly accumulate as I remembered this and that, that and this. Even after I paused work on the form, my mind continued to consider it, remembering bits and pieces.

You may have picked up that I'm feeling more hopeful now. I keep hearing that the Oral Assessments are essentially a personality test. One woman reported on the Yahoo FSOA Group that she actually passed the OA, despite having failed the Group Exercises and Case Management sections. She was strongly prepared for her Structured Interview and passed it. She must have done more than pass it, obviously. She must have aced it.

I intend to pass everything, but I feel better knowing that all would not be lost, even if I failed two out of the three sections.

What's the best strategy? To play to one's strengths? Or be generally good at everything? Up until now, I thought the second would be the best. However, now I worry about being a jack-of-all trades, master-of-none, at least as far as the OAs are concerned. At the same time, it doesn't make ake much sense to place all of your eggs in one basket. It does make sense to have a well-rounded preparation that enables you to pick up points in your weaker areas, while you shine in your one area of "expertise," or at least feel most confident.

Enough strategizing. As you see, thoughts about the OA are "taking over." I don't feel nervous, though. I really don't. I wonder if I've proceeded to the next step mentally, where I'm feeling numb. One guy on the Yahoo board said he was so emotionally exhausted by the time he got to his OA, he was so convinced that he was going to fail, that he completely relaxed -- and passed.

We'll see. Each of us is constructed somewhat differently. But I totally understand what this guy was talking about. And I can see something like that happening to me. I've already reached the point where I tell myself that no matter what the outcome, I feel honored and blessed to be included in such a wonderful group of candidates and that the OA is an experience that few get to undergo. Some would say, "Lucky them." I would say, "Lucky me."

Like a lot of people, I've thought all my life about joining the Foreign Service. What stopped me? A fear of failure. An absolute certainty that I'd never pass the Foreign Service Oficer Test. And then, later, practicality stopped me. I was overseas and nowhere near a testing center. Now, there sees to be a conjoining of circumstances that not only enables but supports my application. I have no professional commitments. My children are nearly grown and certainly ready for adventure. I'm single, so I don't have to worry about affecting a husband's career.

If I don't pass the OAs, then what? I'll get on with my life -- and still be happy that I took part in the experience.

Anything can happen the day of the Orals to affect your performance. Several people have said they lucked up by being with a wonderful group of people for their Group Exercise. They had no difficult or combative personalities in the group. Everyone wanted to work together and did. Another guy said he failed because of nerves. He was so wound up, so worried about failing, that he couldn't sleep the night before. He woke up exhausted, physically as well as mentally.

Now, I'm sure I'll sleep well the night before. Don't ask me why, but I'm sure I will. Other people are worried about oversleeping. They start practicing going to sleep early and waking up at 5 a.m. several days before the OA, so that they can used to a new rhythm. The thing is, I already fall asleep fairly early and between kids and cats, I've been waking up and getting up between 5:30 a.. and 6 a.m. for nearly twenty years. So I'm not too worried about it. However, there's no need to be overly confident, so I'm planning on lots of having a couple of alarm clocks around!

If only getting sleep/waking up were my main issue!

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87 BOA: Strategy

After listening to me describe the OAs, a friend said the structure reminded her of the bar exam.

"And what did you do to prepare for that?" I asked.

"Practiced the timed writing sections over and over," she said. "Just keep practicing, until it's second-nature, and time yourself. You'll get it. Don't worry."

So that's Part I of my strategy: practice the Case Management exercises until they no longer bother me. For that I don't need a group. I just need sample CMs.

Part II: Read books written by former State Department people. That'll lend a sense of how they think, speak, and write. It's important to know the culture of the group you want to join. See if it's a good fit, for you as well as for them.

Part III: Revisit my answers to the Personal Narrative Questions. These are anecdotes that demonstrate the 13 Dimensions. Learn those answers. Think of other appropriate ones.

Part IV: Memorize the OA Summary written by the State Department. Why? It tells you exactly what to do at every step of the way. I keep hearing this over and over again. They want to see if you can follow instructions. So many people have trouble because they simply fail to follow instructions.

Part V: Study the speeches and responses of President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton. They clearly enunciate U.S. foreign policy goals in ways that are elegant, accurate. Excellent fodder for any questions thrown at me about why I want to join the Foreign Service.

On my To-Do List: Fill out the various forms one is required to bring with to an OA, including the Statement of Interest, which is an essay explaining why one wants to join the Foreign Service.

Hmmm ... I'd better get cracking. Only 87 days 11 hours 3 minutes and 42 seconds to go! (I'm just kidding. Sort of.)

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87 BOA: Debriefing: Nerves

Talked to someone who passed the OA. Good conversation. Reassuring in a way. Very interesting. Reinforces my opinion that one's nerves are one's worst enemy. The folks at State already think you can do the job, or else they would not have invited you to come down. They simply need one last confirmation -- a demonstration through simulations that you can do it. Nerves will prevent you from doing that. Nerves.

Attending a Hypotheticals Party tonight. We're gathering at the home of a friend to practice hypos in a relaxed atmosphere. Should be fun. Am looking forward to it.

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Calling a Spade a Spade: "These Faces and These Places Are Getting Old" - Daughtry

Calling a Spade a Spade: "These Faces and These Places Are Getting Old" - Daughtry

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Found This Bauble On the Web

In my attempt to mentally prepare for the Oral Assessment, I've taken to trolling the web for personal descriptions of the experience. Usually, I don't have much luck. Some of the best debriefings are in the files of Yahoo FSOA Group. This afternoon, I was looking for something else and came across an excellent debriefing on a blog. I'm listing it here, both for any other seekers who might come along, and for myself for future reference:

http://whittawacker.blogspot.com/2007/05/detailed-account-of-foreign-service.html

If you look under May 2007, you'll see that this blogger has also generously supplied a copy of his Statement of Interest.

I've yet to begin writing mine. Will be interesting to see what I come up with.

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90 BOA: Wonderful News!

Just got the news: a member of my study group passed his Orals yesterday. Doesn't surprise me. This guy was a forceful candidate. Very impressive.

My thoughts were with him and I even woke up this morning, wondering how soon he'd share the news with us.

In a wonderful note, he thanked his study-mates for giving him both practice and moral support. Yay! Go, team, go!

Anyway, time for me to go and do my hypothetical of the day. Also have to check in with my "coach"

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92 BOA: My Turn to Be Silly

Remember how I ranted about people getting caught up in the silly superficials? Well, yesterday at my study group meeting, I found myself saying, "I've been wondering whether to wear a skirt suit or a pants suit." We were three women and one man. Naturally, it was the guy who answered. "I'd say skirt suit." I looked down at his legs. I couldn't help myself! He was wearing long khaki shorts. His legs looked strong, healthy (a bit hairy, but that's okay). "Good idea," I said. "Suits you." I couldn't help myself! He was great about it.

I have got some of the best study partners on the planet. When I walk out of a practice session with them, I feel both humbled and enervated. I'm aware of my weaknesses, but also somehow strengthened and emboldened. I can do this, I tell myself. Each one of these people can do this. I think it's just the fact that I can be counted among such a group of talented and giving people. That's already enough to blow me away.

I'd be happy and proud to serve along with any one of them, and I wish them each the best, the very best.

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95 BOA: Study Group Tonight: Group Exercises

I'll be meeting tonight with my study group. Group Exercises are on tap. I have lots of work to do to improve my skill set in that area. The group exercise is an integral part of the Oral Assessment. Here's the description from the State Department summary:

Preparations

For the first exercise of the day, candidates are brought together in a group of three to six to
comprise an Embassy task force charged with allocating resources to competing projects in
their host country. Each candidate receives a package of common background materials, as
well as a five-page candidate specific project to read and absorb (30 minutes). At the end of
that time, each candidate will present his or her project to the group. Candidates may take
notes at any time.

Common Materials
• General instructions
• Memorandum from a senior US Embassy official in one of various mythical
countries appointing the candidate to a task force to consider proposals for use of scarce resources
• Country Background Notes
• The U.S. Country Plan and Objectives
• Lists of key U.S. Embassy and host government officials
• A map of the country
Project Specific Information
• Five pages describing the candidate's individual project

The Presentation Phase
When the 30-minute preparation time is over, four assessors join the group and take seats in the corners of the room. At this point in the assessment, the assessors know nothing about the candidates. The assessors do not participate; they only observe the group exercise. Candidates are briefed on the ground rules and are invited to begin their individual project presentations in any order they choose; however, they are cautioned that projects are not to be compared or evaluated in the presentation phase. Each candidate has six minutes to present his or her project to the others, covering all relevant facets of the project, including both negative and positive points, U.S. interests, and required resources. Time may be left at the end of each
presentation for questions from other candidates.

The Discussion Phase
After the last presentation has been made, the lead examiner informs the group that it is now entering the discussion phase of the exercise, the stage in which the candidates must reach a consensus on project selection and allocation of their limited resources.

In this phase, candidates discuss and debate the merits and/or drawbacks of the various projects in order to make recommendations to the Ambassador. Toward that end, the group negotiates and debates pros and cons with the goal of reaching, within the time allotted (20-25 minutes - depending on group size), a consensus on which projects should be supported and at what level.

The group exercise measures oral communication, objectivity and integrity, ability to work with others, information integration and analysis, planning, judgment, initiative, leadership, and composure. Strong candidates are those who keep in mind the objective of the exercise: to help the Ambassador decide how best to allocate limited U.S. Government resources among a number of worthy projects. They have the ability to integrate information not just about their own projects but also about projects presented by their colleagues. They may suggest original ideas and solutions. A good leader can draw out others and help move the group to consensus.

Active participation is essential to successful performance. Examiners cannot judge qualities they cannot see. Even if a candidate presents a clear project, lack of involvement in the discussion phase can make the difference when the scores are determined.

Got a great study group. They're very helpful. To anyone who sets out on this path, a bit of advice: Find some great folks who are motivated, disciplined, and generous. Makes all the difference.

Talked to a friend last night about signing up for State. She didn't realize that they were hiring. She sounded fascinated, said she'd always wanted to do this, but when I described the lengthy hiring process, she was daunted. Can understand that. The hiring process is daunting. Heck, it can be downright terrifying. But if you want something bad enough, then fear shouldn't stop you. It shouldn't, but ... yeah, I know, it sometimes does.

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People Worry About the Darndest Things

I've just checked my FSOA Yahoo Group daily digest. It hit me how people (including me) waste time and energy worrying about the silliest things when it comes to the Oral Assessment. Two current examples would be:

(a) whether the men should or should not wear wing-tipped shoes for the Oral Assessment; and

(b) whether you have a better chance of passing if you schedule your assessment earlier in the testing cycle.

The logical, rational answer to both questions is a resounding no. But that answer doesn't address the main reason such questions are posed to begin with.

It's easiest to distract oneself with silliness than to get down to the business of practicing, isn't it? The group exercises, the structured interview questions (which include hypotheticals and behavioral questions), and the case management exercise can all seem quite daunting -- not unless you're one of those blessed souls who already has a job requiring constant presentations, memo writing and personnel management. I think all of us who have come this far, or at least most of us, are perfectly capable of performing the requisite skills under normal circumstances. The thing is, the OA isn't a normal circumstance. An entire career is riding on it. The very thought is enough to freeze most people. Far easier to worry about wing-tips!

A friend of mine looked over the OA Summary I sent him. Told me, "Hm, you and I both have the skills and experience to pass this thing. The difference is personality. You're terrified and I'd think of it as an interesting, fun way to pass the day."

He's right. That is the difference. There's also the fact that he's got a job he loves and so taking the OA would, for him, simply be a day of entertainment. I was tempted to ask him if he'd feel that way if he didn't have a job he loved, or indeed a job at all (as I don't). I'm not sure if he answered me. But as I look back on it, I realize it doesn't matter. The wisdom of his statement still holds true. Yes, having a job in your back pocket would make it easier to remain detached. But not having one -- and really not only wanting, but needing this one -- is all the more reason to achieve a level of detachment.

I'm determined to go in there and simply look at it as an interesting and enjoyable way to spend the day. It's certainly a unique experience, one that I never expected to have. No matter what happens, I want to be able to look back and say I enjoyed myself. I want to savor every moment. And I will.

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Books I Have Yet to Read

This post should go under the heading, "Preparing or the Oral Assessment." I'm reading Diplomatic Lessons right now, in hard copy. I have Career Diplomacy on my iPod Touch. A softcover copy of Inside a U.S. Embassy is also floating around here somewhere.

By October 2oth -- 96 days from now -- I will have read them all. Still think the most important thing though is know yourself, to be prepared for the questions. That kind of preparation is a lot harder -- and easier -- than immersing yourself in books.

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96 BOA: Countdown to the Oral Assessment

And so it begins. Actually, it continues. On October 20, 2009, I'm due to walk into a State Department assessment center in Washington DC. I'll join up to a dozen hopefuls for a day of fun and games that State refers to as the Oral Assessment. By now, the very name calls up dread in the hearts of aspirants. Not all of them, of course, just the jelly-kneed ones, like me.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

I thought I'd start a blog that would, I hope, detail my new career as a Foreign Service Officer. However, since I've yet to take the Oral Assessment, I have no idea whether it will actually do that. At minimum, this blog might serve as an online diary of someone who is preparing to take the Oral Assessment.

I've looked around and found several excellent blogs by people who have taken or are taking the same path, and I've found them quite helpful. Maybe this blog will help others.

But my motives are not entirely altruistic. The fact is, I'm terribly nervous. And terribly disorganized. I need a place where I can share my doubts. I need someplace where I can also keep track of all the wonderful blogs and bits that have served me so well.

("BOA" by the way, stands for "Before Oral Assessment.")

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