Security Clearence GO

I got an email yesterday. Looks like I was given a Top Secret clearence on 4/12. That was really fast.

I am now awaiting word on the Final Review Panel. Then we get to be play the register game.

Anyhow, I promise a better update soon. Life has been more than hectic.

Two Quick Things...

First, I got my medical clearance today. Things are moving along rather nicely. I expect the security investigation to come back at some point in late April or May. Who knows... maybe I will actually be invited to a class this fall at this rate. They did reopen the OMS vacancy... so I will be watching the numbers with keen interest.

Second, I registered for the June FSOT in the Management Cone. I made sure to really think about what I wrote on the initial application unlike last time where I just filled it out in a hurry. I am hoping that I an get past the pesky QEP this time though it won't be easy with the reduced hired at State.

Anyhow... I hope everyone is doing well! I am sure I will have mor updates shortly.

Secruity Clearence Interview

I had my security clearance interview today and I think it went well. Things are moving pretty quickly it seems... My family was contacted Monday, roommate was contacted yesterday, etc.

Considering that State now is saying they want to hire 80 OMS's before the end of of the fiscal year, I would like to get on the register sooner than later. I have mixed feelings though. With my score so low, who knows if I will get an invite or not. It kind of sucks going through all this knowing it might not be for anything.

Crossing my fingers as always.

Passed Word Certifcation

Part of the OMS process is submitting a MS Word certification. Well, I took the test today and passed. I procrastinated and am doing this last minute...

Let me tell you though... it was harder than I thought it would be. I suggest preparation for anyone going to take it out there. I got lucky.

OMS OA PASSED!

YEP. Talk about nervous. For those who haven't done an OA before... it was enough to churn my stomach. But guess what? I passed.

My day started at 5 AM. I woke up (didn't get much sleep) and prepared myself for the long morning. I got to the testing location at abut 6:40 AM. I signed the NDA and other forms and then the assessment began.

I will go into more detail if people want it but I think its been talked about at length elsewhere. Let's just say, I wish I practiced the writing portion more. It was harder than I thought and I didn't pass it. I assumed the prompt would be simplier since we were given 45 minutes. I wasn't exactly right about that. The Structured Interview went very well but I am curious what I scored on it. I think the key is to really know your resume and to talk about your actions

Anyhow, I am in a great mood. I scored a 5.3 which means I need a plan to get Chinese to level 2 within 18 months.

Until next time....  再见

More waiting. More studying.

So with my OA coming up. I joined a study group and am trying to practice in the less than 2 weeks that I have. I am nervous but also excited. At the very least I will get to see how these OAs work.

Also, I am starting my clearance process. As of now, I am still an Alternate for an internship in China and still waiting to hear from Africa since you put down two places to apply. We have been told we will hear for sure by week's end.

Oh, yeah... the GSO opening is closing tomorrow. I have one more essay to write.

In the meantime, I am still studying Chinese. I have class Wednesdays and am making slow but steady progress. By the way, Happy Chinese New Year! Gung Hoy Fat Choy! I feel bad though becuase I am not putting in the time to study like I would like to. All this other stuff is distracting and I have grad school coming up. I really need to make an effort to do more I think.

So much going on... I hope its all worth it in the end!

OMS Interview Set

My OMS OA is set. Feb 3rd.

It's short notice so I got to get ready rather quickly.

OMS Update

It took 4 months to find out but I made it to the Oral Assessment!

"Congratulations!  Your application to become a Foreign Service Office Management Specialist has successfully passed the Qualifications Evaluation Panel and has been forwarded to the Board of Examiners Assessment Center to be scheduled for an oral assessment."

More info to follow! :)

UPDATES

Well, I survived the earthquake. I was on the 15th floor of my apartment building and thought "This is it.. 2012 a year early". I ran under a door frame, which I remember learning from elementary school. Luckily, I did make it through the tremor. We will rebuild. :) Anyone else on the east coast?

In other news, I think I will be doing the USDA Graduate school Chinese I this fall. I had to move around some of my graduate classes for other reasons so I should be able to take the course now. I have been continuing my other self studies but it will be nice to have an actual class.

Also, I am still writing those  narrative prompts for the OMS position. We will see how that goes. They are due 9/2.