Foreign Service Specialist?

Well, I'm still vying for the FS after all. Right after I got my sad news from BEX about my FSO candidacy being shut down, I threw in an application to the Foreign Service Specialist -- Office Management Specialist field.

Basically, the FSS role is the day to day support of US Embassies. They are people who do IT work, HR, Office Management, Doctorin', etc. They aren't diplomats, but they are there in support of the US mission. They get to travel and do the good work, just in a different capacity. So I thought--why the hell not? And happily, I actually have more academic credentials than needed for the position, and some experience that I think translates into Office work.

OMS used to be referred to as FS-Secretary. I'm glad the title has changed! Secretary doesn't really describe what OMS workers do. It's more of a "My Man (or Woman) Friday" role than typist, which is what the word "secretary" makes me think of. I can do this. I can be someone's "Manservant Hecubus." See Kids in the Hall for the reference.

Anyway, I applied. And yesterday, they got back to me--they want to see my MCAS certification in Word 2007! I know it's just a small step forward, but at least they weren't like "GTFO!" or "Who the F do you think you are?" Those aren't my favorite reactions from people/potential employers. I guess I just have to go ahead and get the MCAS now. Hmm. Good thing I already know Word pretty well. Time to study! Thundercats are GO!

In other news, PAE also said I might be a potential match for some of their Embassy Support positions in Moscow/Beijing. And I've been applying for jobs in Kuwait, Djibouti, etc. One of these days, something amazing is going to happen. I just know it.

Breaking news: Ms. Saffy Monsoon is definitely up for an adventure. Yeah, big surprise there.

The Foreign Service is my ultimate goal. Be it as an FSO or an FSS, that is what I absolutely, most definitely want. The moment either of those things become a reality... well, I'd be beyond happy. In the meantime, however, I want to get some international experience. I'm young. I have no husband. I have no children. I should do this. I've talked about it my whole life, so I might as well just work like a dervish and make it happen. It's time to turn dreams into reality.