People really, really don't get it when I say applying to work in the Foreign Service is possibly the most selective process I have ever undergone. This flow chart describes it well. As I prepare for my oral assessment this upcoming February, I can only hope my journey is almost over ;)
That is an awesome flow chart! Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :D
DeleteWhat does this type of clearance consist of? I imagine it's a pain in the ass if you've moved a lot, at the very least :-p
ReplyDeleteAnd how long until someone could expire off the register?
Clearances: Security & Medical, with a Final Suitability review after.
DeleteMedical clearance is very similar to Peace Corps' medical clearance process. The security clearance, however, is very, very, very extensive (past addresses, financial history including credit card debt/student loan debt, foreign influence, etc.)
And I can tell you from experience that it is a pain in the ass if you've moved a lot. If I pass the OA, I am pretty sure my clearances will take more than a year, just on that fact. Sighs.
Also, a person has 18 months to be on the register before they expire off. And it happens more often than one would think :(
"financial history including credit card debt/student loan debt"
DeleteYep, after this year that's reason enough to not pursue this particular career :-p
"foreign influence"
Sad that being well-liked and respected around the world could work against me ;-)