foreign service

[shoot that star]

i'm a college freshman and i'm really interested in pursuing a career in foreign service once i graduate. thing is, i'm currently very clueless about this particular career path in the philippines and the DFA website doesn't really help much.

i will be grateful to anyone who will be able to help me, lead me to information, or can answer my questions. here they are:

a) what kind of preparation do i need in order to do well in the exams? are there specific subjects or electives that will be greatly helpful? (i'm enrolled in polsci in admu)

b) are grades important and what is the general grade range of those who do well in the exams?

c) are the exams really as tough as people say they are? are there any statistics around to show passing rates and other such information? what kinds of questions are asked? what should i spend the next three years preparing on heavily?

d) what skills are required or will give one an edge over other applicants?

e) is foreign service a financially stable job? around how long will you be assigned in one post? and what is the difference between a foreign service officer and a foreign service staff officer?

thanks a lot in advance! :)

[bishop]

^
a. read about current events and world issues. there's not really much preparation you can do aside from being well-informed about national and international issues and concerns. there are FSO-review programs but i doubt they help much.

b. no. your grades will not be important. of course you have to pass at least.

c. exams are hard. 1% passing rate. enough said.

d. skills? i can't think of any. don't mind the other applicants. do your best and PASS the exam. that's what's going to matter.

e. yes it's a stable job. good starting package plus the perks.


i took the FSO exams in 2003. unfortunately i did not make it. btw, i was the youngest to take it during that time. so i didn't really feel bad. :)