Narrative for FS Oral Exam
Schmedlap:
I would suggest that you stress some of the following issues:
1. experience in foreign countries
2. interaction with foreigners and understanding of foreign cultures
3. understanding of, and experience with, the interagency process
4. leadership experience
5. program management experience
At the risk of impugning your intelligence, I would also advise avoiding the following:
1. personal political, social, or religious opinions
2. personal views about foreign policy execution
3. pronouncements about grand strategy
A caveat: I do not know any FSOs who have actually served on the Board of Examiners (the entity that conducts the oral interviews). These positions are open to FSOs of any cone who have the appropriate rank but this is a niche area outside of the mainstream - not an assignment that usually attracts the ambitious or those identified as water walkers.
Books for FSO Exam Preparation?
I realize this is an old thread, and a comprehensive one to boot.
Still...
I have the FSOT (Foreign Service Officer Test) Study Guide, 3rd Edition, copyright 2008. I think I am relatively well-prepared for the test in terms of educational background. That said, I was taken by how difficult the questions seemed (at least to me), and hence, wish to prepare myself further. The logical way to do it would seem, to me, to read the appropriate books. However, the "Suggested Study Materials" at the end of the Study Guide are too many to read in time for my exam, and moreover, I don't know how to separate the wheat from the chaff in terms of what to read in a somewhat time-constrained situation (I'm taking the exam in early June).
Thus, to get to the bottom line, do people have *specific* recommendations on what books or textbooks to obtain and study from with respect to the specific subjects covered on the exam? The study guide lists some, but again, there are too many to read in the time available, and I imagine they vary in quality as well. Any suggestions, particularly from those who have taken the exam on topics such as American history, economics, etc., would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff