So, hello!  I don’t have the greatest track record for blogging, but figured that this new-found career goal was as good of a reason as any to start again and see if I can actually stick to a blog “schedule.”  So, here goes nothing.

So as many of you know, I’m in the process of pursuing a career with the Department of State, in the Foreign Service.  In April 2013 I applied for an Information Management Specialist position (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/vacancy-announcements/ims).  This incredible group travels around the world to different Embassies and Consulates abroad (and here in the US) to support the DoS in their day-to-day activities.  The job honestly seemed too good to be true, but I decided to go for it anyway.  I always hear about people getting these amazing, dream jobs, and finally I realized maybe I could have one too if I just TRIED.  So this was me, trying.

I put in my application, waited a few months, and found out I had not only made it through the DoS initial qualification review, but a panel read my personal statements and decided they’d like to offer me a chance to come to Washington DC (on my own dime, ouch) and interview for my dream job.  I was floored, flattered, and completely nervous, but decided just to rip the bandaid off and interview as soon as humanly possible.  I cashed in my airline miles, booked my flights and hotel reservations, and headed to the capitol to try for my dream job.  DREAM JOB.  One’s dream job doesn’t often get dangled in front of their face at 28 years of age, so I buckled down and studied my butt off. (I’ll go into the specifics on how I studied at a later post.)

So, long story short, I spent 5 hours in a small conference room in DC, and came out of there with a conditional offer of employment.  I am still required to receive a Top Secret Clearance (I currently have one with my DoD job but it will need to be transferred over, something that could take a few hours or even a year, they honestly can’t say.)  I will also need to get a medical clearance from my doctor, though unless their VERY thorough bloodwork uncovers some yet-undiagnosed condition, I’m not expecting any problems there.  A final “suitability panel” will meet and make sure that I make good decisions and don’t associate with any shady characters, then I’ll officially be added to a “register.”  As openings come up, they’ll invite me to DC for an orientation class and ship me off for 1-2 years at a time.

These first two tours are completely not my choice, and the DoS can choose to send me ANYWHERE they see fit.  Could be Paris, could be Afghanistan, I’ve signed up for any possibility, which both scares and intrigues me.  For now I continue my employment at DISA, they’re a great group and I’ve been completely honest with them throughout this whole process and wish me nothing but the best.

For now that should resolve some of the bigger questions you may have, but if not, here’s a quick summary!

1. I have a conditional job offer, but no actual JOB until I get the clearances required.

2. I don’t know where they are sending me, but I hope it’s somewhere awesome where you can all visit.

3. Yes I’m scared, and also SO EXCITED.  This is going to be an amazing adventure and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!

Thank you all for the words of support and encouragement 😀