FSO Political vs. OMS; anyone pursued both candidacies?
I currently have two Foreign Service candidacies going:
FSO – Political: Second candidacy. Took the FSOT July 15 and am awaiting results/next steps.
OMS: First candidacy. Took the OMST August 14, passed, and am awaiting next steps.
For some background, I’m a veteran with a B.S. in Geography, and I’m continuing my education in business administration, geography, and political science.
I’ve already researched both career tracks pretty extensively, so I’m less interested in the application process or basic differences between FSO and FSS. I’m really interested in the jobs themselves.
For those who have worked as an OMS or Political Officer, or closely with both, what do you actually like and dislike about the work?
The Political track appeals to me because of the analysis, reporting, policy, and eventual leadership opportunities. OMS also interests me because of the organizational, operational, and management side of running a mission.
So, hypothetically, if both doors opened: which would you choose and why?
And if anyone here has actually pursued both FSO and OMS candidacies, I’d especially like to hear what ultimately pushed you toward one over the other.