MFA- Foreign Service Administration Specialist 2020 Interview

[dodochicks]

Hi guys

Recently just went through this and wondering what's the actual career prospects that this position has.. would like to hear from someone who has actually worked in MFA before.

Just went through the english test, logistical test and situational test.

I heard from HR that this position is meant for not as educated people (e.g. A levels and Poly students). and the HR said that some of the applicant has "some" experiences in university (heck what does she even mean? university is university right?)

Any idea about the bonuses, starting salary and benefits?

Do share your experiences thanks!

Originally Posted by dodochicks

Hi guys

Recently just went through this and wondering what's the actual career prospects that this position has.. would like to hear from someone who has actually worked in MFA before.

Just went through the english test, logistical test and situational test.

I heard from HR that this position is meant for not as educated people (e.g. A levels and Poly students). and the HR said that some of the applicant has "some" experiences in university (heck what does she even mean? university is university right?)

Any idea about the bonuses, starting salary and benefits?

Do share your experiences thanks!

Hi there! Like what you said, the FSAS scheme is mainly directed towards non-degree holders serving a periphery role to FSOs in MFA. There are degree holders (mainly SIM grads) under this scheme as well.

It’s a great scheme to experience how life is like with the foreign service but please do not consider it as a long career option. You can talk to senior FSAS or ex FSAS around, the workload and the nature of the tasking (for senior FSAS especially) is exactly the same as the FSO scheme but you guys are severely receiving the shorter end of the stick in terms of remuneration.

My five cents... go through with the job for a bout 2 – 3 years, save up cash for your masters at a prestigious uni, and reapply for the FSO scheme.

[dodochicks]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi there! Like what you said, the FSAS scheme is mainly directed towards non-degree holders serving a periphery role to FSOs in MFA. There are degree holders (mainly SIM grads) under this scheme as well.

It’s a great scheme to experience how life is like with the foreign service but please do not consider it as a long career option. You can talk to senior FSAS or ex FSAS around, the workload and the nature of the tasking (for senior FSAS especially) is exactly the same as the FSO scheme but you guys are severely receiving the shorter end of the stick in terms of remuneration.

My five cents... go through with the job for a bout 2 – 3 years, save up cash for your masters at a prestigious uni, and reapply for the FSO scheme.

Isnt FSO scheme reserved for top scholars only?

Originally Posted by dodochicks

Isnt FSO scheme reserved for top scholars only?

Out of all the ministries, indeed most PSC scholars flock over to MFA under the FSO scheme.

However, we do have tons of “farmer” FSOs in the foreign service. Especially experienced hires!

Originally Posted by dodochicks

Isnt FSO scheme reserved for top scholars only?

Nope.

There are those from JC who receive MFA scholarship to study in top overseas uni like Oxford etc. They come back as political/economic track FSOs and are of course on the fast track.

The other FSOs both in political and functional track are non-scholars who come from both local uni and overseas uni. They go through the selection tests (round 1 english tests, essay and roundtable discussion, round 2 assessment centre, round 3 panel interview) to become FSOs.

What about SUSS or NTU biological science graduates ?

Are they able to join as FSO?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Nope.

There are those from JC who receive MFA scholarship to study in top overseas uni like Oxford etc. They come back as political/economic track FSOs and are of course on the fast track.

The other FSOs both in political and functional track are non-scholars who come from both local uni and overseas uni. They go through the selection tests (round 1 english tests, essay and roundtable discussion, round 2 assessment centre, round 3 panel interview) to become FSOs.

Since you mentioned fast track, in terms of career path, how big is the scholar/farmer divide? TIA!

[dodochicks]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

What about SUSS or NTU biological science graduates ?

Are they able to join as FSO?

Im talking about those with 100-199 rang PSLE

N levels & O levels about 16++

Go into poly route and have subpar 3.0 gpa

Went into SUSS or aussie uni.


Came out as 2nd lower honors.

Originally Posted by dodochicks

Im talking about those with 100-199 rang PSLE

N levels & O levels about 16++

Go into poly route and have subpar 3.0 gpa

Went into SUSS or aussie uni.


Came out as 2nd lower honors.

The FSO scheme doesn’t have an explicit preference for a particular major per se. It does however have a knack for outstanding academic performance and transcripts from prestigious universities.

Have not heard of any FSOs coming in fresh from subpar universities like SIM or non-G8 Aussie unis. They will most likely fall under the FSAS track unfortunately.

What you can do however if you hold lackluster academic credentials is like one of the previous poster said... work for a couple of years, save up cash, study hard for your GRE and rebrand yourself with a good MSc/MA. Only then do you stand a fighting chance in joining the FSO scheme.

Tbh, your chances of becoming an FSO holding a 2nd lower is zero to none unless you have a strong value proposition like business level proficiency in a foreign language. Even so, it’s still an uphill task.

Second lower honours FSO dun like...