Ty Collins

Author: Ty Collins

The State Department Consular Fellows Program Language Test

If you are applying for a Foreign Service Officer position with the United States Department of State, there is a good deal of testing involved in the application process. One of the tests is the Consular Fellows Program Language Test. The Consular Fellows Program Language Test is a language screening test administered by the Foreign Service Institute’s Division of Language Testing and Assessment (FSI). It is the second stage of the application process for candidates who have passed the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP). The test is used to assess a candidate’s proficiency in Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese.

The following account of taking the Consular Fellows Program Language Test was written by former Lawrence student.

“This is my experience taking the Consular Fellows Language Test. Disclaimer: I took the test in late September of 2022, so it is possible that the test structure may have changed by the time you are reading this. I am writing this for you because when I was preparing for my Language Test, there were very few resources out there to get me familiar with what the test was like. Hopefully, you will find this helpful.

To begin, you will meet two people during the test, one test proctor and one native speaker of the language you are testing for. You will be talking with a native speaker most of the time, the test proctor will give you directions in English and you direct any questions you have about the test to them.

Speaking Test (30 Minutes)

The Speaking Test is technically an OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview). Information on the OPI can be found here. The test is broken up into three parts (the warm-up, discussion, and interview of the tester). It is important to mention that in the test: What you say does not really matter, all that matters is that you can say whatever it is you are saying. Try not to say anything in your native language, only speak in your target language. The Speaking Test is only concerned with that and how you communicate in your target language. So, you could technically lie in all your answers, just as long as all that you are saying is grammatically correct and in your target language.

Part 1: Warm-up

The State Department description is, “The examinee and tester have a discussion centered on biography, current events, or other topics.” That description is accurate to my experience. The native speaker asked me to introduce myself. You can include details like where you go to school, what you study, recent travels, hobbies, etc. Note: Anything you mention here, even in passing, can be taken by the native speaker and they will ask you to expand on the thing you mentioned. Just make sure that with anything that you say, you are prepared to talk about it further and in your target language.

Part 2: Discussion

The State Department description is, “Discussion prepared and presented by the applicant, from a list of topics presented to the applicant.” From my experience, the title “Discussion” is misleading, Part two was much more like an oral presentation. You get 7 minutes (or so) to talk about/make a case about a topic of the test proctor’s choosing. This is not a discussion; it is a speech you think up on the fly. The test proctor will tell you the topic and give you a couple of moments to think about a response, then you will have to present whatever it is you want to say about the topic. Topics like politics, climate change, a recent international economic catastrophe/success, and any general global event all are fair game to be asked to talk about. After my test, I asked the test proctor if you were presented with a topic you have no knowledge of, can you ask to get a new topic. And unfortunately, you cannot. So, during Part two, just work with what you have and what you know.

Part 3: Interview the Tester

The State Department’s description is, “You get the chance to interview the tester.” That description is accurate to my experience. The test proctor gives you a topic to ask the native speaker questions about. After the native speaker is done answering, the test proctor will ask you to report back to them (in English) on what the native speaker said.

The Reading Test

You get to read two passages (each about one page in length)  You get 12 minutes per passage to read, and you can take notes during this time. After your reading time is up, the test proctor will ask you to tell them about what you read. Here, say everything you know about the passages. The two passages will be on topics pertaining to the country/countries where your target language is spoken, like a social phenomenon, current events, modern politics, and the state of that country’s economy.”

How to Prepare for the Test

● Brush up on vocab words you might need to know or that you might want to use during the speaking test

● Get used to reading the news in your target language

● Read up on current events (in English and your target language) to prepare for the speaking test

● Speak in your target language as much as possible. Talk with a friend in that language, and talk to yourself in that language

● Listen to your target language as much as possible. Listen to music in that language, watch movies/TV shows/the news from countries that speak that language

● Make an appointment to do a practice OPI. Ask your language teacher to sit down with you and do a practice OPI or just have a conversation in your target language

WORKS CITED:

https://www.boxyk.com/foreign-service-1/2022/12/12/the-qep-where-most-applications-go-to-die

https://www.languagetesting.com/oral-proficiency-interview-opi

https://www.languagetesting.com/pub/media/wysiwyg/manuals/opi-examinee-handbook.pdf

Voice Acting

Voice acting is a unique and exciting career that allows individuals to use their vocal talents to bring characters to life. Voice actors are in demand in a variety of industries, including film, television, video games, commercials, podcasts and more.

People become voice actors for a variety of reasons. Some are drawn to the creative nature of the work and the opportunity to bring characters to life through their voices. Others appreciate the flexibility of the profession, which allows for remote work and freelance opportunities. Salaries for voice actors can vary widely depending on factors such as experience level and the type of project they are working on. Top voice actors earn six-figure salaries.

To get started in voice acting, many begin by freelancing. There are several freelance websites where voice actors can find work. Some popular options include Voices, Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Guru, and Peopleperhour. These sites offer a range of opportunities for voice actors at different experience levels and price ranges.

To become a voice actor, one should have experience in acting methods and vocal techniques. Some important techniques include warming up and performing vocal exercises before any voice-acting session. This can include full body stretching, facial stretches, and airflow exercises. Voice actors should also be skilled at character-driven performances, using their vocal tone to convey emotion. Mastering accents and dialects is another important skill for voice actors. Analyzing and interpreting scripts is also crucial for voice actors, as it allows them to understand the character they are portraying and deliver a convincing performance. Experimenting with vocal tones and emotions can help voice actors develop their range and versatility. Continuously honing their acting skills and embracing feedback from others can also help voice actors improve their craft.

Many voice actors begin their careers by learning to act on stage or in films. A bachelor’s degree in acting or theater arts can provide valuable experience in performing and knowledge of fundamental acting principles. Acting classes and workshops can also help individuals improve their abilities by learning from experts with proficiency in techniques like characterization, vocalization, and interpretation.

Voice actors should also have technical knowledge of audio equipment, sound recording techniques and audio software like Adobe Audition, Audacity and Apple GarageBand. These are just a few of the software packages used by voice talent.

There are many famous voice actors who have brought beloved characters to life through their vocal talents. Some examples include Mel Blanc, who voiced nearly every character on Looney Tunes, and Tara Strong, who has starred in animations like The Fairly OddParents, Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, as well as the Final Fantasy video game series. Actor James Earl Jones, known for saying “This is CNN” is best known as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. A Generation X hero is Peter Cullen, known for his vocal portrayal of Optimus Prime through several generations of the Transformers franchise. Interestingly, Optimus Prime’s nemesis, Megatron is often voiced by actor Frank Welker, who is believed to have more vocal acting credits than anyone else, with nearly 900 film, television, and video game roles.  Although most people have never heard of him, with a total worldwide box-office gross of $17.4 billion, Frank Welker is the third highest-grossing actor of all time!

WORKS CITED:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_acting

https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/voice-actor-requirements-advice-75466/

https://www.mymajors.com/career/voice-actor/education/

https://cloudlancer.com/best-voice-over-software-for-voice-actors/

https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/best-voiceover-websites/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/aug/09/frank-welker

Political Campaign Staffers

Political campaign staffers are the backbone of every campaign. They are responsible for managing budgets, raising money, running social media, building field programs, prepping candidates for public appearances, and implementing campaign strategies.   Campaign staffers have a difficult job because they must oversee the day-to-day operations of a campaign while also keeping the long-term strategic goals in mind. A political campaign staffer is a member of the campaign team. This team must manage the work of both internal and external aspects of the campaign. The campaign staff oversees everything from managing the door-to-door volunteers to approving the creative for digital ads and direct mail pieces. A good political campaign staff should also be creating reports on the campaign’s progress, which requires the ability to obtain, manage, and analyze data.

To get started as a political campaign staffer, most people start by volunteering to gain experience and relevant skills. In most roles, you need excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to be persuasive and informative with diverse audiences. You should be enthusiastic about politics and passionate about relevant causes, issues, and priorities. There is no specific educational background required to be a political campaign staffer, but a bachelor’s degree in government or political science is very helpful. Political campaigns offer the opportunity to develop and refine a wide assortment of skills in an extremely fast-paced and flexible environment. Moreover, they give a unique perspective into the electoral process, as well as the cares and concerns of elected officials and the American public.

The average annual pay for a Political Campaign Staff in the United States is $42,776 a year. However, this can vary greatly depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.

People choose to be political campaign staffers for many reasons. Some are passionate about politics and want to make a difference in their community or country. Political campaign staffers can advance to managing larger campaigns for statewide or national office. Some senior campaign staffers may move into political consulting, working for multiple candidates or causes.  Additionally, campaign staffers can use their skills and experience to transition into other careers such as public relations, journalism, or government work.

WORKS CITED:

https://hls.harvard.edu/bernard-koteen-office-of-public-interest-advising/a-quick-guide-to-working-on-political-campaigns/

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-get-into-politics

https://work.chron.com/political-career-start-29679.html

https://www.thecampaignworkshop.com/blog/pillar/campaign-management/political-campaign-staff

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/How-to-Get-a-Political-Campaign-Staff-Job

https://online.norwich.edu/academic-programs/resources/running-a-political-campaign

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-involved-in-activism-and-join-political-organization-2020-6

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_campaign_staff

https://spcs.richmond.edu/professional-education/areas/legal-government/campaign-management/index.html

https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Industry=Political_Campaign/Salary

Community Organizing

Perhaps the most famous community organizer was our 44th President, Barrack Obama.  While most community organizers do not become President, they can make a big difference in their community – no matter the size.

Community organizing is a process where people who live in proximity to each other or share some common problem come together into an organization that acts in their shared self-interest.  Community organizers generally believe that significant change often involves conflict or social struggle in order to generate power for the powerless. The goal of community organizing is to create enough power for a community so that it will influence key decision-makers (e.g. elected officials) on a range of issues over time. This can get community-organizing groups a place at the table before important decisions are made.  Community organizing is different than activism in that it has a coherent strategy for making specific social change, whereas activists often engage in unorganized social protest without a specific plan for achieving their goal –  or, in some cases, even knowing what their goal is.

There is no direct career path to being a community organizer.  Having a bachelor’s degree from a humanities program is helpful so one has a deep and detailed understanding of issues and the ability to problem solve and critically analyze an issue from all perspectives.  Most community organizers are volunteers or interns with individual political campaigns, political parties or grassroots organizations first.  It does not take any specific job training to become a community organizer, just a passion for an issue or issues, a strong understanding of that issue and the ability to advocate and argue for your group’s position.  Strong organizational and communication skills are a must.  The ability to fundraise may also be helpful.  As long as people feel underserved or ignored, there will always be a need for community organizers.

WORKS CITED:

https://books.google.com/books?id=cdcQvm4WkC8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ViewAPI&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false

https://archive.org/details/organizingforsoc00kimb

https://archive.org/details/rootsforradicals00edwa

https://www.zippia.com/community-organizer-jobs/

The Colin Powell Leadership Program

In late 2022, the U.S. State Department launched the Colin Powell Leadership Program “to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society and in support of the department’s modernization agenda.”  The program provides opportunities to pursue careers at the Department of State.

Named after the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State, this program provides paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.  Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the State Department and will develop future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience.

To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program.  A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required.  The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.

Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0.  The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.

 Visit https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/civil-service-fellowships/colin-powell-leadership-program/ for more information and to apply during the next open application period.

Put your language skills to use for the NSA!

If you want to put your language skills to use and serve your country, perhaps the National Security Agency (NSA) is for you!  The NSA works closely with the rest of the Intelligence Community to protect the United States from foreign threats and adversaries. NSA has both offensive and defensive missions. The offense collects, analyzes, and reports intelligence information derived from foreign signals to assist United States policymakers and military commanders in making well-informed decisions that protect U.S. security. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive or classified national security information. The NSA also protects and defends U.S. government IT systems against cyber threats.

Foreign language proficiency is vital to NSA’s mission.  NSA language analysts are at the front line of national defense. They analyze foreign communications to uncover potential threats. They are the first to determine the relevance of collected intelligence, and they put the intelligence into context for our nation’s leaders.

There are a few different opportunities for Lawrence students and new graduates to get experience with the NSA. 

In the NSA Summer Language Program Internship, you will spend 12 weeks working as a language analyst at NSA.  Proficiency in Chinese, Russian, and Farsi, are in high demand, but other languages will be considered.  The application period is usually from September 1 through October 31 each year. 

In the NSA Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op) for Language, students will alternate semesters between college and working at NSA as a language analyst.  Students can apply for the Co-Op Program starting halfway through their year or during their sophomore year.  Application period is open from September 1 to October 31 and from February 1 to March 31 each year and is for Chinese and Russian students.  

Finally, the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) is a full-time development program for new-hires and involves rotational tours in a variety of offices, coursework to build foundational knowledge, and quality mentoring. The Language Development Program builds linguistic knowledge for entry-level language analysts and train them in analytic skills and the latest technologies available to the Intelligence Community. Participants will work on a wide range of subjects and learn techniques used to evaluate foreign communications. Combined with geopolitical and cultural expertise, they will use these skills to understand both overtly stated meaning and subtly implied intent as they translate and transcribe foreign communications and report critical information to U.S. government customers.  The LADP application is posted every other month.  It is recommended that students apply 9-12 months prior to graduation.  

For more information on these programs and to apply, visit https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/nsa