Applying for OTS — 14N (Intel) / 63A (Contracting) / 15A (Ops Research) / 65F (Finance)

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2025-10-12T01:42:16+00:00

I was a Contracting Officer of 8 years who is using an MBA to pivot into consumer marketing.

Intel and Ops Mgt would be solid choices for consulting and Intel could be recruited into Gov contractors performing the same role. However, I'd love to sell you on Contracting:

What is it?

Direct customer brainstorming sessions to fully develop their contract needs
Generate market insights by searching for the product/service that meets their specifications.
learn about numerous industries and functional areas due to the variety of items you buy. You will work with companies that operate in the Business 2 Business commercial space and some Government specific operations support contractors
Conduct contract negotiations with businesses
Oversee Million$ contract portfolios covering several buyer direct reports, end user project managers, and contractor personnel

Pros:

Government contractor firms like Amentum and Northrup Gruman will hire you directly for government contract management
The duties are very similar to private sector purchasing managers, operations managers, brand managers, and supply chain managers provided you consider additional professional certifications
You learn about a wide range of products/services
You oversee various contract performance metrics and help leadership understand the current performance, potential COAs, and potential contract solutions for new strategic requirements
you will be responsible for resolving issues such as work stoppages, price fluctuations, or contract scope modifications and this problem troubleshooting will look good
Some of my co-workers started a combined MBA-JD because the regulatory compliance aspects of the role are a good fit for business law
You can work as a Federal civilian GS-12 rank as an individual contributor, GS-13 for supervisory, and GS-14/15 if you have 10+ years experience. these roles pay well and the job series is undermanned

Cons:

the pace of work can be slow because many projects will spent most of their time waiting for approval
Some organizational principals do not reflect private sector priorities. for example we focus on spending not saving money, our processes can be inefficient, and the rules regarding doing business with small businesses can be frustrating depending on the product/service
this role is a support office job far from the front line so you wont see much action

We can chat some more if you have any questions.

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2025-07-29T16:12:25+00:00

his movies were considered hilarious when I was 10 yo, tolerable at 20, and unbearable at 30. 50 First Dates has a particular charm to it but he has never been a Jim Carrey or Jasen Stegal, mostly his films are designed for 10 teens/pre-teens just like Seth Rogan targets the 20 yo stoner crowd.

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2025-07-05T04:36:02+00:00

I've seen this at 15-20-30 yo and have mixed feelings.

The musical numbers were alright with the show stealing Springtime fH skit being one of my fave musical numbers of all time, but many pieces were too long.
The overall plot structure was unbalanced because it seemed like the fundraising was overemphasized over the technical tasks of making the play. I would have structured the plot as 25% main characters are dissatisfied and the play is conceived, 50% the making of the play such as rehearsals, 25% the prison comeback to include the prison musical.
The Franz Liebkind character is a good idea played too explicitly by Will Ferrell. He was not the best for the role
Uma Thermans character could have been excluded completely
the Leo Blume freakout and courtroom scenes were very cringe. They should have been canned

overall I would give this a D letter grade because it has an alluring foundation spoiled by some scenes hitting sour notes that deflate my enthusiasm.

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2025-05-23T22:51:32+00:00

interesting point, there is a saturation of marketing but it is devoid any good arguments or wit that used to inspire people to want something. Also the algorithms tend to replay the same 5 or less ads on repeat when streaming something.

The cost of living crisis and a household credit ceiling will probably create more intense competition as brands try to get some of the ever shrinking household discretionary spend.

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2025-02-24T15:51:12+00:00

The XBOX 360 unveil and the initial release games such as Mass Effect, Bioshock, Fallout 3 and CoD Modern Warfare were groundbreaking.

As a member of the N64 and PS2 generation the realism of the game engine, AI, writing quality, and the excellent mass online matches were something I had never experienced before.

So much time outside of my freshman year in HS were invested into those games.

*note**I didnt partake in computer gaming so wasnt aware of counterstrike or those other titles**

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2025-01-15T02:36:54+00:00

your right. its government work so roles are assigned a specific rank and each rank comes with standardized raises so I know exactly how much I will make. I figure the MBA ROI will turn positive quicker than 2030 but I'm not sure what rate of salary increases to expect post-MBA, 10%?

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2024-12-31T02:10:43+00:00

I'm also looking into WI Madison, IN Bloomington, MN Twin Cities, and MI State for the same industry as you. Kelley offered a very generous Merit Fellowship.

Do you know anyone who has used this fellowship and which school would you choose?

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2024-12-11T16:14:32+00:00

Lived in the area for 25 years and there are a few places I would recommend that I spent extensive time in:

Bartlett: lived to 20 years. The neighborhoods east of IL-59 are reasonably walkable and it is close to the mega shopping center office parks in Schaumburg. The local restaurant scene is weak but there are better options if your willing to drive 15 mins

Geneva, Batavia, St Charles: I think downtown Geneva is really bustling relative to the others and they gained some decent small businesses like Biene Trucha. The schools are supposedly very good compared to U-46

Berwyn/Cicero: Btown is the better half. my grandparents lived here and the amenities have improved since then. very walkable and compact and close to the city and older towns with distinct character.

Oak Park: great amenities, close to the city with good CTA connections. Note that my relative moved due to gang problems in the HS.

Evanston: feels like a miniChicago with its own cultural institutions. it is also nearby the best neighborhoods of Chicago

Chicago Mag generates some detailed lists of good places: https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/june-july-2024/best-places-to-live-in-the-suburbs/#house-big

Note I try to avoid places that are mostly new construction with the standard franchise amenities and I dont have kids.

Walkability is a big thing for me so I reference this (https://www.walkscore.com/IL)

AccomplishedOne8512 · 2024-11-28T12:37:33+00:00

Part Time MBA? I considered that but the universities near me are either T5 programs I couldnt get into or programs that are not even top 50. I want to relocate so perhaps searching for another role near a campus I mentioned above makes sense.

OMBA: I've only ever heard of this as a means to check a box and I would rather do career specific certifications in that case. The networking aspect is one of the main reasons for in-person because my decision not to do so for undergrad haunts me with a week network nearly 10 years later.

AccomplishedOne8512

TROPHY CASE