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After a little googling I don't think I'm going to apply for that Career Entry Program thing, I'm only semi-interested in the Foreign Affairs Specialist position and from what other people have written it sounds like you pretty much need a graduate degree for it. It'd be inconvenient to get a rush transcript and probably not worth flushing the $20 down the toilet just to say I tried. Barracuda Bang! posted:Anyone get any updates on that courier position from a while back? Nothing after the "You haven't been automatically rejected" e-mail at 1:30am a couple months ago 
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Jan 14, 2010 20:44
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Vilerat posted:Yeah just as long as you don't think this is a way to transition into the Foreign Service. If you become a GS employee you still have to go through the normal hiring process if you want to become a FS employee. As Vile mentioned, all roads end up at the FSOA. I'm pretty sure that CEP is for Civil Service positions, and much like a Specialist, conversion to an Officer still has to take the Orals. There are ways once you are in to skip some parts of the QEP or the written exam, but you still have to take the Orals.
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Jan 15, 2010 06:48
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Still waiting for those QEP results! Argh! But here's a question for those who have been through the process before. If I do get through, will I be told what date I need to come in for the oral assessment or will I have an option? My two best friends are coming down (from D.C. actually! how about that?) during SXSW in March and I've told them to wait on buying tickets until I know more. Any idea about what dates these things are usually scheduled? edit: oh hey, someone from the State Department said this in a facebook group. "QEP results should be delivered around the first part of February. At that time you will receive information on scheduling the oral assessment." Oh god, I don't want to wait that loooong!! CherryCola fucked around with this message at 00:50 on Jan 16, 2010 |
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Jan 16, 2010 00:37
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Just wanna give a quick heads up and say that I passed the BEX yesterday. I'm pretty excited and maybe will be seeing some of you FSO goons in the later future. Take care and good luck everyone.
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Jan 16, 2010 00:58
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Homie S posted:Just wanna give a quick heads up and say that I passed the BEX yesterday. I'm pretty excited and maybe will be seeing some of you FSO goons in the later future. Take care and good luck everyone. IMS?
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Jan 16, 2010 01:30
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Vilerat posted:IMS? DSS
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Jan 16, 2010 02:05
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CherryCola posted:
That sounds about right. I received my QEP results about three weeks before the then current cohort finished their OAs. The current cohort ends in late February early March so getting your results in early Feb would be about right. After you pass the QEP you are able to schedule the OA anytime during athree month window. Test scheduling is done online. The slots that fall early in the cycle fill up quick; so if you don't want to test in March, it will not be a problem. xanthig fucked around with this message at 03:54 on Jan 16, 2010 |
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Jan 16, 2010 03:48
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I surpporting USAID through both their website and the fairfax county squad
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Jan 16, 2010 03:57
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CherryCola posted:edit: oh hey, someone from the State Department said this in a facebook group. Aw... I'd read earlier in this thread that results were expected around MLK weekend. I'm not too optimistic about getting an invite, personally. My experiences were pretty lackluster and the only thing keeping a sliver of hope alive is the fact that I felt equally dismal about my chances on the written exam.
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Jan 16, 2010 05:20
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Homie S posted:DSS Cool
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Jan 16, 2010 23:48
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I've signed up to take the test (hopefully next month) and am interested in the management cone. I'm an international business major with an emphasis in management, Spanish, and Latin America. My level of Spanish proficiency when I graduate will basically be at an advanced vacation level. Technically, I'm ok, but conversationally not so much. I have management experience and a bit of foreign travel experience but other than that I'm pretty unqualified. I want to test anyway, but do I really have a chance of getting through? My resume is somewhat spotty. Every job I have had I can provide good references for, but I have lapses in employment that aren't easily explained and I've made some questionable decisions that may or may not appear in a background check but no felonies and nothing overly extreme. Also I'm 30 and just getting my BS in international business. Just looking for a realistic look at my chances.
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Jan 18, 2010 10:54
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Homie S posted:DSS Word! You heading to Queen Anne then? Or jockeying for an overseas post? transient posted:I've signed up to take the test (hopefully next month) and am interested in the management cone. I'm an international business major with an emphasis in management, Spanish, and Latin America. My level of Spanish proficiency when I graduate will basically be at an advanced vacation level. Technically, I'm ok, but conversationally not so much. I don't work for State (i'm applying myself), but it seems going in, everyone has pretty much the same chances. I think Spanish is a pretty common language (not a critical needs language) so you won't get a lot of points for it, even if your proficiency is very high. I would not worry about your resume at this point in time unless you're applying to other jobs, since you have to pass the FSOT/QEP first. State FS doesn't really look at age, I think you just have to be between 21-60? years old (someone from state will correct me on this, just going by USAJOBS postings). A MS would likely help you (or a specialized MBA), but it's not a necessity unless it's specifically stated. (edit: it's possible they may look favorably upon your BS at 30, too. It can show that you have a direction in life career-wise) if you feel really uncomfortable or unsure of your abilities with State, try the CIA. I do know State corroborates occasionally with them and Private Contractors/Consultants (SAIC, Booz Allen, McKinsey are a few), you can apply with them as an economic/financial/intel analyst in latin american countries. But thats more of a 'business' environment, is that what you're aiming for? dunno on the management cone, but if it's what you're majoring in, then it would not hurt to try. If you're set on trying for the FS, you might as well also try USAID, which I think is still looking for management experience. Good luck! 
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Jan 18, 2010 16:11
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Your resume is basically the QEP stage, along with answering essay questions about your experiences. It's basically like resume plus initial interview rolled up into one.
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Jan 18, 2010 18:48
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I don't think I've seen the answer to this one just quite yet, but does anyone have access to the February test registration? I took it last year and I thought I'd have to fill out a 'registration 2010' form for this year. I just don't want to miss out on it. TIA.
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Jan 18, 2010 21:09
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Skandiaavity posted:Word! You heading to Queen Anne then? Or jockeying for an overseas post? Just a FYI, the incoming agents in our Specialist class are pretty much told first two postings will be domestic. Now there are domestic postings that have a lot of overseas travel. Oversea postings are highly competitive amongst DSS. edit: typos TCD fucked around with this message at 06:40 on Jan 19, 2010 |
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Jan 18, 2010 23:13
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How does one apply for DSS? I think it'd be great to work in an RSO office but don't know a lot about the application process.
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Jan 18, 2010 23:53
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Grr8 posted:How does one apply for DSS? I think it'd be great to work in an RSO office but don't know a lot about the application process. To begin find your nearest 5-11 tactical dealership and get properly outfitted... then go here: http://careers.state.gov/specialist/opportunities/secagent.html
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Jan 19, 2010 02:20
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Grr8 posted:How does one apply for DSS? I think it'd be great to work in an RSO office but don't know a lot about the application process. I actually signed up to get an email alert from State's website that told me it was open. Extremely convenient if you ask me. Every other similar position I have applied for didn't have that, which is lousy because the vacancy announcements are usually open for only a week. I'm looking forward to moving through the process though; sadly I'm not really through some of the other big hurdles so I can't offer insight to how it plays out. so far it doesn't look like they require a physical fitness test, so I guess all I need is a medical cert, suitability and a polygraph. then a panel looks my file over and says yay or nay. then I get on this magic list where they take the names from to fill the classes. this is pretty dumbed down so if anyone else knows more... Homie S fucked around with this message at 07:17 on Jan 19, 2010 |
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Jan 19, 2010 07:12
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Vilerat posted:To begin find your nearest 5-11 tactical dealership and get properly outfitted... I hear this is how lots of folks get ready for Iraq. . . .
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Jan 19, 2010 14:02
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Business of Ferrets posted:I hear this is how lots of folks get ready for Iraq. . . . That's because of the anti-terrorism (ram cars) course at the Bill Scott raceway. They have a 5-11 store set up there and they bring the entire class in to get properly fit for combat!
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Jan 19, 2010 14:19
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TCD posted:Just a FYI, the incoming agents in our Specialist class are pretty much told first two postings will be domestic. Now there are domestic postings that have a lot of overseas travel. Cool, thanks for the specialist tip. You gotta put in your dues! and yeah, overseas postings for DSS are cutthroat crazy. Vilerat - oh god, I participated in one of those (Counter Terrist Driving Skillz N' Other Useful Driving Habits in the DC Metro Area). Wasn't Bill Scott, but it was in VA. I don't think it was for DSS, though - might have been homeland. but holy lol are they ever unfair 'advantages.' Two Suburbans vs a Hyundai and suggesting a high speed impact?
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Jan 19, 2010 15:38
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Skandiaavity posted:Cool, thanks for the specialist tip. You gotta put in your dues! This one was more of a "oh poo poo you are an FSO in Baghdad and your driver just died sucks to be you!" course. It owned. The best course I've taken ever.
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Jan 19, 2010 21:08
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You guys saying that the overseas postings are competitive, do you mean that in the sense that it's possible to go to the lowest of low places as a tour or it is hard just to get overseas period?
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Jan 20, 2010 00:33
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For DS agents, it's the latter.
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Jan 20, 2010 00:40
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Business of Ferrets posted:For DS agents, it's the latter. Hm. Before applying and doing some surface scratching I was under the impression it was really only matter of time before one was going to get sent off to work outside the US. In fact, there was internet-talk about agents getting posted up overseas before their two years worth of touring domestically was up (I say internet-talk because I can't really say that it was reliable information). Thanks for the input though.
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Jan 20, 2010 00:53
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Homie S posted:Hm. Before applying and doing some surface scratching I was under the impression it was really only matter of time before one was going to get sent off to work outside the US. In fact, there was internet-talk about agents getting posted up overseas before their two years worth of touring domestically was up (I say internet-talk because I can't really say that it was reliable information). Thanks for the input though. I didn't mean to come across as saying that there is no chance of going overseas, just that there are far more domestic DS positions than there are outside the United States. All agents eventually get overseas, and I believe FS specialists have the same requirements to serve overseas that generalists do. Also, keep in mind that many DS agents prefer to stay Stateside, for a variety of reasons.
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Jan 20, 2010 09:29
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Business of Ferrets posted:I didn't mean to come across as saying that there is no chance of going overseas, just that there are far more domestic DS positions than there are outside the United States. All agents eventually get overseas, and I believe FS specialists have the same requirements to serve overseas that generalists do. What exactly does diplomatic security do? If they are not DS who are the "Security Officers" at foreign posts?
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Jan 20, 2010 15:22
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xanthig posted:What exactly does diplomatic security do? If they are not DS who are the "Security Officers" at foreign posts? Regional security officers are DS agents. There are DS agents stationed at almost every post. There are a shitload more DS agents who are stationed in NYC, DC, and regional spots throughout the US who do VISA fraud and passport forgery work. Also any time high level dignitaries visit the states (Think the UN for one) they are protected by DS teams.
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Jan 20, 2010 15:34
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Business of Ferrets posted:I didn't mean to come across as saying that there is no chance of going overseas, just that there are far more domestic DS positions than there are outside the United States. All agents eventually get overseas, and I believe FS specialists have the same requirements to serve overseas that generalists do. Nah I'm pickin up what you're layin down. I'm still doing the whole 'research' thing so I take any advice from people in the business. I guess other sources led me to believe otherwise; either way the gig sounds great to me.
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Jan 20, 2010 17:08
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xanthig posted:What exactly does diplomatic security do? If they are not DS who are the "Security Officers" at foreign posts? DS are the guys in Pacificas with rail mounted machine guns, sitting there smiling smugly and just daring you to run that red light, while conducting training exercises in the wee hours of the morning. DS does a lot of things, including some intel research. Mostly I believe they have a prevent&protect function - nobody wants any wars, so they protect overseas dignitaries/visitors while on US Soil, and protect U.S. Agents (or in rare cases, citizens) while abroad. edit: But that is only one kind of purpose they serve, it's similar the Secret Service - they gotta protect the president, but they also do.. many other things. Thats why most prefer to remain stateside, as there's a lot less of unknown variables that can go wrong. Vilerat posted:This one was more of a "oh poo poo you are an FSO in Baghdad and your driver just died sucks to be you!" course. It owned. The best course I've taken ever. heh, for some reason DSS has an unusually close relationship with NTSB  Like to the point NTSB will call DSS to assist with investigating foreign plane crashes (am thinking of that one in Pakistan that killed their entire cabinet)But yeah, at the one I went to, it was hosted by an outside contracting agency, but they ran similar scenarios, like some kind of sick dungeon master playing a modern warfare D&D. "Oh poo poo you are responsible for a VIP in d.c. and your driver and front gunman just got steamrolled by a delivery truck. You look over and see your VIP's legs are immobile and hostiles are closing, but you come to your senses and you find out the car is still running. What do you do?" then they hand you this busted up Lincoln that wouldn't go above 40, as if it was stuck in '1'. I'm fairly certain they had to lay down new concrete after that day.
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Jan 20, 2010 18:00
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Vilerat posted:Regional security officers are DS agents. There are DS agents stationed at almost every post. There are a shitload more DS agents who are stationed in NYC, DC, and regional spots throughout the US who do VISA fraud and passport forgery work. Doesn't DS also do the security clearance investigations, for State at least?
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Jan 20, 2010 18:39
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Pompous Rhombus posted:Doesn't DS also do the security clearance investigations, for State at least? Locally for sure but I'm not sure about all the deep background stuff. Maybe?
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Jan 20, 2010 19:24
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Pompous Rhombus posted:Doesn't DS also do the security clearance investigations, for State at least? According to the vacancy announcement, yes.
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Jan 20, 2010 19:57
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xanthig posted:What exactly does diplomatic security do? If they are not DS who are the "Security Officers" at foreign posts? Wait wha?
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Jan 20, 2010 21:19
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Pompous Rhombus posted:Doesn't DS also do the security clearance investigations, for State at least? IIRC that is OPM.
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Jan 20, 2010 23:34
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TCD posted:Wait wha? Think he misunderstood. DS are the security types at every post, but there are a lot more DS than are assigned at foreign posts.
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Jan 20, 2010 23:36
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Skandiaavity posted:if you feel really uncomfortable or unsure of your abilities with State, try the CIA. I do know State corroborates occasionally with them and Private Contractors/Consultants (SAIC, Booz Allen, McKinsey are a few), you can apply with them as an economic/financial/intel analyst in latin american countries. But thats more of a 'business' environment, is that what you're aiming for? I've actually got a close friend in the CIA right now who has been trying to talk me into it. Part of my problem is that before I decided to go back to school I had a mildly questionable past which from talking to people he knows he thought would not get me through a CIA background check, but quite possibly a state department one. Are the background checks similar?
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Jan 21, 2010 05:37
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Depending on what you mean by questionable past, the CIA has one of the more liberal policies on past drug use. Otherwise, TS/SCI is the same throughout the government.
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Jan 21, 2010 05:50
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Xandu posted:Depending on what you mean by questionable past, the CIA has one of the more liberal policies on past drug use. Otherwise, TS/SCI is the same throughout the government. Yeah, I was actually looking into CIA too and their drug question was something like "Have you generally not used Marijuana in the past 12 months?" Whereas the health questionnaire for the foreign service has the question "Have you used Marijuana....or Heroin?" That's a pretty general question right there.
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Jan 21, 2010 06:14
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SWATJester posted:IIRC that is OPM. At least to an extent, it is done by DS @ State.
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Jan 21, 2010 06:32
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