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Homie S posted:I know the generalists get more of an orientation at FSI, but beyond that do they get more specific "cone" training afterwards? I've never asked the FSOs I've worked with about this. A-100 is followed by one of the following, depending on your assignment: Consular Basic Course ("ConGen") Political/Economic Statecraft (combined course) Public Diplomacy Statecraft (apparently consists of a PD intro course, and then specific courses for ACAO, IO, PAO, etc.) A Million Different GSO Courses
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Jun 23, 2012 06:10
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Diplomaticus posted:Public Diplomacy Statecraft (apparently consists of a PD intro course, and then specific courses for ACAO, IO, PAO, etc.) This is about a million different courses and consults as well. Grants training will get you certified so you can spend your budget on independent grants programs (or go to jail if you misappropriate funds  ). Cultural tradecraft covers the myriad programs sponsored by ECA and IIP (Education/Cultural Affairs and Info Something Something Programs) and the nuts and bolts of sponsoring visits and spending money. Press tradecraft covers media relations, how to deal with the front office, PR spin, murderboards, and composure/elocution. There's also an optional PAO tradecraft that deals more with the administrative side of Public Affairs; handling budgets, interoffice cooperation, managing staff, etc. They spend like half a day on this stuff in A-100, but the actual courses themselves are like a total of seven to nine weeks.
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Jun 23, 2012 08:23
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How does language training through the Foreign Service compare with the Defense Language Institute? How many hours a week do you spend on language education?
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Jun 24, 2012 23:38
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Bellum posted:How does language training through the Foreign Service compare with the Defense Language Institute? How many hours a week do you spend on language education? I haven't done DLI, but my Portuguese class had two people plus a Brazilian instructor, 2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon with a 1 hour self led language lab where you could do other language activities 5 days a week. My class only went for 8 weeks as it was just a crash course, but to get to the 3/3, Portuguese is 6 months, 4 days a week. I think the Spanish -> Portuguese is 4 months.
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Jun 25, 2012 01:22
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Bellum posted:How does language training through the Foreign Service compare with the Defense Language Institute? How many hours a week do you spend on language education? Having not been to DLI, I'm told that it is typically a higher level of training, at least for 3/3s. Courses are pretty much how TCD explained it, something like 5-6 hours a day, plus homework and any self-study. For the languages I've been bidding on the courses typically run about 8 months, sometimes a few weeks shorter. Keep in mind that a 3/3 is a pretty substantial level of fluency.
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Jun 25, 2012 11:47
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I'm about to graduate with a BA in Economics and a BA in German. My German is pretty weak now (I lived there for a year, but I've been back in the states for a long time without speaking any German) but I can brush up on it and hope to score high on the phone interview I guess. I would love to go back to Germany, but it's not a requirement for me. If I were to apply right out of college, what are my odds that I'll get in on the economic track? What kind of work experience are they looking for? I've only held the standard part time college job type thing. I've been thinking about this very carefully and I'm pretty convinced this is what I want to do.
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Jun 27, 2012 09:29
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Rums posted:I'm about to graduate with a BA in Economics and a BA in German. My German is pretty weak now (I lived there for a year, but I've been back in the states for a long time without speaking any German) but I can brush up on it and hope to score high on the phone interview I guess. I would love to go back to Germany, but it's not a requirement for me. If I were to apply right out of college, what are my odds that I'll get in on the economic track? What kind of work experience are they looking for? I've only held the standard part time college job type thing. I've been thinking about this very carefully and I'm pretty convinced this is what I want to do. Odds are hard to say, it's a pretty mixed bag. My understanding is that the Officer hiring isn't exactly booming right now and in general, it's a pretty competitive process. At the same time, it never hurts to apply and see where it leads. Many people try several times. The German won't really help you much at first, it doesn't come into play until after you've done pretty much the whole process successfully but, it will help you once you get to the register. As far as work experience goes they want things that demonstrate the fabled "13 dimensions" http://careers.state.gov/uploads/1e/be/1ebeb6be82c173e5cfb6e132b6fbd9b0/3.0.0_FSO_13_dimensions.pdf I've heard of people with years of experience working abroad not get past the QEP and people with little on the job experience at all making it in.
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Jun 27, 2012 15:42
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I just got the letter saying that I passed the FSOT...on to the dreaded PNQs! OA for my OMS application is next month and a couple days after that the recruitment for Information Resource Officers closes so my fingers are really crossed for that one. At least for that one I had to submit the PNQs as part of the application process. IROs are still considered specialists even though they're called "officer" right?
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Jun 27, 2012 15:47
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The FSOT results are in! ...and apparently my essay wasn't good enough. It's strange because I was a writing tutor in college, seems kinda hard to mess up. Oh well. What a great birthday today is so far 
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Jun 27, 2012 15:51
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Not looking forward to my PNQs. Any advice other than try to implement as many of the 13-D's as I can?
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Jun 27, 2012 18:52
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Miscreant Fromage posted:IROs are still considered specialists even though they're called "officer" right?
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Jun 27, 2012 19:14
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Well, I got my score back! According to the letter, you need a 154 or higher to move to the next step -- I scored a 133. drat, I walked out of that test feeling like I did well, too. I'll just tell myself that wasn't bad for a first try & prepare a little harder for next year's test. Thanks to all of you for your suggestions!
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Jun 27, 2012 19:35
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Rums posted:I'm about to graduate with a BA in Economics and a BA in German. My German is pretty weak now (I lived there for a year, but I've been back in the states for a long time without speaking any German) but I can brush up on it and hope to score high on the phone interview I guess. I would love to go back to Germany, but it's not a requirement for me. If I were to apply right out of college, what are my odds that I'll get in on the economic track? What kind of work experience are they looking for? I've only held the standard part time college job type thing. I've been thinking about this very carefully and I'm pretty convinced this is what I want to do. It's hard to say, it's more about you and your experiences rather than anything else. Say you might not have management experience but you're able to adapt in-class experience to match what they're asking for. Some people apply out of college and make it because they match the 13D's personality wise, some people have a ton of experience and never make it through. Yet others, it's a forever process on the register. Restating it again but the FS, Generalist or Specialist, should be your Plan B, due to the amount of time it takes to go through the process. Also, a BA in german might qualify you for a two. If you lived there for a long time, maybe a 3. (The scale is different, some examples were stated a page or two ago.) Sometimes things come out different from what we have in mind. It is true for every job. The FS is pretty tough but rewarding, it's not a job: recruiters will tell you it's more like way of life. That can be hard to explain in words; it's not a group mentality, it just means that there's a few black/white lines and working as a FSO, Generalist or Specialist, is more of a Grey-line affair. There's no real "nine to five, leave work at work and go home to your family" mentality. Since you're working with your second family, stuff comes up, people need help, floors need cleaning, etc. (Yeah, you heard that right. Sometimes you'll even see top brass help out with such 'menial tasks'. It needs to be done. It's not a Type-A / 24 hour job, but you will be representing America (which is a 24/7/365 job btw); so you will definitely have days you can clock out at 1700 sharp. But it's not at all like other federal jobs.) Since it's a plan B, a lot of folks go out and get some 'real world' (sic business) experience as that teaches the stuff you don't learn in college. Things like a micromanaging boss or having to pick up slack for an unmotivated co-worker, etc. I noticed for specialist, the age range of hiring tended to be late 20's or later - people with a few years experience under their belt, so they know what different management styles are like. Dunno about generalists (someone chip in on that) but that appears to be the case as well. Germany, like most of Western Europe, is a figuratively cushy spot. Who knows what HR decides, but I wouldn't bet on getting it for a first assignment or perhaps even first few assignments. (Unless you're an IMTS) In the FS, you have people willing to go to places like Nigeria, Chad, Guatemala, Iraq, etc;, that are pretty dangerous or undesirable - volunteering even - to help out. By doing so, their next post would most likely be someplace like Germany. It's a very real possibility that you might get sent to Haiti, Argentina, Cameroon, etc for your first assignment. You can't really say "I'd like to stick to Europe as my area of expertise." In sum, It Depends. That's all part of why it's hard to say whether or not you'll pass. They look at you, not your background. Really, who knows how BEX decides. All I can tell you is that if you're interested at all, go for it. Que sera sera, if you make it. If not, try to analyze what part you got stuck on. It just may help you look at yourself differently! Think positive! Congrats to everyone who passed this round of FSOT's and wishing you the best of luck on your PNQ/OA's!
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Jun 27, 2012 21:55
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Whew, passed! I thought my essay was complete garbage, but w/e. I'm not complaining! I have a feeling I'm going to get dinged on the QEP, though.
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Jun 28, 2012 00:27
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Passed the FSOT too. Less excited about that since I'm 0-3 on the QEP stage and I've got the DSS COE, but will still give it a shot. I think my biographic score was the highest of the three MC sections. How times have changed. I don't have to pick one between generalist/specialist until I would actually be on the register for both right? Or am I making that whole thing up?
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Jun 28, 2012 03:22
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Kase Im Licht posted:Passed the FSOT too. Less excited about that since I'm 0-3 on the QEP stage and I've got the DSS COE, but will still give it a shot. I think my biographic score was the highest of the three MC sections. How times have changed. Generalists and all the specialists have different registers. You can be on multiple if you make it past the various OA's.
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Jun 28, 2012 03:29
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I'm actually looking at the QEP and seeing that you have to put references down for each of your stories. Do they contact everyone you put down, or is it more of a maybe they will, maybe they won't thing to keep you honest? I guess it's not a big deal, but should I be telling my references to expect a call from the federal gov't or just 'hey, don't be alarmed if you get a call' kinda thing?
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Jun 28, 2012 06:48
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Skandiaavity posted:Germany, like most of Western Europe, is a figuratively cushy spot. Who knows what HR decides, but I wouldn't bet on getting it for a first assignment or perhaps even first few assignments. (Unless you're an IMTS) In the FS, you have people willing to go to places like Nigeria, Chad, Guatemala, Iraq, etc;, that are pretty dangerous or undesirable - volunteering even - to help out. By doing so, their next post would most likely be someplace like Germany. It's a very real possibility that you might get sent to Haiti, Argentina, Cameroon, etc for your first assignment. You can't really say "I'd like to stick to Europe as my area of expertise." Just adding to this, there was one Germany post (CG Munich) on my first bid list.
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Jun 28, 2012 07:09
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Diplomaticus posted:Just adding to this, there was one Germany post (CG Munich) on my first bid list. yup. How coveted was it in your A-100 class? Imagine there were quite a few high bids on it. Not saying it won't be on the list, just saying it's a real possibility folkks might get sent elsewhere. Also, you're having the time of your life in Addis Abbas!  TCD: I heard you can only be on one register now? The first one you make it to, BEX asks you if you have any/to stop your other processions. (They did to me, at least? Had to drop the Generalist route) or is that only a formality, like "please don't" but there's no actual rules about it?
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Jun 28, 2012 21:40
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I was told just yesterday by HR that you can be on both registers until you accept an offer. As soon as you accept a real offer (not a COE) your other candidacy is terminated. That's the situation I'm going to be in as soon as my clearances are done...
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Jun 28, 2012 22:22
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That seems more what they were intending, yeah. I think the BEX folks and I must've had a miscommunication there. Makes sense you can't game the system for offers. Speedy clearances and best of luck.
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Jun 29, 2012 02:30
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Skandiaavity posted:yup. How coveted was it in your A-100 class? Imagine there were quite a few high bids on it. Not saying it won't be on the list, just saying it's a real possibility folkks might get sent elsewhere. Also, you're having the time of your life in Addis Abbas! It was pretty coveted.
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Jun 29, 2012 06:24
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Diplomaticus posted:Just adding to this, there was one Germany post (CG Munich) on my first bid list. Not surprised at all that this is coveted consider Munich is easily the best city in Germany, and probably in the top 3 for all of Europe IMO. When I lived there I was constantly visiting Munich. My BahnCard probably paid for itself just traveling back and forth. Skandiaavity posted:Thanks for the input. Like I said, Germany isn't a requirement for me (in fact I like the idea of picking up more languages). It's one of those things where if I get in, I'm in regardless of where I go. My biggest concern is just getting in. Is there any penalty for reapplying if you don't get in the first time? Do they look at the number of times you've applied, or do they base it solely on those 13 things and most people just give up if they aren't making it?
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Jun 29, 2012 18:59
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Jacobobb posted:I'm actually looking at the QEP and seeing that you have to put references down for each of your stories. Do they contact everyone you put down, or is it more of a maybe they will, maybe they won't thing to keep you honest? I guess it's not a big deal, but should I be telling my references to expect a call from the federal gov't or just 'hey, don't be alarmed if you get a call' kinda thing? Im wondering the same thing if anyone knows.
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Jun 29, 2012 19:10
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Rent-A-Cop posted:Im wondering the same thing if anyone knows. They may or may not contract your references for verification. It is completely random who they contact and who they don't/
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Jun 29, 2012 19:43
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Jacobobb posted:I'm actually looking at the QEP and seeing that you have to put references down for each of your stories. Do they contact everyone you put down, or is it more of a maybe they will, maybe they won't thing to keep you honest? I guess it's not a big deal, but should I be telling my references to expect a call from the federal gov't or just 'hey, don't be alarmed if you get a call' kinda thing? I told every person I put down that they may or may not be contacted and to just be honest. It's always good form to let someone know they might be called so they aren't caught off-guard and give terrible responses... and more specifically for this, you don't want people suddenly acting cagey because they think you might be in trouble and want to protect you. mute fucked around with this message at 20:33 on Jun 29, 2012 |
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Jun 29, 2012 20:13
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Rums posted:My biggest concern is just getting in. Is there any penalty for reapplying if you don't get in the first time? Do they look at the number of times you've applied, or do they base it solely on those 13 things and most people just give up if they aren't making it? There's no penalty nor number of times you can take the test. Some people have been trying for 8+ times. HR or BEX would probably not know the number of times you applied.. not entirely sure of the odds of you getting the same BEX folks for a separate OA, but I'd imagine it would be slim. BEX passage is really a mystery, but 13 D's are what they aim for. BEX would not be the ones to decide to hire you - they just approve if you're ready for the next step. Then comes clearances; if you fail one of these then maybe you would not get any further regardless of cone/specialty... There are more than enough resources out there to help, and the new stuff is constantly added on the yahoo board (which also has State employees on it FYI); and IMO it's probably the fairest assessment/interview I have seen or been through. It's tough because it reflects the job. Like I said, the FS isn't for everyone, but everyone is encouraged to apply since there's no real way to know. Some people have ideas what that life would be like and in reality it's something else. Some people just want a 9-5 government tenured job that has the benefit of travelling all over the (nice parts of the) world; and well, the FS isn't really that at all. There are also plenty of other options if you don't want to enter the FS but want a similar lifestyle. Sometimes it's not you, and you might be suited for the FS, but you get a really bad group to work with, so there's nothing you can do about that except try again. Other times, people just make their case better - like a higher score on the register, and that makes you not get an offer and fall off. Similar to how some runners are faster than others. Doesn't mean anything at all, we're all good folks, so if you really want it, keep at it and learn from each failed or passed OA. edit really: the amount of resources and help available are staggering. People even have mock-up OA meetups and Skype practice groups..in addition to the writing exercises and borderline-NDA-breaking essay material. Then you have folks/recruiters from State who can go and help you, and 'hometown diplomats' and whatnot. It's nice to have the ability/exp to work with different types of people since you never know who will be at your OA, so you can get lots of feedback of where you went wrong. Some people are very bitter about the experience. If you can, try to ignore those people. IMO, at the worst case, you will learn something new about yourself and have plenty of time to work on that. Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 20:22 on Jun 29, 2012 |
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Jun 29, 2012 20:15
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Rent-A-Cop posted:Im wondering the same thing if anyone knows. None of my contacts were called. For other people, every contact was called. It appears to be random as best as anyone can tell. More often than not, they don't call.
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Jun 29, 2012 20:58
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FYI, in NOVA and I have power and internet due to back up generators and proximity to MAE-East.. reach out if you want to or need to stop by or need me to do a supply run. estimated to take up to a week to restore services.
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Jul 1, 2012 04:00
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Man, the life in some of the countries we have to live in. I swear!
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Jul 1, 2012 19:04
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Depending on the outcome of tonight's match, the Italians will either drive around the city all night honking their horns or they will drive around all night honking their horns loudly. Forza azzurri? #foreignserviceproblems
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Jul 1, 2012 19:10
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Bellum posted:How does language training through the Foreign Service compare with the Defense Language Institute? How many hours a week do you spend on language education? I looked into this and also spoke with a colleague who has been through both FSI and DLI. The actual classroom time is roughly the same between the programs. It is hard to compare homework hours, since DLI normally is a residential course with mandatory homework and study hall. Class size at FSI is better; usually 3-4 students in a class compared with about 10 or so at DLI. DLI tends to focus on listening and reading (skills most useful in the most common military linguist jobs), while FSI emphasizes speaking and reading. Diplomaticus posted:Having not been to DLI, I'm told that it is typically a higher level of training, at least for 3/3s. This is the interesting part. The DLI Basic Course is designed to get someone to the 2 level, but takes roughly half again as long to get people to that level. So it would not be surprising that a DLI grad with a 2 could be more capable than an FSI grad at the same proficiency level since, for example, in Chinese the DLI grad would have had 64 weeks of instruction compared to the FSI grad's 44. To get to a 3 in Spanish, FSI takes about 26 weeks or so. DLI will get a trainee to a 2 level in that time, and might require up to an additional 36 weeks of instruction to get to the 3 level. DLI is focused on getting people to 2, while FSI is designed to get people to 3. Naturally, there are gifted language learners who can go beyond the standard in either program; I'm just speaking in terms of expectations for average students. Here is a PDF describing the DLI programs available; pages 35-44 are particularly germane to this discussion. Finally, with the obvious exception of location -- Monterey is a phenomenal place to live and play -- FSI hands down is a more pleasant experience than DLI. This is mostly due to the civilian, instead of military, environment.
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Jul 1, 2012 21:09
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FSI is closed and without power tomorrow, telework if you have access.
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Jul 2, 2012 03:51
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It's 65f and gorgeous today in The Hague. Just a really nice and pleasant day. Happy no power day NoVa!
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Jul 2, 2012 08:15
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Vilerat posted:It's 65f and gorgeous today in The Hague. Just a really nice and pleasant day. Happy no power day NoVa! I think the forecast here is 75-80 for the next month with no chance of rain.
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Jul 2, 2012 13:02
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It's 9 AM, but 86 F and 85% humidity. People all over DC/MD are really pissed at PEPCO, though
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Jul 2, 2012 15:16
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I applied for the Spring 2013 internship program (just before the deadline, woo!) I chose 2 bureaus that interest me but have no idea if either of them have positions in Korea, which is where I'd like to work since I want to continue brushing up my Korean. I'd obviously go anywhere if selected, but since I'm specializing in the peninsular conflict and speak the language... Well, I'd hope that my statement of purpose made it clear enough that Korea is where my skills might be the most useful. I don't suppose anyone knows any way to be sure a given bureau has internship positions in a given country, do they?
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Jul 2, 2012 23:25
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 Bern. Leif. fucked around with this message at 17:12 on Jul 3, 2012 |
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Jul 3, 2012 15:12
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Nice. Bern is a quirky and kind of quiet city, and holy hell is CH expensive, but I'd definitely live there if given the chance. The trains are amazing.
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Jul 3, 2012 15:17
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Diplomaticus posted:
That's awesome! Are we going to have ANY goons in bad places? Well, except for pamchenko, of course. . . .
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Jul 3, 2012 19:58
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