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the_chavi posted:I'll be there tomorrow, sunshine. Come on over to our place - no furniture as such yet, but we've got booze and we've got a rooftop deck! Ok, booze then Iron Man 3. Or, as I think of it, God bless America.
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May 3, 2013 22:34
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Zoots posted:Ok, booze then Iron Man 3. Or, as I think of it, God bless America.  OIG fun times here.... However, I just got an awesome compliment so that's cool.
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May 4, 2013 04:31
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TCD posted:
"Bury them in paper."
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May 4, 2013 05:02
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"Excuse me, I'd like to inspect your suit to make sure it's up to code."
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May 4, 2013 05:36
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TCD posted:I think you're onto something. It's similar to DS (no offense Brux/Homie). MED and DS can REALLY make a difference in your career and assignments. Okay, GSO fucks up, you can't find your stuff for 2-3 weeks more. Worst case, it's an insurance claim. Having seen the suitability process firsthand, I can't agree with you more. We really shoot ourselves in the foot sometimes.
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May 4, 2013 05:43
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I tried applying a couple years back while I was still working on my degree. I got a pretty solid score if I recall correctly, but just failed to complete the Personal Narrative portion. I'm aiming to take the test again in June and I'm wondering if there's any advice anyone can give regarding what they're looking for on the PN so I can get a little more direction in crafting my responses. I really enjoy writing, but I'm not huge on talking about myself and just didn't feel I would be able to compete with the life experiences of people from all the varied backgrounds listed in the OP. Also, how is hiring with the sequester and everything?
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May 5, 2013 09:52
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I think the hardest part of the PN's is answering the questions within the character constraint, so concision is key. Hiring is slower than years past, but still happening. It's probably going to be at attrition until the budget situation is resolved. Speaking a language, especially a critical one, really helps.
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May 5, 2013 13:18
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So first off, I have not read through this entire thread. I'm currently about 50 pages in, and am slowly working through it, but I have a few questions about FSOT. A bit of background: I am currently a 23 year old Peace Corps Volunteer serving in Central Asia. I graduated with a BA in English Literature literally two weeks before I left America for Peace Corps. Currently I am about halfway through my service and my Close of Service date is tentatively June, 2014. I have been interested in Foreign Service Overseas for quite a while, since before I even joined Peace Corps, and have just now started to seriously look into it. I love to travel, and since I'll still be young when my Peace Corps Service is over, the Diplomatic Courier position is really appealing to me. However, I have a few questions about the application process in regards to that specific job. Which track does it fall under? It doesn't seem to fit into any of the categories like "Diplomatic" or "Economic" specifically, so which track would I apply to if I were interested in becoming a courier? I've heard that you can apply for different jobs once you've done yours for several "tours" (I'm not sure if that's the term). How would that work in regards to being a Diplomatic Courier? If I did it for say, 6 years, then decided I wanted a less travel-oriented job, how would that work? And what would sort of job would I be able (or at least somewhat likely) to get if I could? How does housing and lodging work with being a courier? I understand that while you're out and about you stay in hotels and what not, but what about on your off time? I can't imagine that you'll literally be in a different country every other day, so do you just spend some time hanging around embassies when you're not actively delivering? People have said Diplomatic Couriers don't get a lot of respect, would that make it difficult to rise up the ladder career wise, especially if you were trying to apply for a different job after several years? Would it be sort of a "black mark" that you had been a Diplomatic Courier as opposed to some other job in the FSOT? Once again, I still have a full year left of my Peace Corps Service, but I'm really interested in looking into this. There are opportunities to take the written test in the capital city here, and I'm considering doing that as I really want to jump into my next job after this without spending too much time hanging around my parents' basement. I know a lot of people take the test multiple times, so I figure worst case scenario I get some experience taking it here before I go back to the States.
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May 5, 2013 13:22
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Tequila Sunrise posted:So first off, I have not read through this entire thread. I'm currently about 50 pages in, and am slowly working through it, but I have a few questions about FSOT. Courier is a specialist job, so that is where you'll stay unless and until you go through the generalist hiring process. The FSOT does not have anything to do with specialist positions. You have to really, really, really love travel for the courier job to make sense, and you risk having it kill that love through overexposure. But I haven't actually had much contact with couriers, so the IMSs in this thread might know better. I can say that it's doubtful a stint as a courier would have any negative effect on an application to work as an FSO, so no worries there. But the job will not be anything like what an FSO does, nor is there any easy mechanism to transition between the two, outside of the normal hiring process.
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May 5, 2013 13:46
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Business of Ferrets posted:Courier is a specialist job, so that is where you'll stay unless and until you go through the generalist hiring process. The FSOT does not have anything to do with specialist positions. You have to really, really, really love travel for the courier job to make sense, and you risk having it kill that love through overexposure. But I haven't actually had much contact with couriers, so the IMSs in this thread might know better. I can say that it's doubtful a stint as a courier would have any negative effect on an application to work as an FSO, so no worries there. But the job will not be anything like what an FSO does, nor is there any easy mechanism to transition between the two, outside of the normal hiring process. Can you explain the difference between applying for generalist and specialist jobs? So, for generalist you just go through the normal application process, IE the exam, Oral Interview, Personal Narrative, and then move through your cone? And for specialist do you apply specifically for one job?
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May 5, 2013 13:51
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As an IMS I sent in my application, got an invitation to interview. The interview consisted of a tech related essay question followed by an interview with a mix of tech questions, basic civics questions, and some generic job interview stuff. I assume the process is roughly similar for couriers. Couriers are based out of a handful of hubs and most trips consist of flying out, dropping off pouches, picking pouches up, and then flying right back. Sometimes an overnight stat is required in which case the local post will usually arrange accommodations. You can also end up preparing shipments going into and out of the hub. It's a bit of a grind really. At higher ranks you'll mostly stay at the hub and manage other couriers. As a Specialist you can become a Generalist through the Mustang program, which I unfortunately don't know too much about. You can almost move between specialties, again I don't know much about that. I'm happy where I'm at I guess.
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May 5, 2013 14:30
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AKA Pseudonym posted:As an IMS I sent in my application, got an invitation to interview. The interview consisted of a tech related essay question followed by an interview with a mix of tech questions, basic civics questions, and some generic job interview stuff. I assume the process is roughly similar for couriers. So supposing I wanted to be a courier, I wouldn't apply to the generalist FSO, I would just wait until a position opened up and then apply for it like I would a normal job?
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May 5, 2013 14:40
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Tequila Sunrise posted:So supposing I wanted to be a courier, I wouldn't apply to the generalist FSO, I would just wait until a position opened up and then apply for it like I would a normal job? That is correct.
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May 5, 2013 15:05
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Tequila Sunrise posted:So supposing I wanted to be a courier, I wouldn't apply to the generalist FSO, I would just wait until a position opened up and then apply for it like I would a normal job? Yes. I know several couriers who did an excursion as FSOs in some dark place of the earth, and then skillcode petitioned to be a generalist. Honestly, I wouldn't want to do the courier job. Most of your time is spent in an airplane, or plane side on the tarmac. Seldom will they see much of the city beyond that. Also, most of the job is watching bags and crates and explaining to airport/government officials what diplomatic pouch means and the vienna convention. To top it off, if you gently caress up your job, people will be pissed and may have serious ramification on you. Don't get me wrong, it's an important job, just not one I'd do. TCD fucked around with this message at 15:11 on May 5, 2013 |
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May 5, 2013 15:08
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I like couriers, but yeah, you have to really love flying. You should get business class if it's available, and you will meet a lot of IMS in your time.. In my class there were only 2 couriers out of 80-something people. A lot of the 'good routes' are picked up by the old-timers who have more seniority, I am told. The slots just aren't really opened because State likes to fill them with retirees or something? You'll get housing like any other FSO (generalist or specialist), just you may be there less. And like TCD said, if you mess up, quite a lot of people will be unhappy. The job can be somewhat easy (at least from an IMS perspective), being very detail-oriented and able to think on your feet well will get you past most things. edit: but yeah the penalty for loving up is huge. Even on the IMS end, too. Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 15:31 on May 5, 2013 |
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May 5, 2013 15:29
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TCD posted:Yes. Thanks. Back to the general FSO test, how does taking it overseas work? So if I go take the written exam and pass, would I be expected to go back to D.C. to take the QEP, or do you guys now if it can all be administrated overseas?
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May 5, 2013 15:30
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Tequila Sunrise posted:Thanks. The Orals are given only in the States, but usually in a few other cities in addition to DC. I took mine in San Francisco, for example.
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May 5, 2013 15:36
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Yeah, my Peace Corps close-mate took most of the portions here in Benin, but he has to fly over to New York to take the Oral exam, at his own expense. Ironically, its the same weekend he was supposed to be meeting with Peace Corps staff to pick his close-of-service date. 
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May 5, 2013 19:58
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Slaan posted:Yeah, my Peace Corps close-mate took most of the portions here in Benin, but he has to fly over to New York to take the Oral exam, at his own expense. Ironically, its the same weekend he was supposed to be meeting with Peace Corps staff to pick his close-of-service date. That's the only thing I'm worried about. I'd hate to take the first two sections here, and then have like a month left in service and have them tell me I need to fly out to D.C. and take a test that may end up meaning nothing. I think what I'll try and do is take the test in February or June, before my COS, so if I pass I'll be back in America by the time I might need to take the oral exam. So the prevailing wisdom seems to say 'Don't expect to get in, just have State as a backup'? If that is the case than perhaps I'll spend more time looking into grad schools while I'm here than straight preparing for my FSO test.
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May 6, 2013 02:06
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Tequila Sunrise posted:So the prevailing wisdom seems to say 'Don't expect to get in, just have State as a backup'? If that is the case than perhaps I'll spend more time looking into grad schools while I'm here than straight preparing for my FSO test. Yes, don't count on anything. I've tried to get in to State under both generalist and specialist tracks. I'll get in eventually, but I'm sure glad I didn't count on it.
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May 6, 2013 02:13
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IIRC the FSOA appointments are available over about a 6 week window, so if you can get online quickly enough you have some flexibility in scheduling. I was living in Japan at the time and scheduled mine for a Monday. I flew in on a Wednesday, had a few days to get over any jetlag (which i fortunately didn't have anyway) with friends, then checked into the hotel next to the OA site the night before. I don't have much experience with couriers but one of the econ officers in my office just transitioned from a long courier carrier to FSO. She had been doing FSO work for at least 2 year prior to that, so those positions are available to couriers. I knew another guy who was technically a courier but worked as a political officer here. He ended up leaving the service with a bad reputation that I personally didn't see that he earned, but the way I heard it was that he'd taken the political position in a hard to fill post with the understanding that it would help him transition from courier to FSO. It didn't work out that way though, but I'm not clear if it was because of his attitude or if his attitude came about because he got screwed. The point of that story is really just to balance out the first one, namely transition to FSO is possible but not guaranteed. Finally, my last courier knowledge is purely second-hand from a USAID buddy who said that his courier friend loves the job as a single guy. He travels all over, "meets" lots of people, racks up bazillions of frequent flier miles, travels in class, great hotels, etc. My USAID friend said he was even considering changing to courier. I'd recommend Tequila Sunrise seek out some couriers and get their perspective on the job. Lots of jobs and positions are really personality specific. My post has been fine for me without my family but would have been much more difficult if they'd been here. Of course I'd like to have them here, but caring for their welfare and happiness adds stress whereas without them, I only have to deal with my own welfare and happiness. Same surely goes for couriers: certain people probably love it while others hate it. Figure out why and which one of those groups you're most like and you'll know what to do. I'll be arriving at FSI in September for 9 months. I know that I'm an unknown quantity here at SA but hopefully will get to know and meet some of y'all.
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May 6, 2013 09:52
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Slaan posted:Yeah, my Peace Corps close-mate took most of the portions here in Benin, but he has to fly over to New York to take the Oral exam, at his own expense. Ironically, its the same weekend he was supposed to be meeting with Peace Corps staff to pick his close-of-service date. I think PCVs can request to have their OA date held after their COS, your friend might want to look into that.
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May 6, 2013 12:51
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I thought courier was one of those position that had like 80 people in it and no one actually ever applied and got in. Here's a cool article about one from a while back - http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-05-20/politics/35455287_1_diplomatic-pouches-diplomatic-missions-diplomatic-courier Interesting fact the UK ones are called Queens Messengers http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen%27s_Messenger but are primarily made up of older retired James Bond looking officers. Cool historic video I bookmarked about them http://www.britishpathe.com/video/queens-messenger-story problematique fucked around with this message at 14:43 on May 6, 2013 |
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May 6, 2013 14:41
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problematique posted:I thought courier was one of those position that had like 80 people in it and no one actually ever applied and got in. This was the impression made on my by the HR guy I recently worked with at a job fair. It's a small field and peolpe NEVER leave once they are in. That said, they do hire from time to time. I think it's something you would have to always have in the back of your mind and try for whenever it pops up, but not rely on it as a career choice.
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May 6, 2013 14:51
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Tequila Sunrise posted:So the prevailing wisdom seems to say 'Don't expect to get in, just have State as a backup'? TBH this is pretty good advice for any kind of federal government employment.
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May 6, 2013 15:29
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psydude posted:TBH this is pretty good advice for any kind of federal government employment. Yeah, even more so during this budget environment.
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May 6, 2013 16:16
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I think that's good advice for most things in life. Lots of baskets full of eggs!
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May 6, 2013 17:58
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Do people ever line up doing grad school programs during 2 or 3 year stints in places with strong international affairs graduate programs (DC/London) or are people usually so busy with work that's not really a feasible option? I'm trying to understand if there's a common path for people in FS to complete grad school as its something I'm interested in doing at some point.
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May 6, 2013 19:54
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problematique posted:Do people ever line up doing grad school programs during 2 or 3 year stints in places with strong international affairs graduate programs (DC/London) or are people usually so busy with work that's not really a feasible option? I've heard of people doing night classes and other distant programs. It's possible if you want it enough.
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May 6, 2013 19:56
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I have friends who are doing it in the civil service, so I imagine it would be possible during a 3-year DC tour depending on the program. It seems kind of miserable to me, so you'd have to really know that it's going to enhance your career and that you want to do it. I am so happy to be done with school.
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May 6, 2013 19:58
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This afternoon, I received an offer for the July 15 Generalist class! Please add me to the list in the OP as a shiny new Consular officer.
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May 7, 2013 00:52
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Nutrimentia posted:I knew another guy who was technically a courier but worked as a political officer here. He ended up leaving the service with a bad reputation that I personally didn't see that he earned, but the way I heard it was that he'd taken the political position in a hard to fill post with the understanding that it would help him transition from courier to FSO. It didn't work out that way though, but I'm not clear if it was because of his attitude or if his attitude came about because he got screwed. To be fair, they cover this in A-100.. Basically, it depends.... But the rundown is what you said it correct, it would help him transition from courier to FSO. Although you need 2+ tours (~4 years?) experience to make that official? While you will get the skillcode listed in your HR file, it does not guarantee a job/slot any more than bidding. You still have to network; the higher up you go the harder it is to find jobs to transfer over, iirc. Political Officer (BoF can provide input), appears to be the sort of job where experience and time polish your etiquette, which is mandatory.. It's possible he ran into some kind of glass wall? I don't think you get a hit on corridor rep for going specialist > generalist (or vice versa). Must have been something else Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 02:02 on May 7, 2013 |
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May 7, 2013 01:50
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Wow congrats. Super fast!
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May 7, 2013 02:28
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Tyro posted:Wow congrats. Super fast! I hope you get something - weren't you right after me on the register? I need more drinking contacts for D.C.!
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May 7, 2013 02:32
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d1rtbag posted:I hope you get something - weren't you right after me on the register? I feel like I'm whoring myself out here, but I'm always down for good times drinking with FS folks passing through DC. There are others who can vouch for that, too!
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May 7, 2013 02:41
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d1rtbag posted:I hope you get something - weren't you right after me on the register? I'll be there for 4 or so weeks in a few months.
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May 7, 2013 03:23
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d1rtbag posted:This afternoon, I received an offer for the July 15 Generalist class! Congrats! See you in DC in July!
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May 7, 2013 13:22
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drat I'm going to have to update the OP again aren't I? Oh well, it's the best kind of updating.
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May 7, 2013 13:55
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d1rtbag posted:This afternoon, I received an offer for the July 15 Generalist class! drat, what kind of turnaround is that - two months from OA?
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May 7, 2013 14:17
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Diplomaticus, I would be most interested in a "leaving the Foreign Service" readout either as you go through the process, or when you're done. I've known a few folks who've left, but never discussed the process with them.
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May 7, 2013 14:28
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