|
Business of Ferrets posted:I was alluding to that!  Most famous legs in Libya. And, for about 48 hours in mid-September, America.
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 12:54
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 22, 2024 11:44 |
|
|
Eminent Domain posted:I was signed up for this, but I ended up cancelling to push it back to the test later this year since I'm also in the middle of studying for the bar (what a poor decision that was) and there were possible issues with me getting over to the testing place that day as well. So I'll be taking the October one, any tips in the meantime besides just keeping abreast of current events and all that? When I took the test last year, the only preparation I did was keep track of current events and I read some excel file I got off the Yahoo! group called "Master Flash Card." I passed, though I'm not sure how much either of them helped, but I do know that I got a question about the SALT treaty right because of the flash card list. Total Confusion fucked around with this message at 15:05 on Jun 12, 2013 |
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 14:55
|
|
|
Gold and a Pager posted:When I took the test last year, the only preparation I did was keep track of current events and I read some excel file I got off the Yahoo! group called "Master Flash Card." I'm not going the officer route but when you said SALT treaty I knew right away what it stood for. Political Science degree ftw!
|
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 15:13
|
|
|
Eminent Domain posted:
"Worldwide availability" is just that. It doesn't mean that you'll have to serve in a post that has danger pay (but most definitely will serve in "hardship" locations), but you have to be prepared for it, especially early on when you have little-to-no control over assignments. If you can't accept working 2 years in the worst post you can imagine (and by this, I don't mean "use your imagination" but check out everything in developing nations, border posts, etc), I recommend reconsidering the career. I really have no patience with people who are vehemently unhappy with their assignments because they weren't ready for it; they are bad for morale and come across as self-entitled, whiny elitists. As for taking the written test, the practice test provided by State is very indicative of the kinds of questions you'll face. Some history, some geography, some math (Mean, Mode, Median, anyone?), some U.S. Constitution, etc.
|
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 15:58
|
|
|
Nutrimentia posted:"Worldwide availability" is just that. It doesn't mean that you'll have to serve in a post that has danger pay (but most definitely will serve in "hardship" locations), but you have to be prepared for it, especially early on when you have little-to-no control over assignments. If you can't accept working 2 years in the worst post you can imagine (and by this, I don't mean "use your imagination" but check out everything in developing nations, border posts, etc), I recommend reconsidering the career. I really have no patience with people who are vehemently unhappy with their assignments because they weren't ready for it; they are bad for morale and come across as self-entitled, whiny elitists.
|
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 19:23
|
|
|
What happens to your accrued home leave if you get a follow up domestic posting? Do you lose it since your not going abroad for a new posting? As a FYI to anyone in the future reading this. If you find yourself stuck in permanent adjudication limbo, you can actually get more information than "your still being adjudicated" from the securityclearance@state.gov folks. Just email them asking to forward your email to your case manager and include the investigation number found on the front page of the eqip you filed out. I was reading an OMS was stuck in limbo for six months and did that; the adjudicator contacted her directly over something and she was able to explain it/give more detail and was fully cleared a day later. Alas, I tried that but never got a response, but hey, maybe it's worth shot for others! problematique fucked around with this message at 04:11 on Jun 13, 2013 |
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 20:24
|
|
|
problematique posted:What happens to your accrued home leave if you get a follow up domestic posting? Do you lose it since your not going abroad for a new posting?
|
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 20:35
|
|
|
problematique posted:What happens to your accrued home leave if you get a follow up domestic posting? Do you lose it since your not going abroad for a new posting? Thanks, I might try that. I have been in adjudications since early January.
|
|
#
?
Jun 12, 2013 21:50
|
|
|
I'll be doing a DoS student internship this Fall in DC. I've been reading this thread since the beginning, but I'm wondering if there's anything you'd all prefer interns to know or be prepared for when they start. Things that would make your lives easier.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 03:35
|
|
|
Pack out is almost finished & I can finally start to relax (except for the part where we have to finish packing for our flight that leaves in 22hrs.)
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 05:06
|
|
|
1of7 posted:Pack out is almost finished & I can finally start to relax (except for the part where we have to finish packing for our flight that leaves in 22hrs.) Yeah, I'm in the wind down part of my tour now. I got my PCS tickets yesterday so it's starting to feel pretty real.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 13:21
|
|
|
I got my final ticket out as well. People coming tomorrow to scrounge through my possessions and a packout scheduled for June 25.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 13:31
|
|
|
Just realized that a couple of people from my A-100 are probably known to 1of7, at least if the information on people's location on the first page is accurate. ....or maybe 1of7 is someone from my A-100 class......
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 13:34
|
|
|
Nutrimentia posted:Just realized that a couple of people from my A-100 are probably known to 1of7, at least if the information on people's location on the first page is accurate. He's an IMS like me, but, yeah, it's a small world. I had a pol officer come up to me and say he also knew 1of7. It's pretty much 1 degree of seperation in this job.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 13:58
|
|
|
tismondo posted:I'll be doing a DoS student internship this Fall in DC. I've been reading this thread since the beginning, but I'm wondering if there's anything you'd all prefer interns to know or be prepared for when they start. Things that would make your lives easier. Dress professionally, be willing and eager to do any assignment that is given to you, be methodical and demonstrate attention to detail in completing your assignments. Remember that the State Department is, as a general rule, a very hiearchical organization that values protocol and decorum more than many private (or other public) sector jobs. It can be disorienting at first if you're used to flatter organizations. Let folks know when you don't have any work to do and, as you get more comfortable and gain a better understanding about your subject area, be proactive in thinking about how you can contribute and what you could be working on. My best intern never complained when she got tedious assignments, did great on them, and then during a lull in work for her identified how she could use one of her skills - powerpoint and visual design - to make all of our program fact sheets better. I ended up taking her on a TDY with me and giving her tons of substantive work. Congrats and good luck!
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 14:58
|
|
|
TCD posted:He's an IMS like me, but, yeah, it's a small world. I had a pol officer come up to me and say he also knew 1of7. It's pretty much 1 degree of seperation in this job. My deputy pol chief in Addis knew him, I guess they had some brief overlap in Chengdu.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 16:15
|
|
|
Nutrimentia posted:Just realized that a couple of people from my A-100 are probably known to 1of7, at least if the information on people's location on the first page is accurate. My location is correct at least for the next few hours. I'm guessing I probably know the people that were in your class if they've been through here in the past 20 months or so. I think I was the only person in my class to come here.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 16:38
|
|
|
One was on the visa line and the other had an Econ assignment I think. The Econ guy is probably close to leaving but the consular dude and his large family have only been there for a year following a full course of Chinese. I'd have you sniff them out by offering salutations from Abuja but I know you're on your way to the airport. Safe travels.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 17:55
|
|
|
In the time that you guys have been with DoS, how many people have you seen take advantage of the Mustang program? I've read through all of this thread before and I don't remember much discussion on it. Anyone have experiences or thoughts to share?
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 20:54
|
|
|
astolfo83 posted:In the time that you guys have been with DoS, how many people have you seen take advantage of the Mustang program? I think I can count on one hand... I was interested in a couple of FSO cones, but, it would require breaking my EUR assignment which I'm not going to do.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 21:04
|
|
|
astolfo83 posted:In the time that you guys have been with DoS, how many people have you seen take advantage of the Mustang program? I've heard of 2 DS agents doing it, and someone in my A-100 was a specialist of some kind. I don't think THAT many people do it.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 21:26
|
|
|
Nutrimentia posted:One was on the visa line and the other had an Econ assignment I think. The Econ guy is probably close to leaving but the consular dude and his large family have only been there for a year following a full course of Chinese. I'd have you sniff them out by offering salutations from Abuja but I know you're on your way to the airport. Safe travels. Yeah, I am pretty sure that I know both of the people you are talking about.
|
|
#
?
Jun 13, 2013 22:44
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:I've heard of 2 DS agents doing it, and someone in my A-100 was a specialist of some kind. I don't think THAT many people do it. Yeah, it's a small minority. Anyways....
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 00:29
|
|
|
Nutrimentia posted:I'd have you sniff them out by offering salutations from Abuja but I know you're on your way to the airport. Abuja? Say hi to the IMS Mr. Phelps. (he was in my a-100) Diplomaticus posted:My deputy pol chief in Addis knew him, I guess they had some brief overlap in Chengdu. Heh, and my CONS officer knew you  And yes it is 1 degree of seperation. (also: I am still alive, thankfully)
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 06:56
|
|
|
Skandiaavity posted:Abuja? Say hi to the IMS Mr. Phelps. (he was in my a-100) Sure. Hopefully he knows you by Skandiaavity, cause that's all I got on you so far.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 07:35
|
|
|
I posted in the general USA Federal Government jobs a while ago, and I'll repost some parts of the information I posted there before dumping my questions. I'm a 20 year old sophomore in college. Political Science major, english literature and philosophy double minor at the moment. Asian, if that's relevant. I speak Chinese (as well as English, obviously.) I was recently pointed to the Law School thread by a friend and I realized that, gently caress, I don't want to go to Law School after all. Now I need options. Options and ideas for a career in order to fend off my family members who seem rather set on me being a lawyer or doctor or something along those lines. I was always interested in a Federal Government job though, and on the recommendation of the general Federal Government Jobs thread, I took a look here and some of the FSO jobs do tickle my fancy, particularly the Political, Public Diplomacy, and Consular tracks, roughly in that order of preference. First off, two questions: How tough is the job market for these positions right now? I realize that the job market in general is poo poo but is this any less poo poo? Second, when should I start my application process, generally speaking?
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 08:08
|
|
|
Nutrimentia posted:Sure. Hopefully he knows you by Skandiaavity, cause that's all I got on you so far. Ha, no. He wouldn't know me by that. I'm "the guy who got sent to Manila" .. how are you liking Abuja? Artificer posted:First off, two questions: How tough is the job market for these positions right now? I realize that the job market in general is poo poo but is this any less poo poo? The job market is the same - it's rather challenging to make it to the register, and even then, your score will depend on when you get an offer, if at all. The budget seems to indicate hiring is about the same, if not a little less; I haven't noticed a huge shift or full-stop yet. I would say it's "less lovely" than private, but keep in mind it's still hard to get an offer due to volume of candidates, regardless of the economic situation. POL, PD and CONS have pretty long registers (CONS particularly because of a false impression that it's 'easier to get into'.) Second, start now. or yesterday. taking the FSOT is free and you can take it once per year. The more experience you have with it, the better prepped you will be. If you're really serious about it, pay attention in your Economics, History and English classes. It probably doesn't need to be said, but you can bank on the process from Start to Offer taking, at the very least, a full year. More likely than not, it will be 2 or 3 years. That is per attempt ; so starting earlier is better.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 08:47
|
|
|
Start the process immediately. It takes a long time. It's an extremely competitive career with roughly 1-2% of those taking the written test (the first step of the process) getting job offers. I took the written test in Oct '09, the oral assessment in March '10, finished clearances and made the register (waiting list) in August '10, got a job offer Dec 28, 2010, started work (and thus drawing salary) March 28, 2011. I don't think this is abnormal but technically it could be quicker if your clearances fly through and you hit the register at the top.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 08:51
|
|
|
Well, poo poo. Time to get started then. Do you guys have any ideas for possible alternatives if this falls through?
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 08:52
|
|
|
Skandiaavity posted:Ha, no. He wouldn't know me by that. I'm "the guy who got sent to Manila" .. how are you liking Abuja? I've thoroughly enjoyed it. Great consular work for the first year, interesting economic portfolios the second. Tremendous people here and live is easy. Yes, we have security issues but Abuja is pretty safe for the most part. We spend a lot of time at our compounds, hanging out at the pool or firepit, lots of barbecues. Thankfully I was here with people are good at making our fun and being satisfied being around fun people. Workwise I've learned a lot, including about some of the, uh, odd personalities the FS has accumulated. I'm ready to go after 2 years but I don't hate it here. I'm happy I came here and wouldn't change it. I'm looking forward to having my wife and daughter back with me though. I'd actually hoped to get this job later and took the test more as practice, so when I got the offer, we weren't ready for my daughter to leave Japan yet. We wanted her to have a strong connection there and elementary education is tip-top, so they stayed in Japan for my first tour and I lobbied my CDO for places like Abuja (this was my top pick, even though we don't actually get picks in A-100). Next up is a full course of Korean starting in September and a Con-Pol rotation in Seoul after that.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 08:57
|
|
|
Artificer posted:Well, poo poo. Time to get started then. Do you guys have any ideas for possible alternatives if this falls through? This career really should be considered a Plan B just because its so hard and time consuming. The timing isn't bad since you're only a sophomore, you might be able to flow right into. Otherwise, just keep on doing what you're doing. Don't go to Law School though and don't make career choices to please your family. If nothing else, plan on polisci/IR grad school.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 09:00
|
|
|
Nutrimentia posted:This career really should be considered a Plan B just because its so hard and time consuming. The timing isn't bad since you're only a sophomore, you might be able to flow right into. Otherwise, just keep on doing what you're doing. Don't go to Law School though and don't make career choices to please your family. If nothing else, plan on polisci/IR grad school. Oh, yeah. Grad school is a must, I think. Not making career choices to please family is hard though. Blargh. They can make life really tough. 
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 09:18
|
|
|
There's hundreds. Depends on what you want, though. USAID, Peace Corps, (even the Military), Non Profits (NPO) or NGO's.. United Nations (technically State, but hiring is a different Matter for them); not to mention the Private sector where there's hundreds of Foreign Policy or Foreign Relation companies or think tanks. If you're really good, Council on Foreign Relations or go Congressional / Committee on Foreign Investments (COFIUS). You will likely need to be an Aide or have connections (at your school) to score one of those types, though.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 09:30
|
|
|
I know how that is, family can be a huge impact. Sometimes posts provide interesting developments on your perceptions of places. Make your career or life choices based on yourself. It's hard to please family, especially those with high expectations (I come from the "You got to be a Doctor or a Lawyer, or else you're a nobody" crowd) , but you're the one who's got to live with yourself. I think all parents just want their kids to be happy, and not really hurting for money. Regardless of culture. They might not see that you like, or want, the hard/challenging parts.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 09:38
|
|
|
Consider civil service pathways programs if living in DC is at all of interest. These include both internships, post-undergrad full time employment, and post-grad school full time employment programs: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/#url=Program-Fact-Sheets These programs also aren't easy to get into, but it's another option.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 12:41
|
|
|
Another option is to become a contractor in DC and then move over to CS. A lot of the CS employees around here started out that way. In that way, you secure employment much more quickly and get your foot in the door. e: The contractor -> federal pathway can apply government-wide, I guess. It's probably already been said in the federal thread, but don't put all of your eggs in the federal employment basket because 1) getting hired is difficult unless someone knows you and 2) it can take a looooong time to find out if you've been hired after your apply for a position. Get another job in your career field first and transfer to the federal government later. psydude fucked around with this message at 13:26 on Jun 14, 2013 |
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 13:20
|
|
|
Giodo! posted:Remember that the State Department is, as a general rule, a very hierarchical organization that values protocol and decorum more than many private (or other public) sector jobs. It can be disorienting at first if you're used to flatter organizations. I'd appreciate any other insights people may have, as well. The last thing I want is to step on toes making rookie mistakes.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 13:44
|
|
|
Let my supervisor know that I am leaving today. It actually went really well (and a "I'm jealous" comment was made). Hopefully my benefits will get transferred over correctly. T-minus 31 days and counting...
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 20:06
|
|
|
How much does fluency is Arabic help in the application process. I've noticed that you get a whopping + .50 to your score on the register but I was wondering how much is helps you to actually get on the register. This is assuming that you are a qualified candidate and make decent FSOT/FSOA scores but nothing exceptional. I'm currently in the Peace Corps and was looking at some Peace Corps Reponse/NGO positions in various parts of the Middle East for when I finish my service. A big draw to doing this would be the lingual and cultural fluency and all of the doors that would open in regards to the Foreign Service. Of course, I find the Middle East incredibly interesting as well as the type of work I would be doing. My other, safer career option would be to use my NCE to secure an interesting federal job and then work towards the federal service from there. I still have a while left in my current Peace Corps assignment but I like to plan for the future during my downtime.. Any advice would be appreciated!
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 22:02
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 22, 2024 11:44 |
|
|
laxbro posted:How much does fluency is Arabic help in the application process. I've noticed that you get a whopping + .50 to your score on the register but I was wondering how much is helps you to actually get on the register. This is assuming that you are a qualified candidate and make decent FSOT/FSOA scores but nothing exceptional. My understanding is that language doesn't necessarily add all that much during the FSOT/FSOA. However, Peace Corps experience will certainly give you a wealth of stories and experiences you can use during the process which will hopefully end in getting on the register - where the language bonus will come into play.
|
|
#
?
Jun 14, 2013 23:15
|
|