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Obelisk posted:I'm a working mother with a toddler and a preschooler, a husband who works weekends and no family around. So I have no time for extra activities. I'm hoping that some of my pre-kid stories, years of living and working abroad in several countries, stuff like organizing a mother's group and work things would be enough for the PNQs, but who knows? Not all of us have time to volunteer at the local soup kitchen although I'd love to get my kids involved in volunteerism when they're a bit older. Still no PMs? What side of the channel do you work on?
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Jun 27, 2013 05:25
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Obelisk posted:I'm a working mother with a toddler and a preschooler, a husband who works weekends and no family around. So I have no time for extra activities. I'm hoping that some of my pre-kid stories, years of living and working abroad in several countries, stuff like organizing a mother's group and work things would be enough for the PNQs, but who knows? Not all of us have time to volunteer at the local soup kitchen although I'd love to get my kids involved in volunteerism when they're a bit older. Not just the pre-kid stuff. I'm sure TONS of post-kid stuff can be applied to the 13 D's. Not everything has to be about foreign affairs or living overseas. Time management, project management, budgeting, learning how to teach kids, etc.
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Jun 27, 2013 07:22
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as far as I can discern, the QEP and PN are just a gauge of two things, how well you can write; and how well you can phrase (or spin) things. They are interested in you and your life experiences, yes; but judging from the diveristy amongst passed candidates it seems almost secondary compared to how - or if -you can phrase those life experiences into the 13 Dimensions. As an example, the episode of the Simpsons where Lisa helps Marge find a job comes to mind. Or saying "I'm a working mother with a toddler and a preschooler, a husband who works weekends and no family around." and "I have no extensive management experience" - those things do not really align together; to raise a family and work at the same time requires some real freakin impressive time management and interpersonal skills, not even to mention pursuing your career or life's goals on top of that. You may not see it your everyday life that way, but again, it's partially about perspective. Maybe one time someone had to go to the ER, but you had to balance work demands and your family demands, and write about how that ended out. That's a good example of several of the 13D's or emergency situations you can use in your QEP. (I've used a similar one.)
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Jun 27, 2013 07:34
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Ofaloaf posted:What (and where) exactly is a "Worst" posting? I was contemplating/fantasizing bidding for a post in southern Africa, the Balkans or the Caucasus, myself, if I got through the whole process. Imagine what is worst for you. Some people think Afghanistan is the worst, others see Abuja, others still get sick at the thought of being posted to Paris. The QEP is less about getting the key experience and more about how you're able to present the experiences that you have already. Dealing with life in general is sufficient and then it's a matter of recognizing it and explaining it so that they see it. Planning a birthday party for 10 8 year-olds can be more challenging than a codel! Keep in mind that Problem-solution-result structure is what they want. As for staff aide stuff, I've heard people say that SA for a political appointee is undesirable as they don't really have the contacts needed for career advancement in the foreign service. I heard that there were NO volunteers for the job at the embassy of one of our closest partners for this reason. Career FS ambos know people and are known whereas the appointees very well may not even be associated with DoS after their ambassadorship. Granted, this is just the opinion of a few people, and even if its accurate, the work you did still shows in your history. You'll also have a chance to impress the other people in the embassy as a staff aide, so I'd wager its almost always a good career move.
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Jun 27, 2013 15:18
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TCD sorry no PMs. They don't seem to work for me on the ipad. Anyway, I'm on the continent and drinking excellent coffee rather than tea. Do I have to have a different kind of membership for PMs? Thanks for all the encouragement. So I guess it's OK to use one's personal life in PN answers then. I was thinking of them more as a substitute for a detailed resume. Can you use spouses and family members as verifiers? The staff aide at my Embassy came by my office today and he seems really stressed with a new ambo coming soon and the 4th of July shin dig to organize. Glad to hear he might get a career boost out of this.
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Jun 27, 2013 18:38
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Looks like IMS applications are already open again. I'm starting to pay attention to the 2:1 attrition replacement thing mentioned in this thread at this point. Still nothing from DS. Perhaps I'm set on picking the wrong specialist track. 
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Jun 27, 2013 19:42
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HiroProtagonist posted:Looks like IMS applications are already open again. I'm starting to pay attention to the 2:1 attrition replacement thing mentioned in this thread at this point. Take what you can get at this point. I just retook the FSOT and if I don't get a September specialist invite I will reapply as soon as that process reopens, since it will mean I'm almost guaranteed to time off that register. A-100 invites for September started going out today.
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Jun 27, 2013 19:47
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HiroProtagonist posted:Looks like IMS applications are already open again. I'm starting to pay attention to the 2:1 attrition replacement thing mentioned in this thread at this point. New word is specialist invitations are going out between now and July 1.
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Jun 27, 2013 20:45
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HiroProtagonist posted:Looks like IMS applications are already open again. I'm starting to pay attention to the 2:1 attrition replacement thing mentioned in this thread at this point. I'm still counting on an October announcement for new hiring window, but that isn't official in any way. I'm currently at our training center and seeing BSAC students so there are definitely classes coming through. Rumor has it that the classes coming out of the next hiring window will be double sized classes (48 people vs 24,) which could mean it's a better time to be on the list. Once again...just speculation.
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Jun 27, 2013 21:04
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Re the worst posting. I met a FS couple who hated living in the glamorous European capital where I live and curtailed so that they could take a posting in Chad. They loved Africa and had spend almost their entire career there. Their favorite post was Botswana. What they hated about living here was the high prices, big embassy, snotty people in the upmarket neighborhood where they lived and lack of household help among other things.
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Jun 27, 2013 21:10
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It depends, really. I explain it like food. You see something, and for the most part are terrified or disgusted by it until you actually summon the courage to try it. Then you fall in love with it. Or you see something that looks really good, and it's bittersweet or leaves a bad taste in your mouth. the U.S. is no different; a lot of foreigners that I've met like to imagine L.A. or NYC in certain ways. When they actually visit, it can be a huge difference in both directions from their imagination/expectations. The job will broaden your horizons/open your mind, though. One way or another, I can assure you of that. Doubly so if you've never been out of the country before.
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Jun 28, 2013 02:55
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I can only attest to the veracity of this thread's title: DoS-Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs. Coming out of law school a couple years ago I never thought I'd actually be here! Got my invitation for the DSS-SA Sept 9 class! Stoked beyond words. Anyone else get one today?
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Jun 28, 2013 20:33
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astolfo83 posted:I can only attest to the veracity of this thread's title: DoS-Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs. Coming out of law school a couple years ago I never thought I'd actually be here! Congrats!
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Jun 28, 2013 20:43
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astolfo83 posted:I can only attest to the veracity of this thread's title: DoS-Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs. Coming out of law school a couple years ago I never thought I'd actually be here! Congrats! My best guess I need about 5 people to defer/decline for me to get invited.
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Jun 28, 2013 21:46
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Bruxism posted:I'm still counting on an October announcement for new hiring window, but that isn't official in any way. I'm currently at our training center and seeing BSAC students so there are definitely classes coming through. Rumor has it that the classes coming out of the next hiring window will be double sized classes (48 people vs 24,) which could mean it's a better time to be on the list. Once again...just speculation. Bruxism, are you at Summit Point? I just spent a week in FACT there and had a blast.
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Jun 28, 2013 23:50
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Well I spoke too soon. Got the email. Time to have a serious talk with my girlfriend and try to come to terms with walking away from my stock options before they vest.
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Jun 29, 2013 00:37
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astolfo83 posted:I can only attest to the veracity of this thread's title: DoS-Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs. Coming out of law school a couple years ago I never thought I'd actually be here! Congratulations! Let us know if you guys have any questions about the process. Are you in the DC area by any chance? Glad to hear they are kicking off another class. I'm currently at another training facility in the DC area, not out at the track. I'll be heading that way sometime in the next few months probably.
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Jun 29, 2013 01:22
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Tyro posted:Well I spoke too soon. Got the email. Time to have a serious talk with my girlfriend and try to come to terms with walking away from my stock options before they vest. Congrats dude!! What a great surprise after having to spend months and months worrying that you were going to just drop off the register. Kick rear end. astolfo83 posted:I can only attest to the veracity of this thread's title: DoS-Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs. Coming out of law school a couple years ago I never thought I'd actually be here! And another congrats is in order apparently! Two goons in the same class? DS is going to have their hands full. 
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Jun 29, 2013 02:12
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So, I was reading over the Specialist OA handbook. It all seems pretty straightforward, but they were pretty vague on what sort of technical information I would be questioned on. Can any of the current IMS guys comment on that? Also, I know the official answer to the next question is "It depends," but what is a typical amount of time between attending and passing the OA and actually starting training? I know there is a medical and security clearance process in between, but an anecdotal ballpark figure would be cool.
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Jun 29, 2013 02:58
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Tyro posted:Well I spoke too soon. Got the email. Time to have a serious talk with my girlfriend and try to come to terms with walking away from my stock options before they vest. Congrats to both of you but especially you Tyro! It's been a long time coming!
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Jun 29, 2013 06:49
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AgentSythe posted:So, I was reading over the Specialist OA handbook. It all seems pretty straightforward, but they were pretty vague on what sort of technical information I would be questioned on. Can any of the current IMS guys comment on that? The ballpark figure I've seen quoted repeatedly has been 6-18 months. I think the main culprits are usually the security clearance investigation and processing time, and the size of the register in relation to your position on it (as well as the frequency of training).
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Jun 29, 2013 19:15
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Tyro posted:Well I spoke too soon. Got the email. Time to have a serious talk with my girlfriend and try to come to terms with walking away from my stock options before they vest. Congrats man, thats great! Welcome aboard!
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Jun 29, 2013 23:19
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Anyone else waiting on June results? I'm (irrationally and baselessly) thinking they'll come out this week.
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Jun 30, 2013 02:32
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The Mantis posted:Anyone else waiting on June results? I'm (irrationally and baselessly) thinking they'll come out this week.
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Jun 30, 2013 03:34
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Tyro posted:Well I spoke too soon. Got the email. Time to have a serious talk with my girlfriend and try to come to terms with walking away from my stock options before they vest. Been a Loooooong wait but it was worth it! astolfo83 posted:I can only attest to the veracity of this thread's title: DoS-Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs. Coming out of law school a couple years ago I never thought I'd actually be here! Congrats! If you both of you end up joining the fray let me know and we'll do a beer, I'm in DC for awhile. Also, Bruxism and I are in the same class and we were discussing trying to pull together some sort of meet. I think there's a class starting in mid July, so it'd be fun to do a thing with current and new folks as a little pow wow if anyone's interested, perhaps around lateish July. He and I are happy to quarterback logistics, just wanted to throw it out as a feeler.
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Jun 30, 2013 03:34
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How about prospectives?
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Jun 30, 2013 03:58
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HiroProtagonist posted:How about prospectives? No objections here. I envision it as a social thing under the onus of FS interest in general so I think that'd be great. Personally, it's just another reason for me to booze so the more the merrier.
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Jun 30, 2013 04:27
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I'll be around July 21-27.
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Jun 30, 2013 05:43
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Homie S posted:Personally, it's just another reason for me to booze so the more the merrier. Hear fuckin' hear.
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Jun 30, 2013 06:15
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Thanks everyone! From the first time I applied it has been about 4 years, I am excited beyond words and a little overwhelmed now that its actually happening! I've dumped so much energy into this just getting to this step. Now I am really wishing my current job hadn't destroyed my physical fitness over the past year due to the hours I work...time to start working out like crazy I guess. And I am totally down for a DC area happy hour.
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Jun 30, 2013 11:43
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I glad you got in this round Tyro, I can't imagine waiting 4 years would be like, it's been hard enough at one and a half. I'll just have to wait to meet people in September, I'm out in Oregon just studying to retake the bar and running enough to get my fat but in shape. Cheers!
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Jun 30, 2013 16:53
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Homie S posted:Been a Loooooong wait but it was worth it! I'm at the mothership in the class starting 15 July so I'm game.
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Jun 30, 2013 18:15
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I'll probably be rolling through DC at some point in August.
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Jun 30, 2013 18:47
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I'm here in D.C. till September so I am in.
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Jul 1, 2013 02:11
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Hello everyone! A friend told me about this thread, and I am slowly making my way through. This isn't my first time through the process, as I've been through the OAs once before. Since I've been keeping my involvement in this process fairly quiet in real life, I thought I would come vent my anxiety about hearing my June FSOT results. If it doesn't stick, there's always October, right? *sigh* Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement and help I've been reading! Here's hoping I'll have some good news to share soon.
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Jul 1, 2013 03:11
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Homie S posted:Also, Bruxism and I are in the same class and we were discussing trying to pull together some sort of meet. I think there's a class starting in mid July, so it'd be fun to do a thing with current and new folks as a little pow wow if anyone's interested, perhaps around lateish July. He and I are happy to quarterback logistics, just wanted to throw it out as a feeler. I'm leaving FSI for browner pastures at the end of July, so I'm down to make some bad decisions with a bunch of FSOs despite being a filthy untouchable contractor. e: Please use the loving wireless network so the ridiculous amount of time I and everyone else spent on that thing wasn't in vain. psydude fucked around with this message at 03:30 on Jul 1, 2013 |
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Jul 1, 2013 03:26
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psydude posted:
FSI has wireless now? It's just an unclass vanilla DIN connection right?
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Jul 1, 2013 04:44
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Homie S posted:FSI has wireless now? It's just an unclass vanilla DIN connection right? DS SA spotted!
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Jul 1, 2013 05:11
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Business of Ferrets posted:DS SA spotted! Would empty quote this but also  all wireless
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Jul 1, 2013 05:31
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Homie S posted:FSI has wireless now? It's just an unclass vanilla DIN connection right? Basically. It already had one that was connected to the FSI intranet and only turned on for classes. This one is a completely separate DIN for the cafeteria area. I won't go into the design here, but it's essentially a huge coffee shop wireless network.
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Jul 1, 2013 11:58
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