|
Phew, made it through the entire thread. I took the written exam in October 2010, submitted the PN in November, and received an invitation to the OA yesterday. I've taken the written exam four times. Twice while early in my lengthy college career (pre-McKinsey; blue books and #2 pencils) and failed both times. I'm pretty sure having little to no work experience plus the shear difficulty of the older test sunk me. Took it twice post-college, which was now the computerized McKinsey version and failed once (passed the multiple choice but scored a 5 on the essay) and finally passed with a 164/6, if I recall correctly. My background is I'm a US Army/FS brat. I'm 34, born in Germany and have traveled western Europe extensively. I have a BA in English and minored in German at a large state school. I've had the opportunity to work at Embassies through the summer hire program and was even hired as an administrative assistant at the US Embassy in Bonn (I was eligible as a family member) working in the housing office. I did important tasks such as keeping track of apartment keys, reporting on junk left in the basements, and checking DoS staff out of their housing at the end of their tour. My biggest responsibility was to keep timesheets for the 30 or so staff which included the admin office and two warehouses. That was a long time ago and I currently work in the emergency management field at the local government level in southern California. I'm starting to feel nervous as the trip to DC will soon become a reality. I'm trying to read as much as I can about the process and going through all the resources available in the Yahoo groups. I love reading the post-exam journals and experiences that are out there. Anyways, thanks for this awesome megathread! Condolences to those whose candidacies ended. Keep at it. I know I will if my road ends after the next step. If there's anyone in the southern California area heading to the OAs and would like to practice send me a PM. I also plan on contacting the Diplomat in Residence as well to see what he can offer. Has anyone done that and found it worthwhile (may have missed that in the thread)? I'll keep you all posted if you're interested. SWATJester, it was exciting to watch the progression of your posts as you navigated the application process waters. I hope you and the rest of the State folks keep us me updated on your DoS happenings!
|
#
?
Jan 26, 2011 07:34
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 27, 2024 04:39 |
|
|
Thanks! Interestingly, I think one of the biggest things that helped me was that I wasn't planning this as a main career option, and I never really cared much about whether I passed each step until I got halfway through my OA (and managed to quench that down, thankfully). I recognize that isn't always even possible for some people, but the best advice I can give is keep as much clarity and calmness as possible, so that you can remember as much of your studying points as possible, and so you can analyze and react to your environment on the fly.
|
|
#
?
Jan 26, 2011 13:40
|
|
|
What's the general consensus on applying straight out of college? I'm in my sophomore year of working towards a BA in Political Science, probably focusing on International Relations, and the Consular cone seems pretty appealing to me. However, I've got pretty much no work experience I could put on a resumé except for interning for a New York State Senator senior year of HS...
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2011 11:08
|
|
|
BklynBruzer posted:What's the general consensus on applying straight out of college? I'm in my sophomore year of working towards a BA in Political Science, probably focusing on International Relations, and the Consular cone seems pretty appealing to me. However, I've got pretty much no work experience I could put on a resumé except for interning for a New York State Senator senior year of HS... I applied -- and was hired -- straight out of college. As long as you keep working on other options (i.e. keep other jobs searches going, keep building experience, etc.) and make the FS your "plan B," there is no downside to applying every year until you get hired.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2011 12:00
|
|
|
Sorry if this has already been answered elsewhere and I missed it, but does the foreign service take a positive (or negative) view of candidates who have applied and been rejected many times before, or are they pretty indifferent? What I mean to ask is, do they see it demonstrating "commitment to the organization" or something else positive along those lines, or is it just not something they really consider?
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2011 20:09
|
|
|
Business of Ferrets posted:I applied -- and was hired -- straight out of college. As long as you keep working on other options (i.e. keep other jobs searches going, keep building experience, etc.) and make the FS your "plan B," there is no downside to applying every year until you get hired. That's exactly what I'm doing. It's become a yearly ritual for me now.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2011 20:29
|
|
|
BklynBruzer posted:What's the general consensus on applying straight out of college? I'm in my sophomore year of working towards a BA in Political Science, probably focusing on International Relations, and the Consular cone seems pretty appealing to me. However, I've got pretty much no work experience I could put on a resumé except for interning for a New York State Senator senior year of HS... You should apply for the DoS's student internship program, and study a super-critical needs language. On the internship program, anyone know why quote:Overseas internships will NOT be offered at U.S. Embassies or Consulates in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP). Only Domestic Internships will be offered in EAP. is the case for the Fall? I'm not eligible to apply, but still on their mailing list. Maybe I'll have a shot at getting an intern-like job in Bangkok or Laos if there isn't isn't a line of hopeful young slaves wrapped around the block who are willing to work for free  edit: was looking for something else on USAJobs and saw that there's an announcement for Security Engineering Officers at State. Closes Monday though. Pompous Rhombus fucked around with this message at 03:23 on Jan 30, 2011 |
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2011 21:03
|
|
|
I'm currently going through the hiring process to be an IMS. I'm waiting for final review now and should pass this coming week and head to DC for orientation in April. The anxiety of waiting & the anticipation had me searching all over for more information and happened upon this thread. I'm only about half way through it, but there's been so much good info in it that I got an account just so that I could post and say thank you to all those that have contributed. edit to add- I've finished the thread now, so here's a few questions: 1. I noticed mention of an IMS (TCD I believe) working through their 3 day weekend and a few other posts which indicate long work weeks. Is working lots of overtime the exception or the rule? 2. Has anyone here been able to take advantage of the student loan repayment benefit? http://careers.state.gov/specialist/benefits#slrp 3. This is probably a minor issue, but I'm planning to get a new PC before deploying. I would think a laptop would make the most sense even though I only intend to use it at home just because I can carry it with me in my luggage. Does that seem to be the best choice? Also, I was planning to get an iPad when the new model comes out, but since I have no idea where I'm going I'm having second thoughts. I'd guess carrying around an iPad in some 3rd world countries might make you a bit conspicuous and possibly a target. Just wanted to get the opinions of some of the people who are actually living overseas. 1of7 fucked around with this message at 19:39 on Jan 30, 2011 |
|
#
?
Jan 30, 2011 04:44
|
|
|
Just thought of a follow up question while doing my taxes last night. There was a question asking if you lived overseas & it mentioned that military overseas on duty were considered as living within the US. Which is the case for State employees? Is there residence considered to be the country they are posted in or the US?
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2011 16:51
|
|
|
Cool, Congratulations! did you apply to the spot last year, or the year before? For the new PC, I guess you can go for it, but I wouldn't buy an iPad unless you know where you'll be stationed in.. I've been hearing they are having weather issues, mostly breaking due to hot/cold environments.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2011 18:11
|
|
|
I applied somewhere between 9/2009 & 2/2010. Having just graduated I applied for almost every lower level IT job I saw on USAJ during that period so I can't really narrow it down. I forgot about it until I received the invitation to the OA around July/August.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2011 18:20
|
|
|
1of7 posted:1. I noticed mention of an IMS (TCD I believe) working through their 3 day weekend and a few other posts which indicate long work weeks. Is working lots of overtime the exception or the rule? You work overtime, you get paid overtime. This limits the amount of overtime you will be required to work obviously. Also let me introduce you to your new favorite saying "It varies from post to post". I don't work a lot of overtime but depending on your posts pouch schedule, VTC schedule, outages or installs you could end up working more. I wouldn't really expect to work overtime on a regular basis unless your post just sucks. quote:3. This is probably a minor issue, but I'm planning to get a new PC before deploying. I would think a laptop would make the most sense even though I only intend to use it at home just because I can carry it with me in my luggage. Does that seem to be the best choice? Also, I was planning to get an iPad when the new model comes out, but since I have no idea where I'm going I'm having second thoughts. I'd guess carrying around an iPad in some 3rd world countries might make you a bit conspicuous and possibly a target. Just wanted to get the opinions of some of the people who are actually living overseas. They'll ship all your poo poo for you and if you are in a bad place odds are your house will have enough security. If you want a desktop you'll be fine buying a desktop. quote:Just thought of a follow up question while doing my taxes last night. You will pay state taxes unless your state has an out of state exemption. Establish your Texas residency now!
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2011 22:37
|
|
|
Several states have exemptions, or no state personal income tax like Florida.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2011 22:46
|
|
|
Thanks! My residency actually is in TN which has no state income tax. :-)
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2011 01:06
|
|
|
Vilerat posted:You will pay state taxes unless your state has an out of state exemption. Establish your Texas residency now! No income tax, and they pay you! (I don't know whether they pay you if you're in the foreign service, but military and peace corps gets it). Otherwise, Nevada: No tax, legal gambling and whores, plus you don't actually live there so decaying infrastructure doesn't really matter!
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2011 01:16
|
|
|
Just got my invite for 4/18. :-)
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2011 19:38
|
|
|
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8286236/ Welcome aboard!
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2011 19:47
|
|
|
Vilerat posted:http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8286236/ LOL that's pretty funny, but jokes on them as I'm getting a huge pay bump to come to work here. :P
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2011 01:09
|
|
|
1of7 posted:LOL that's pretty funny, but jokes on them as I'm getting a huge pay bump to come to work here. :P Yeah joking aside the pay is actually quite good.
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2011 15:50
|
|
|
Vilerat posted:http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8286236/ That really was funny. "That is interesting. . . ."
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2011 19:45
|
|
|
I checked the first page and the last couple for this, but haven't seen an answer, so sorry if this tends to come up frequently: What is the duration of the written exam? I am in the unenviable situation of needing to catch a couple of trains up to Paris to take the test and then return as soon as possible once finished. I'll be headed up the night before, but when should I expect to be finished at the latest? The test starts at 9am; is it safe to assume that it won't go past noon?
|
|
#
?
Feb 4, 2011 14:09
|
|
|
Yeah. I was done by noon.
|
|
#
?
Feb 4, 2011 15:31
|
|
|
I'm taking the test on Monday, I'm kinda excited (even if this process takes forever) 
|
|
#
?
Feb 5, 2011 01:15
|
|
|
Vilerat posted:http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8286236/ Received the video from a co-worker the other day ... everybody in the office got a good laugh. Nothing like trying to move some huge crate around. and 1 of 7 ... congrats ... you will have a great time!
|
|
#
?
Feb 5, 2011 03:32
|
|
|
Thanks, I'm looking forward to it. I spent about 8 of the last 10 years working in a factory moving stuff around for about half the pay, so if that's what they want me to do I'm all for it.  In other news I got my housing assignment this morning, which surprises me since I haven't gotten all the paperwork and stuff yet (also surprised that they're working on Saturday.)
|
|
#
?
Feb 5, 2011 17:48
|
|
|
Well, looks like my plans to take per diem and get a place in Maryland are probably out the window. The new plan is figuring out how to break my lease and gonna try and get in at Oakwood Falls Church, which sounds pretty drat awesome.Cugel the Clever posted:I checked the first page and the last couple for this, but haven't seen an answer, so sorry if this tends to come up frequently: What is the duration of the written exam? I am in the unenviable situation of needing to catch a couple of trains up to Paris to take the test and then return as soon as possible once finished. I'll be headed up the night before, but when should I expect to be finished at the latest? The test starts at 9am; is it safe to assume that it won't go past noon? You can leave when you're done and I finished in about an hour and a half. A few people finished before me.
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 03:24
|
|
|
SWATJester that's where I'll be. Certainly looks good from pics & reviews. A girl I know in orientation now said it was probably the best Oakwood for kids because of accessibility to playgrounds & schools. I have 3 year old so that will be good for her.
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 04:04
|
|
|
We don't have kids yet (getting married this November) but the more suburban lifestyle is more our thing anyway. Plus Eden Center ....... :padthai:
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 05:01
|
|
|
I have a question for you more experienced guys. We were watching the news this week when they were evacuating all non-essential embassy personnel and my wife wondered what happens to the employees. Do they go to other posts to work temporarily? If not, do they still get paid?
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 06:46
|
|
|
SWATJester posted:We don't have kids yet (getting married this November) but the more suburban lifestyle is more our thing anyway. Plus Eden Center ....... :padthai: When you call definitely ask for one of the bigger rooms if there's going to be two of you. I had a bigger one to myself and it was awesome, but I think for two people it's surely better.
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 07:00
|
|
|
1of7 posted:I have a question for you more experienced guys. We were watching the news this week when they were evacuating all non-essential embassy personnel and my wife wondered what happens to the employees. Depends. For departures like this where it seems like it would be temporary they'd probably send them to DC and give them a lodging per diem. The employees would probably wander the halls at main state. If it's going to be a long term departure (like what happened in Jakarta 2 years ago'ish) then they'd just give them a new assignment. Luckily as Information Management Specialists you are mission critical! Congratulations!
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 15:32
|
|
|
LOL lucky 7, that's me. Aside from the part about returning to DC I was pretty spot on with what I told her even though I was guessing.
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 21:01
|
|
|
KIM JONG TRILL posted:I'm taking the test on Monday, I'm kinda excited (even if this process takes forever) good luck dude, here's hoping you get further in it now than I did 
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2011 22:30
|
|
|
Vilerat posted:Depends. For departures like this where it seems like it would be temporary they'd probably send them to DC and give them a lodging per diem. The employees would probably wander the halls at main state. If it's going to be a long term departure (like what happened in Jakarta 2 years ago'ish) then they'd just give them a new assignment. I'm sure everybody also figured out that mission critical means you stay, spouse and family depart Post. At a larger IPC you might be able to draw straws if a few IMers can bail. At a small post it's an all hands situation.
|
|
#
?
Feb 7, 2011 19:39
|
|
|
1of7 posted:
We're a growing Post, so there's more things that require OT. Yes, I've worked 3 day weekends, holidays, early dismissal, etc.
|
|
#
?
Feb 7, 2011 19:43
|
|
|
I got my essay question results back on Jan 25, right when I left for vacation in Vietnam, so I couldn't actually read them until I got back. Anyway, I did not pass this time around  Not bad for my first real attempt at the test. Gonna try again this October!
|
|
#
?
Feb 8, 2011 12:50
|
|
|
Took my test Wednesday and feel pretty good. I almost didn't make it on time since my train took a wrong turn. I am so happy I left home early just in case something like this happened.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2011 21:58
|
|
|
I am taking the FSOT tomorrow. Even if I pass I am pretty doubtful that I would pass the QEP but what the hell, why not.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2011 22:18
|
|
|
Congrats on making IMS, 1of7! Quite the long process! Just curious, which certifications do you have? Am thinking about taking the CCNA..
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2011 00:07
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 27, 2024 04:39 |
|
|
Network+ & Security+ are the only certs I have that anyone has heard of. I also have a BAS in Network Security & Forensics & the school is an NSA certified CAEIAE (I think that's right: Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.) Because the curriculum was built to meet the requirements of the Committee on National Security Systems finishing the degree program got me 6 certs from them. I've never seen anybody looking for those certs or talked to anybody whose heard of them, but I put them on my resume anyway hoping maybe they'll get me brought in at a higher step or something.
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2011 04:55
|
|