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Hey all! I am new here. I took and passed the June FSOT but unfortunately did not make the QEP cut. I used a lot of the info on this forum the past few months so I figure I would actually sign up. You guys have been a truly great resource (and inspiring). Little bit about me: 26, grad student (IR/Comm), work full time at a federal agency (not state), learning Chinese on the side, Foreign Service is a dream career. Question: I am thinking about applying to the State Department Summer Internship since I really need overseas experience. Anyone else applying to it? Has anyone done one?
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Sep 23, 2011 22:36
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Yeah. I applied to SCEP a few days ago. I guess it's weird for me becuase I work full time at another federal agency (I'm a contracting specialist) but I really want to move my career towards the Foreign Affairs realm. As we know, the state department is a tough nut to crack.. so that's why I'm looking at the SCEP and the summer internship. In case of of SCEP, I'd probably leave my job and, for the internship, I'd try to get a leave of absence (not sure if that would fly). Anyone know how well the SCEP has worked out for others? Pamchenko, thanks for your insight. Do you think an internship would pay off in the short term if I'm looking to get into state? For me, I really need the overseas experience. So I going to apply to the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (China) and the Bureau of African Affairs (I was looking at Ethiopia). For a variety of reasons, an unpaid internship in DC for the summer wouldn't be an option.
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Sep 24, 2011 17:27
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Thanks for the insight Diplomaticus. I was writing my SoI talking about econ/management. Do you know what said intern did with his old job? Leave for the internship? I'll cross that bridge if I get there, but that will probably be a huge risk/reward decision for me if I have to leave.
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Sep 25, 2011 02:40
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GreenCard78 posted:I want to go the honest route. Yes it happened but I'm as far away from it as possible. Is there any kind of sympathy for those who have transformed themselves? I was never a big time distributor, just to friends and not that great of quantities either. The thing that might get you is the distributing thing. I know using is looked at much differently than selling/distributing. That said, the state department TS process is much better than say, FBI. I'd apply and try. The can only say no. But be honest... If it comes out you lied, its not good at all. VERY not good.
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Sep 29, 2011 00:33
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Diplomaticus posted:It's still accurate, maybe expanded a bit. 5.7's seem to be the magic number right now to get an A-100 invite. It would seem to me that there is now a de facto language requirement. How many people pull off a 5.7 on the oral alone?
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Oct 4, 2011 14:49
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Congrats to all that passed. If it helps any.. the PNQs probably are more stressful then they need to be. We tend to focus on the PNQs more then the QEP as a whole. They won't make or break you me thinks. My theory is overseas experience and language skills help the most... but its really a mystery. In other news, I am about done with my internship application (due November 7th now). I'm applying to PRC and Ethiopia. The 2500 character SoI for this is much harder than the PNQs were... how do I fit in why I want to intern in two completely different Bureaus in one short prompt? hmmm....  Anything exciting happening over in the Horn of Africa these days? (Pirates, famine, new countries... boring right?) *looks at Diplomaticus* mtreecorner fucked around with this message at 07:37 on Oct 29, 2011 |
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Oct 29, 2011 07:33
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Diplomaticus posted:What kind of internship is it: State or USAID? State. I figured that going somewhere in the Horn would keep me on my toes. More *ahem* "engaging" than say Paris... I guess the confusing thing is when you apply... you pick two bureaus and two countries respective to those bureaus. Are you only considered in those countries or is it throughout the bureau? I tried to write my SoI specifically... but that was challenging not knowing if it should only be written for that country, region, etc. Plus, wanted to pick your brain to see what the embassy was working on these days. I wrote about interest in the response to the famine and also PEPFAR.
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Oct 29, 2011 16:41
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Diplomaticus posted:I have no idea how the bureaus decide it. But since not every post in the bureau will have internships open, I can't imagine it's bureau-wide (plus can you imagine how pissed some people might be if they applied for Addis or Pretoria and got Juba or N'Djamena?) Thanks. That really does help me. They suggest you talk about the bureau and the work they are doing / how it fits with your education and/or career. Unfortunately the website is all about PEPFAR and the famine issue... So the more day-to-day type issues related more to state its hard to decipher. But I have a good starting place.
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Oct 29, 2011 18:14
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surrender posted:Crap, I wish I had seen this thread before! Passed with a 159.16 and 8, and was majorly dragged down by a 39.3 on the biographic section. Since the panel accounts for both the PNQs and the test, am I pretty much dead in the water? I applied for the Econ cone, if it matters. No. They take into account your test score but it seems like more a pass or fail type situation. What will be more important is your resume/background and PNQs.
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Oct 29, 2011 23:47
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Shageletic posted:I actually lived in Ethiopia for two years (08-10). Where in Ethiopia do you plan on moving to? I am applying to State Department Internship at the Embassy. It would just be for the summer.
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Oct 30, 2011 00:12
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ugh Sheratons... lol
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Oct 30, 2011 02:41
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I found the answer to my question before: "When you apply [For a State internship], you may select up to two Bureaus and express interest in specific locations within those Bureaus. If there are no internship opportunties in the locations where you express interest, you will still be considered for other locations within those Bureaus." So... looks like I could get offered anywhere in Africa or Asia. I'll add some more regionally general info to my SoI then. Also, I was joking about the Sheraton... I am probably one the least spoiled people when it comes to accommodations. (This is the person who camps by himself in death valley) I'd be happy not getting too walled off... And yeah... The Ferengi are the worst. Always looking to scam you. mtreecorner fucked around with this message at 05:16 on Oct 30, 2011 |
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Oct 30, 2011 05:13
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Shageletic posted:It was directed at mtree since he didn't seem familiar with the country, but glad to hear your two cents. And I could see where your coming from with the transportation. I can never get across to my friends back home how crazy and psychotic some of those drivers are, bobbing and weaving into traffic not actually paying attention to anyone else around them, their lips rimmed with qat, and I don't think I ever will. I was more so saying: I'm not moving anywhere yet. I gots to get selected first but I agree with what you said. I also applied to the Shenyang Consulate but I have a hunch China is popular to apply to.
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Oct 30, 2011 16:57
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November isn't too bad here in DC. We don't usually get much snow even during the winter. Snowpocalypse was like a once in a lifetime event. At least you weren't coming here in July... when it was 100+ for two weeks straight.
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Nov 1, 2011 18:58
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Internship application in. Time to forget about it. Anyone else out there apply?
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Nov 7, 2011 21:35
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themrguy posted:This is just what I came to the thread to post about! I'm finishing up my interest statement right now. What bureaus did you pick? I went with East Asian and INR. East Asian and Africa. I selected China and Ethiopia respectively... though you can get offered a spot in any country in those bureaus. I hope my interest statement wasn't total crap.
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Nov 9, 2011 19:20
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hitension posted:Was wondering if anyone could shed some light on why diplomats from most any country are expected to move every 2 or so years? The offical line from what I read before was that it prevents you from developing relationships detrimental to the U.S. So you basically stay american by not staying in one place. If you ever read beyond culture by E.T. Hall... he argues that the FS moving people around is crazy becuase some cultures require diplomats to build strong long term relationships. Really take your pick...
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Nov 11, 2011 06:14
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September OMS QEP results are in... I made it to Orals 
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Jan 6, 2012 01:38
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Skandiaavity posted:meanwhile, you might want to update your OP with reflections on CNL. Apparently, No Russian. I like the new language system... Although that stinks for people with Russian. In other news, I was selected as an alternate for a summer internship at the consulate in Guangzhou. Still waiting on the Bureau of African Affairs.
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Jan 10, 2012 01:20
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vegaji posted:Yay, I am an Alternate for a State Department internship! Abroad or in DC? I'm an alternate in china but still waiting on African Affairs. And yeah, it is nice to go through the TS clearance now.
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Jan 18, 2012 05:27
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vegaji posted:Not sure yet. I get my (potential) assignment in the mail in a week or so. How did you find out your bureau application status? I applied for Bureau of European Affairs (first choice in Russia) and Foreign Service Institute. The China intern people just emailed me eariler this month saying I was an alternate at the guangzhou consulate. No interview. I just got the EQIP info yesterday for it. Still holding out hope on the other bureau since i was told they decide independently. So you could be an alternate for one and a primary for the other.
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Jan 18, 2012 15:45
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Well, I got my OMS OA date. Feb 3rd. Seems pretty quick!
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Jan 21, 2012 05:44
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I am sorry to hear about the QEP guys... I feel like it's getting harder and harder to pass it with the budget cuts. Keep trying.
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Jan 23, 2012 20:06
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nm posted:Still how do I learn a super critical needs language with a job? I have a full-time job and take Chinese classes at night. Obviously, it is a much slower pace than say packing my bags and doing an immersion program in Beijing for a semester. So, I may not get to level 2 anytime soon but I am closer than I was a few months ago. I really wish I took classes while in undergrad but it is what it is... The other option I can think of is to take 2 weeks off work and go on "vacation." Use the time to do a quick immersion program in the country of your choice. I know they do exist. For Chinese, I saw this program involving sea turtles (http://www.seaturtles911.org/program/chinese.htm)
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Jan 23, 2012 20:16
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TCD posted:I'm going to try the internal conversion program in May. We'll see! The mustang program? I'm curious how that works as I have been looking at civil service and specialist positions too.
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Jan 23, 2012 20:18
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TCD posted:1) Have a degree related to the cone or have passed the FSOT. So say, if i made it as a GSO (which starts at a 4)... I would basically have to do this before 3 if I wanted to do it.
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Jan 23, 2012 21:54
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These are dark days... I am thinking the specialist route might be the only way right now for me. (I'll keep trying the FSOT though!)
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Jan 24, 2012 05:25
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For those interested, this was posted on the official State Department career forum today. Looks like it really was as bad as we thought in terms of the QEP this round. "We know that many of you eager to enter the Foreign Service as generalists are disappointed with the QEP results announced this week. First and foremost, candidates should understand that the percentage of FSOT passers who are invited for Oral Assessments varies dramatically over time. The variations are not about the quality of the candidates, but are simply a matter of two numbers – State Department hiring targets and the number of candidates who apply and pass the FSOT. In 2011, 9,000 FSOT candidates passed the written exam, but the hiring targets for the State Department are down, reflecting current budget realities. When the hiring targets are lower, we invite fewer candidates for oral assessments. The Foreign Service is fortunate to attract the most dedicated group of service-minded people in America..." Interesting that they felt the need to specifically address the low numbers. mtreecorner fucked around with this message at 02:53 on Jan 26, 2012 |
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Jan 26, 2012 02:49
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When we switched from explorer to chrome (and gmail based email)... it was one of the best days of my life.
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Jan 26, 2012 14:42
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pamchenko posted:We made the switch to Chrome/Gmail at work last month and... I actually kind of hate using Gmail for work. I was surprised, because I've been using Gmail for years. But... let's just say I never thought I'd miss Outlook. We went from lotus notes to gmail. I wish we had outlook before :/
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Jan 26, 2012 23:06
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Czolgosz posted:So I'm hoping someone could give me a little advice. I think 70% to 80% on the practice questions will probably pass the FSOT. You might as well take it now. I don't think studying really ups the score all that much. As my friend Nike says... Just do it.
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Jan 27, 2012 00:24
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vegaji posted:Looks like I'm an alternate for an internship for European and European Affairs in Moscow! If I am selected / take the internship, I really really really hope I won't have to pay for housing for an entire summer in Moscow. It'd cost nothing less than a fortune to live in Moscow for that long. Yeah, I'm an alternate in China (Guangzhou) for this summer. I'm glad they provide housing there (if I ever get called up). You can check with them directly, they should be able to tell you. I know someone who interned in the Ukraine that was allowed to stay with a FSO (who volunteered). So it depends...
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Jan 29, 2012 03:51
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Vilerat posted:do you help mom with setting up her outlook? I think anyone under the age of 30 automatically becomes their parent's IT help line.
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Feb 2, 2012 15:40
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Just got home.... passed my OMS OA! Alas... only a 5.3 though. Time to study Chinese nonstop haha.
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Feb 3, 2012 22:17
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HOORAY posted:Congrats! Back in September they were trying to fill a lot of entry level OMS positions so getting placed on the register was an automatic invite to training (with one or two exceptions). The 2011 September Specialist class was one of the largest in recent history with around 86 students, including ~24 OMSers. This still didn't meet the desired OMS hiring target. Thank you. (Also, thanks to everyone else that has helped me on this board... its a valued service.) Well, from what I hear the March and May class will be taking only about 10 OMSs each. I think that right now the register has about 60 on it. About 80 were invited to OA this round (Feb-March OAs)... so __out of 80 will be added on to that 60 in the coming months. A 5.3 will put me on the lower end of that list (luckily I had the first OA session.. so in theory, I could get on sooner than others) I probably won't be on the register until say June (estimate)... so it really depends on what future classes look like. If we stay on the 10 per class (or classes are cancelled) then I really need those language points. I do have time I guess... I am between a 0+ and a 1 in Chinese right now. I have 18ish months to get to a 2.
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Feb 5, 2012 18:19
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hayden. posted:Unfortunately employer's tuition reimbursement will only apply to business oriented degrees. I don't think paying entirely out of pocket for an MPA as opposed to a completely free MBA is really the best option for me, but if anyone else has feedback on how the two might compare I'd really appreciate it. Well, if it means anything. HR people in Government don't look at the school you got your Degree from. A MBA is a MBA and counts for the same. Now, that is different if you used that degree elsewhere but I am just talking intra-government.
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Feb 6, 2012 18:14
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hayden. posted:Nope, no foreign language. I'm not really sure what I could do to learn the critical languages since I've heard that doing it alone isn't realistic. College classes are scheduled during the day and aren't something I could attend while working full time. I've tried looking for group tutoring for languages in the area and haven't really found anything. I could learn french on my own with my girlfriend as a tutor because she's nearly fluent, but that's about it. Try a community college night program? I took Chinese I at a community college here in DC.. now doing Chinese II with a private teacher (who is cheaper). If you live in a large city, there might be language groups where you can get a few hours each week of immersion. There are options for full-time workers. I am getting a duel Masters and learning Chinese. I am burning myself out... but its doable.
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Feb 6, 2012 22:55
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hayden. posted:One more quick question, sorry for all the spam. Can you receive bonus points from more than one language? For example, can you test in both French and Arabic and receive bonus points from both? No. Just one.
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Feb 7, 2012 04:16
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Diplomaticus posted:Sure, OK. Pay me the six-figure salary I would be making doing this sort of work in the private sector then. One of the big myths of federal jobs is that we get paid A LOT of money. This is somewhat true for entry level to about mid-level jobs but we lose a lot of senior level people because the private pays much more. I know I could get paid at least 20-30% more if I went private. You could argue that the benefit of job security outweighs this though.
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Mar 21, 2012 18:43
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Tyro posted:It's not true for entry and mid level jobs either. I'm in grad school and to a person every single classmate of mine has been horrified when I've told them the starting salary range I'm looking at for federal jobs. Well, I got $42,500 as a GS-7 with just a B.A. (Got hired as a Federal Career Intern). GS-7 is about entry level with a college degree and I think $42,000 is more than I was making entry level elsewhere in DC (First job was $35k). Maybe that is off base... but I thought 42K was good for what would amount to a job right out of school. Now, I am a wise GS-12...
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Mar 21, 2012 22:16
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