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Kase Im Licht
Jan 26, 2001

pragan4 posted:

Just got word that I didn't make it past the QEP. I'm not sure what that means, but I guess I'll wait until next June/July and take the test again.
I didn't make it either.

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Happydayz
Jan 6, 2001

what's up QEP rejection buddies!

I got rejected from the QEP when it was first implemented. This previous post here makes a ton of sense though:

quote:

The panels review these files by career track considering the criteria outlined on the web site under the QEP. So in a hypothetical scenario let's assume the Department wanted to hire 100 political officers candidates and 100 management candidates but has 2000 applications for political officers and 700 for management candidates. They can invite the top 200 or top 300 candidates in each group to the oral assessment, but that is a very different percentage between the two cohorts. Competitively it makes getting an invitation to the Oral much more difficult for those in career tracks that are more highly sought.

The two previous times I took the FSOT I took it for granted that I'd get the invitation to the Orals. When I didn't the third time it was a shock out of the blue. I couldn't figure out how someone who had 1) worked internationally for 4 years, 2) had significant amount of responsibilities working with foreign militaries, and 3) had previously passed the orals, could get rejected by the QEP since a large part of the rationale for the QEP was to drive up Oral Exam passage rates.

A possible good thing about the QEP is that it should hopefully raise the caliber of person taking the oral exam, which in turn makes the oral exam easier for those going through it. I passed the group exercise the last time but had significant difficulty dealing with one extremely socially awkward guy in my group. He was literally dragging the other four of test takers down with him and both myself and another group member who ended up passing were both taking turns trying to neutralize him and get the group on track. With a strict QEP in place this should hopefully decrease the likelihood of someone like him making it into the orals again.

quote:

This is what really sucks about the QEP. There is no feedback whatsoever. FSOT has score breakdowns. With the FSOA you at least have a feeling for how you've performed in each section. With the QEP it could be because your roommate put an ASCII cock at the bottom of your personal essay, and you'd never know.

I just don't know about the QEP. It was an idea that McKinsey cooked up when State hired them to help improve the FSOT.

So let's say that the political cone can invite 200 oral exam test takers, and 1000 political cone applicants pass the written. So only the top 200 go through. In that case what do they judge the top 200 on? Judge them on educational background or foreign travel? If the decision is made by the personal narrative portion than people with compelling life stories/experiences will be more attractive.

In all of these cases they may very well be accepting in a higher quality applicant based on all available information. However what I've always liked about State hiring is how meritocratic it was. A Harvard grad had on paper just as much chance as someone with a GED and no college. All that mattered was the written examination and the orals. For both the written and orals your background, education, income, etc were irrelevant. What mattered is how you performed on test day. If you didn't have thousands of dollars to spend on lots of international travel and thus couldn't talk about how you handled cultural differences with foreigners, you could still explain how you overcame cultural differences here in the US during your oral exam.

Now with the QEP there seems to be a built-in bias toward those with richer educational, professional, and leisurely backgrounds. They can tell more compelling stories while those without the means will have a harder time making it to orals and presenting their life story during the structured interview process

edit: there's also the good possibility that the QEP will make the foreign service more homogeneous. Under the old system the main barrier are the tests. With the QEP you need to beat people on paper. That sort of system drives standards closer toward established norms than the more free-flowing entry process of the old system.

So yeah. Some good about the QEP, but also some not-so good. But, I could also still be bitter about getting rejected by the QEP back in 2007.

Happydayz fucked around with this message at 04:11 on Sep 15, 2009

Smeef
Aug 15, 2003

I posted my food for USPOL Thanksgiving!



Pillbug
I have to applaud you for your ability to remain positive about the QEP. I've talked to a lot of career FSOs about it, and even they are perplexed about it. The general consensus is a mix between :ughh: and :iiam:

xanthig
Apr 23, 2005

Happydayz posted:


However what I've always liked about State hiring is how meritocratic it was. A Harvard grad had on paper just as much chance as someone with a GED and no college. All that mattered was the written examination and the orals. For both the written and orals your background, education, income, etc were irrelevant. What mattered is how you performed on test day. If you didn't have thousands of dollars to spend on lots of international travel and thus couldn't talk about how you handled cultural differences with foreigners, you could still explain how you overcame cultural differences here in the US during your oral exam.



I think this sums up the entire problem with the QEP. Also, gently caress McKinsey...

xanthig
Apr 23, 2005

For those who have taken the OE before, what do you recommend doing to prepare? I get the impression that this is the kind of test most people take two or three times before they pass, so is it unreasonable to hope to pass it the first time out?

There's a OE prep session that was recommended in my QEP results letter, so I'm going to that, any idea what to expect? Apparently these prep sessions are scripted to make them homogeneous as possible so that no-body gets any extra advantage from going to any particular session.

Happydayz
Jan 6, 2001

Yahoo Groups - search for Foreign Service Oral Exam.

There is a LOT you can do to prepare. The easiest way to get bang for your buck is preparing for the structured interview. The whole point of the SI is to match you up against the 13 core dimensions and score you on how well you fit each dimension. Every question they ask you is geared toward this. So you will benefit enormously by writing out each dimension and then listing 3-4 life experiences which show how you meet this dimension. So when the structured interview comes around and they ask a question that is getting at dimension A, presto! You have a perfect example to provide them with. Not only does this make you more confident but it maximizes the use of your time. You only have a set amount of time in the interview. The more time you spend knocking out dimensions the better off you are. That means clearly articulated stories helps you help the examiners get what they need so they can continue to the next question and help you score more points

Case management exercise: there should be 2-3 real case samples there, maybe more. Take these under timed test conditions. CM has always been the hardest test for me, so practice makes perfect.

Group exercise - just read up on how the group exercise is scored so you know what they are looking for. Again, the 13 dimensions are key, so keep those in mind during the group exercise.

The yahoo groups also form informal group classes amongst themselves that aren't limited by the official State Dept prep sessions. Definitely link up with one of these groups and have at it.

As for first time test taking - a lot of people pass on their first time. A lot of people also pass on their second, third, or subsequent tries. I passed my second try at the orals with 2x other people - one had been trying for 4-5 years and also participated in the Yahoo Groups, the other was still a senior in college and passed with a 5.7 having done zero preparation.

CherryCola
Apr 15, 2002

'ahtaj alshifa
Hey guys! I just signed up to take the test on October 7th. I speak Hindi/Urdu and am going for my M.A. in South Asian Studies. Unfortunately my American History/Government background isn't incredibly strong, but I'm going to study my butt off. Also, I watch C-Span and read news like a crazy person.

One question about background checks. A couple years ago I dated a Palestinian dude for like a month. Is this the type of thing that could end up looking bad when they're deciding security clearance?

Leif.
Mar 27, 2005

Son of the Defender
Formerly Diplomaticus/SWATJester
Yay my invitation finally came through.

AKA Pseudonym
May 16, 2004

A dashing and sophisticated young man
Doctor Rope

CherryCola posted:

Hey guys! I just signed up to take the test on October 7th. I speak Hindi/Urdu and am going for my M.A. in South Asian Studies. Unfortunately my American History/Government background isn't incredibly strong, but I'm going to study my butt off. Also, I watch C-Span and read news like a crazy person.

One question about background checks. A couple years ago I dated a Palestinian dude for like a month. Is this the type of thing that could end up looking bad when they're deciding security clearance?

There are a staggering number of Chinese and Russian brides in the Foreign Service. A Palestinian boyfriend would hardly raise an eyebrow.

Anthropolis
Jun 9, 2002

xanthig posted:

I think this sums up the entire problem with the QEP. Also, gently caress McKinsey...

Thanks for QEP thoughts, guys. I suspect the other evil contribution from McKinsey are the management buzzword questions that have been showing up on the FSOT in the last few years. Here's an example from this great article about the FSOT:

quote:

A work group that has high performance norms and low cohesiveness will most likely have which of the following levels of performance: (A) Very high (B) High (C) Moderate (D) Low.

:what: Is there any way to get a handle on these questions besides reading tons of old Dilbert cartoons?

xanthig
Apr 23, 2005

Anthropolis posted:

Thanks for QEP thoughts, guys. I suspect the other evil contribution from McKinsey are the management buzzword questions that have been showing up on the FSOT in the last few years. Here's an example from this great article about the FSOT:


:what: Is there any way to get a handle on these questions besides reading tons of old Dilbert cartoons?

the economist publishes a series of "pocket guides" which thoroughly explore the jargon of various business subjects. I suggest picking up the management guide. I think it may have morphed into a more comprehensive tome since I picked up my copy, but here's a link to the now out of print version that I have. I found this book incredibly helpful in navigating the jargon.

http://www.amazon.com/Economist-Pocket-Manager-Essentials-Management/dp/1861970188/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253197501&sr=8-21

xanthig fucked around with this message at 18:10 on Sep 17, 2009

Happydayz
Jan 6, 2001

xanthig posted:

the economist publishes a series of "pocket guides" which thoroughly explore the jargon of various business subjects. I suggest picking up the management guide. I think it may have morphed into a more comprehensive tome since I picked up my copy, but here's a link to the now out of print version that I have. I found this book incredibly helpful in navigating the jargon.

http://www.amazon.com/Economist-Pocket-Manager-Essentials-Management/dp/1861970188/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253197501&sr=8-21

that question is loving bullshit.

It's a great way to limit the foreign service to people from upper-middle class backgrounds who've taken the prep school -> Ivy League -> White Collar route that McKinsey loves to hire from

Xandu
Feb 19, 2006


It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am.

Anthropolis posted:

article about the FSOT:

Wow

quote:

The questions were very general, but heavy on verifiable examples. “In the Foreign Service you may confront obstacles and/or adverse circumstances. … Describe a situation in which you overcame adverse circumstances. What steps did you take to deal with the circumstances/obstacle(s)? What was the result?” The journalist in me was pleased to see Personal Narrative Section (4a): “Communication skills are critical to successful diplomacy. Describe a situation in which you used your communication skills (either in English or another language) to achieve a goal.”

State wasn’t taking my word for it: For each question, I had to provide a name and phone number of someone who could verify the story I gave in my answer. In the months that followed, I heard that some of my references were indeed called and interviewed.

Having to provide verifiable references to a question like that seems rather ridiculous.

xanthig
Apr 23, 2005

Xandu posted:

Wow


Having to provide verifiable references to a question like that seems rather ridiculous.

The article is kind of skewed. I took the written test a couple of times before McKinsey got into the picture and it really hasn't change much at all. Sure, it's counterintuitive that the FSWE is a general knowledge test and not a test of arcane geopolitical information requiring a degree in international affairs, but its purpose is to separate the wheat from the chaff. The arcane geopolitical stuff can be learned quickly when its needed but the general knowledge element is hard to fool.

As for the verifiable reference, I used some examples of things I've done that were pretty far out there and I found comfort in giving the reader a way to verify my claims if he was skeptical. Ironically I passed without a single one of my references being contacted.

xanthig fucked around with this message at 02:56 on Sep 18, 2009

xanthig
Apr 23, 2005

Is there any policy about personal computer/ personal network security?

How is smoking treated in DoS culture? Is it looked down upon, or do a lot of people smoke as a way of dealing with the stress of the job. By that same token how is the occasional trip to the bar viewed?


How much freedom do DoS employees have in their financial matters. If I left my job for DoS, I would still be collecting royalties on patents for years to come, would that be an issue? What if one of the licensors was a business overseas?

If you have family/ friends in the country you are stationed in, is visiting them a problem? What about staying over in their home?

Business of Ferrets
Mar 2, 2008

Good to see that everything is back to normal.

xanthig posted:

Is there any policy about personal computer/ personal network security?

Most of the policies apply to work systems. I'm not aware of anything for personal (home) computers, but perhaps the IT gurus in this thread can speak to this.


xanthig posted:

How is smoking treated in DoS culture? Is it looked down upon, or do a lot of people smoke as a way of dealing with the stress of the job. By that same token how is the occasional trip to the bar viewed?

There are smokers, but the majority of people do not smoke. Smoking is prohibited in USG buildings, so you have to go outside to light up. DoS culture seems pretty permissive on this, but I don't know if it is any different from current U.S. culture in general.

Drinking and alchoholism are well established in the diplomatic corps. An occasional trip to the bar is no problem at all. Even being a lush probably wouldn't hurt your career chances too much, unless you did something absolutely beyond the pale.


xanthig posted:

How much freedom do DoS employees have in their financial matters. If I left my job for DoS, I would still be collecting royalties on patents for years to come, would that be an issue? What if one of the licensors was a business overseas?

The background check takes a look at stuff like this. Royalties should not be a problem. Worst-case scenario would probably be preclusion from service in a country where one had extensive financial interests, but even that would depend on the country. If you're getting lots of royalties from North Korea and Iran for your patented technique for enriching uranium, that could be a concern. . . .


xanthig posted:

If you have family/ friends in the country you are stationed in, is visiting them a problem? What about staying over in their home?

None of that would normally be a problem. Really strong ties to a country that might try to coerce you, your family or friends would be a different case, and would probably preclude you from service there.

TCD
Nov 13, 2002

Every step, a fucking adventure.

xanthig posted:

Is there any policy about personal computer/ personal network security?
uhhh...

What do you mean here???

like stuff at home or bringing stuff into work or something you are concerned about on the security review.

AKA Pseudonym
May 16, 2004

A dashing and sophisticated young man
Doctor Rope

xanthig posted:

Is there any policy about personal computer/ personal network security?

How is smoking treated in DoS culture? Is it looked down upon, or do a lot of people smoke as a way of dealing with the stress of the job. By that same token how is the occasional trip to the bar viewed?


How much freedom do DoS employees have in their financial matters. If I left my job for DoS, I would still be collecting royalties on patents for years to come, would that be an issue? What if one of the licensors was a business overseas?

If you have family/ friends in the country you are stationed in, is visiting them a problem? What about staying over in their home?

There's no policy on what you do with your own computer at home on your own time. The Department will supply you with anti-virus for your home computer if you want though.

As long as you're not constantly hammered during working hours or generally acting stupid drinking is not frowned upon at all. TGIF parties or Marine happy hours are pretty common. It's actually a pretty big part of the culture.

Leif.
Mar 27, 2005

Son of the Defender
Formerly Diplomaticus/SWATJester
Marine happy hours? Tell me more (I'm ex-Army, wouldn't mind drinking with Marines).

Defleshed
Nov 18, 2004

F is for... FREEDOM

SWATJester posted:

Marine happy hours? Tell me more (I'm ex-Army, wouldn't mind drinking with Marines).

As a former Marine, I wouldn't mind drinking with Marines either!

Drewby Drewby Drew
Jan 24, 2006

AKA Pseudonym posted:

The thing about IROs that you might want to weigh is that they only get posted to a small handful of posts. They do travel around though, but you'll only to get to live in a few places. There are only about 30 currently and I'm not sure how often they accept applications.

You could go from being an officer to and IRO or you could do an excursion tour but I wouldn't go into it counting on doing that.

Based on my experience and preference for what I'd do, I'd lean towards a specialist position in Information Technology:
1) "Information Management Specialists"
2) "Information Management Technical Specialists (Digital - Telephone - Land Mobile Radio)"

Seeing how few IROs there are, I'm curious, what would you estimate numbers to be for the two information technology positions?

Are you likely only to be able to live in a few places as well for them?


Edit: I posted too soon. I did some more digging and found this:

quote:

Location:
The Department of State in the Washington, DC metropolitan area; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and 31 Foreign Service posts throughout the world where technicians are assigned.

For these three positions:
Information Management Technical Specialist (DIGITAL)
Information Technology Information Management Technical Specialist (RADIO)
Information Technology Information Management Technical Specialist (TELEPHONE)
http://careers.state.gov/specialist/employment.html#IMTSD

Is there anywhere that lists what the 31 foreign service posts are?

I'm still curious what the numbers might be like for these positions.

Thanks!

Drewby Drewby Drew fucked around with this message at 21:25 on Sep 18, 2009

TCD
Nov 13, 2002

Every step, a fucking adventure.
Go IMS not one of the tech spots.

Drewby Drewby Drew
Jan 24, 2006

TCD posted:

Go IMS not one of the tech spots.

Why do you say that?

On the website it looks like they are only hiring IMTS and not IMS:
http://careers.state.gov/specialist/employment.html

TCD
Nov 13, 2002

Every step, a fucking adventure.
Techs TDY all over, have their first post be DC for 2 years, and have only a limited number of oversea posts.

If you are single that might be better but...

Drewby Drewby Drew
Jan 24, 2006

TCD posted:

Techs TDY all over, have their first post be DC for 2 years, and have only a limited number of oversea posts.

If you are single that might be better but...

TDY?

So you're saying if I went tech I'd most likely end up working in DC? Good place to be single?

TCD
Nov 13, 2002

Every step, a fucking adventure.
They temporary deploy out to posts instead of doing a full tour like most IMS positions. This would be more difficult for my situation. Plus the cost of living in DC is quite high for an incoming Tech.

edit:
If you are single or like being on the road, tech work can be a good fit. There's a tech in this thread. Maybe he will post his thoughts.

TCD fucked around with this message at 21:52 on Sep 18, 2009

Drewby Drewby Drew
Jan 24, 2006

TCD posted:

They temporary deploy out to posts instead of doing a full tour like most IMS positions. This is more difficult on families or at least it would be for me. Plus the cost of living in DC is quite high for an incoming Tech.

edit:
If you are single or like being on the road, tech work can be a good fit. There's a tech in this thread. Maybe he will post his thoughts.

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks.

It'd be great to hear from the tech here. :)

AKA Pseudonym
May 16, 2004

A dashing and sophisticated young man
Doctor Rope

SWATJester posted:

Marine happy hours? Tell me more (I'm ex-Army, wouldn't mind drinking with Marines).

Every once in a while the Marines well sell beers and whatnot after work. The profits go to fund the Marine Ball which celebrates the founding of the Marine Corps.

As far as IMS vs IMTS goes the only real advantage I see to IMTS is that they tend to get promoted quicker. There's a pretty big shortage of IMTSs and lots of people hop from IMTS to IMS. Plenty of people like the travel and variety and stick with it though.

Leif.
Mar 27, 2005

Son of the Defender
Formerly Diplomaticus/SWATJester
If anyone has information to put in the OP that'd be great.

Especially information on the Public Diplomacy, Economic and Management tracks.

AKA Pseudonym
May 16, 2004

A dashing and sophisticated young man
Doctor Rope
I just noticed that Drewby Drewby Drew asked for numbers and I babbled about something else.

There's a ton of IMSs (That's not really the best way of saying it because IMS is a specific position, IT managers get called different things but that's making things too complicated). It's far and away the largest of the specialties.

I don't really know how many IMTSs there are. Either way they're hiring a lot of both.

CherryCola
Apr 15, 2002

'ahtaj alshifa
So I have a question about the Consular career track. I've already applied for that one, so I'm locked in, but I was talking to a military guy yesterday who said I would have a ton of opportunities to speak my target language in that position. For some reason I had been thinking that it would be the opposite. What would you guys with experience say? Would I actually be able to speak frequently in a language besides English as a consular worker? Because that would be fantastic.

TCD
Nov 13, 2002

Every step, a fucking adventure.

CherryCola posted:

So I have a question about the Consular career track. I've already applied for that one, so I'm locked in, but I was talking to a military guy yesterday who said I would have a ton of opportunities to speak my target language in that position. For some reason I had been thinking that it would be the opposite. What would you guys with experience say? Would I actually be able to speak frequently in a language besides English as a consular worker? Because that would be fantastic.
Why would you think you'd just be using English when you're pretty much the interactive face of the Embassy?



Edit: Decided to modify ferret's post to be about specialists. Hopefully this can make the front page.

How does the Foreign Service assignment system work?

For Specialists

A Specialist first two tours are directed, which means that, though the specialist gives input, the assignments office has the final say of who goes where. The initial two tours each normally last two years. For a specialist's first tour, a "bid list" is distributed during the first day or two of initial training. The number of jobs on the list will roughly match the number of specialists in the orientation class. I think DS had a 1-1. There was one additional spot on our list. OMSs had... 3 or 4 extra on their list. Often, some posts will have several jobs open for various specialties. San Jose might have an Office Management Specialist and Information Management Specialist both open. The current practice is to have new specialists rank every job on the bidlist. Specialists are also given the opportunity to turn in a "bid narrative," which allows them to explain their bidding strategy and interests. Specialists will discuss their choices -- and their rational -- with a career development officer (CDO). At the entry level, the CDOs get together and assign the new officers to positions. They usually try to get everyone one of their top bids, but that is not always possible, and the CDOs' first responsibility is to fill vacant positions. At the third and last week of specialist orientation there will be a "Flag Day" ceremony, where the whole class receives their assignments (and a small matching national flag, hence the name). Most specialists will find out shortly after Flag Day how much training they can expect. I, however, was 2 months into my training when I found out my additional training which turned out to be 2 months of supplemental training. Some specialist positions will be designated for language training… most positions will not receive language training. Core training also varies for the Specialist type. Some specialists have as little as 3 weeks after orientation to as much as 10+ months before heading to their first post.
******Note for Information Management Technical Specialists**** The first tour is in DC
******Note for DS Agents** The first tour is domestic. Agents bid on their preferred Field Office.
Both IMTS and DS Agents often temporary deploy for various assignments on their first tour. I believe the TDY can be 1-60 days possibly longer. During this TDY, I don’t believe family is authorized to follow the Specialist. Other specialists can also TDY depending on the situation.

When bidding for one's second tour, there are more jobs to choose from, but also more constraints on bidding. The governing principle of second-tour bidding is the idea of "equity." Equity is calculated by adding the hardship differential and danger pay (if any) from the first tour, then giving specialists with higher levels of equity priority for assignments. So people serving in Pakistan, for example, will have many more jobs to choose from than those in London . Keep in mind that Seoul is a "zero hardship" post, so you can imagine that this specialist's choices would be limited. There are also language issues if a specialist earned extra points for critical-needs language proficiency during the hiring process or during the first tour. Another factor is timing, which means that, even if you are fluent in French and otherwise qualified, if your first tour ends in April but that Paris job you want begins in October (to allow for six months of French study), you won't have a shot at it. The gap is just too large. Although there are many, many more jobs on the second-tour bid list than there are bidders, the extensive constraints mean that each bidder has only a small group of realistic bids. Both IMTS and potentially DS Agents can try to bid on oversea positions on their second tour.

I just did four years as a Specialist and I am tenured, but I want to be a Generalist, is there an "in house" conversion process??
Yes there is... Presently there are several ways in State that allow Specialists to attempt a switch to Generalist side of the house. They are still competitive, and some require passing the FS Oral Exam. But, one way, if you get a passing score on the orals, you get into the next A-100. You skip the register list as you already have a Med and TS clearance. And, you get to keep your tenure as a specialist so if you don't like or don't make tenure as a generalist, you still have a job. I believe AFSA is working on allowing more switching. But, I'll believe it when I see it.

In mid-level bidding, which is everything after your first two tours and before you get into the Senior Foreign Service around the 20-year mark or so (some specialist areas have the ability to reach the Senior Foreign Service like IT(known as IRM in State) and DS (IMS and IMTS converge together at FP-2). I'm not sure if OMSs can reach that level however...), the core of the process is lobbying for jobs. There is still a bid list (this is how you find out what jobs are available) and you still have a CDO, but getting jobs is all about your reputation and whom you know. There are some rules about bidding in your skill code and at your grade, but these are not onerous and are mostly a formality. You basically identify jobs in which you are interested, then put in a formal bid, then do everything in your power to convince the decision maker (usually a director on a country desk or in a functional bureau) that you are the best fit for the job. You will also ask colleagues and supervisors to put in a good word for you with the decision maker. If the job is popular, lots of other people will be doing the same. If you go after jobs far outside your reach, you run the risk of getting none of your bids and having to re-bid after most of the best jobs are already gone. The upside to this process is that specialists have enormous control over where they won't go, even if they don't necessarily get assigned to their dream job. Note: Excursion tours are possible either as a generalist or different specialist type.

The other specialists in the thread can fill free to correct any glaring problems with the last two parts.

TCD fucked around with this message at 23:22 on Sep 19, 2009

Vilerat
May 11, 2002

TCD posted:

Go IMS not one of the tech spots.

HEY.

I can answer all your questions about being an IMTS! You have two levels of post you can go to really unlike an IMS who can be sent pretty much anywhere (for good or bad). Your initial assignment is ~usually~ Springfield VA which is just south of the beltway loop in the DC metro area. You spend two years there learning how to be a State tech and doing a few trips overseas to either install something or fix something. Your first two years are considered training for the most part and it's really for the best because when you go overseas as a permanent change of station you're expected to know what you are doing already.

Where you go really depends on your specialty. You will be assigned to a Regional Information Management Center (RIMC) which is a hub covering a geographical region. From there you'll go on the road 25-50% of the time travelling to embassies and consulates fixing things and walking on water. It's a great job if you're single or want to make a shitload of money because you will make a shitload of money. Sometimes there is enough work at a specific post to require that an IMTS be stationed there permanently so if you get one of those positions you'll travel a lot less but you're still administratively controlled by the governing RIMC and not the post you're at.

It really depends on what kind of experience you want. If you want to travel a lot and swim in silo's full of money like Scrooge mcduck then IMTS is great. If you have a family and want to stay at one post for 3 years at a time then maybe IMS is a bit better. It's hilariously easy to switch between the two however so it might be worth it to go IMTS and change over after you get in (that's what I'm doing).

Drewby Drewby Drew
Jan 24, 2006

Thanks AKA Pseudonym, TCD and Vilerat!

AKA Pseudonym posted:

Plenty of people like the travel and variety and stick with it though.

Vilerat posted:

I can answer all your questions about being an IMTS! You have two levels of post you can go to really unlike an IMS who can be sent pretty much anywhere (for good or bad).

...

It's a great job if you're single or want to make a shitload of money because you will make a shitload of money.

...

If you want to travel a lot and swim in silo's full of money like Scrooge mcduck then IMTS is great. If you have a family and want to stay at one post for 3 years at a time then maybe IMS is a bit better.

Other than the part where Vilerat says, "You have two levels of post you can go to really unlike an IMS who can be sent pretty much anywhere (for good or bad)," it seems like IMTS is the position that is more likely to have you moving around more, correct?


That's really great that it's easy to switch between the two.


Now here's a question that isn't answered on their medical/health FAQ.

Does taking any kind of medication for any mental health issue immediately disqualify or significantly decrease your chances of being accepted? I know with Peace Corps it pretty much sends your application to the shredder.

Drewby Drewby Drew fucked around with this message at 18:13 on Sep 21, 2009

Pompous Rhombus
Mar 11, 2007
Hey, cool to see an FSO thread that appears to have gained critical mass and is still steaming along!

Reading through the thread I was reminded about the diplomatic courier position, from what I remembered looking at before they aren't open that often. I had a peep at the DSS website again and in the sidebar it looks like they'll be posting an opening on USAJobs in the next week or so. Don't think my chances are that great (lots of travel/overseas experience but just graduating with a BA) but I'm gonna go out for it anyways.

edit: I've got Schedule A noncompetitive hire status, does anyone have any suggestions for what kind of position(s) in the DoS I might be able to apply for with that?

Pompous Rhombus fucked around with this message at 18:48 on Sep 21, 2009

AKA Pseudonym
May 16, 2004

A dashing and sophisticated young man
Doctor Rope

Drewby Drewby Drew posted:

Thanks AKA Pseudonym, TCD and Vilerat!



Other than the part where Vilerat says, "You have two levels of post you can go to really unlike an IMS who can be sent pretty much anywhere (for good or bad)," it seems like IMTS is the position that is more likely to have you moving around more, correct?

For an IMTS travel is part of the job description. In the IMS skill code you might be able to do a short stint at a post that needs it and there are rover positions where all you do is fill in gaps. But basically IMTSs move around IMSs stay put.

quote:

That's really great that it's easy to switch between the two.


Now here's a question that isn't answered on their medical/health FAQ.

Does taking any kind of medication for any mental health issue immediately disqualify or significantly decrease your chances of being accepted? I know with Peace Corps it pretty much sends your application to the shredder.

I don't know how it would viewed in the application process or in the security clearance process but it could cause a problem in getting a medical clearance due to the limited availability of certain drugs in some places. I have a friend who wasn't able to go to the post he was assigned to out of training because his son's ADD medication was tightly controlled there. Those decisions can be be pretty arbitrary though so your mileage may vary.

Vilerat
May 11, 2002

Drewby Drewby Drew posted:

Thanks AKA Pseudonym, TCD and Vilerat!



Other than the part where Vilerat says, "You have two levels of post you can go to really unlike an IMS who can be sent pretty much anywhere (for good or bad)," it seems like IMTS is the position that is more likely to have you moving around more, correct?

Yes. IMTS are by rule travelling technicians. You will be on the road a lot and you will see a lot more of the world than an IMS. Always wanted to visit Kinshasa? You can! (and then you get to go back home to Pretoria and be glad you don't live in Kinshasa). IMS are stationed in one post and spend the entire time working there until it's time to go to the next post.

quote:

That's really great that it's easy to switch between the two.

State is exceptionally good at letting you do excursion tours doing things outside your job. I could for example bid on a Management officer position as an IMTS and have a shot at getting it provided it's in a place nobody wants to go and the competition is light. They don't lock you down at all.

quote:

Now here's a question that isn't answered on their medical/health FAQ.

Does taking any kind of medication for any mental health issue immediately disqualify or significantly decrease your chances of being accepted? I know with Peace Corps it pretty much sends your application to the shredder.

Worldwide availability and security clearance are the two things that it might impact. Can you be sent to some shithole where your meds might be delayed because of a customs snafu without killing everybody? It really depends on the mental illness. I can't find anything on our Intranet discussing it but this might help:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/l/blsecmental.htm

Seems to indicate that if it's controlled then it shouldn't be an issue.

Drewby Drewby Drew
Jan 24, 2006

Thanks again guys. I appreciate your answers.

I'm not taking meds for anything serious. They are all generic/uncontrolled and not needed to keep me from being suicidal/homicidal. I'm thinking of tapering off them anyway.

Another question while I'm posting, what educational backgrounds do you IMS and ITMS guys have? Certifications?

Drewby Drewby Drew fucked around with this message at 23:13 on Sep 21, 2009

TCD
Nov 13, 2002

Every step, a fucking adventure.

Drewby Drewby Drew posted:

Thanks again guys. I appreciate your answers.

I'm not taking meds for anything serious. They are all generic/uncontrolled and not needed to keep me from being suicidal/homicidal. I'm thinking of tapering off them anyway.

Another question while I'm posting, what educational backgrounds do you IMS and ITMS guys have? Certifications?

A+, Net+ 4 years of IT(over 7 year period)


My degree is in IR and business. Yeah, I'm generalist in IT ;)

However, my friend who came in at the same time, with a BS or BA degree in IT, and 7 or so years of IT experience came in 6 steps above me on the same grade... which works out to 10K difference.

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xanthig
Apr 23, 2005

I just got back from the official Oral Assessment prep session and it seems the information in this thread about the foreign service is better considered and more comprehensive than the information from the two foreign service officers giving the session. Thanks again to the various and sundry DoS employees in this thread.

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