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A few major changes there. It's actually worse for people in former CNL/SCNL languages. 1) You now need a S-3 in the language for many languages where previously you only needed a 2. 2) Turkish is no longer eligible for higher bonus points (this seemed to be the go-to language for some people who needed bonus points quick because they only got a 5.3 and the average invites were going to 5.7's and higher at the time) 3) The possibility of losing all your points if you don't manage to get an R1 on the in-person test. However, if you can make it to the in-person test, this is an easy possibility of going from .17 to .25 assuming you can pull off an R1 (or more if you can get an S3/R2). 4) This tones down the overly high scores that otherwise borderline candidates were getting simply due to Mandarin fluency. Now, you max out at .38 -- IF you are able to do an in-person test with a 3/2. If you can't go to FSI for an in person test, it looks like you only get .17 max. Overall this seems much more fair than the previous system for non-language speakers who were getting screwed over, only slightly more competitive for "easy" language speakers (and only those who previously were in a language that required a 2/2, not a 3/3); and makes things much more competitive for "hard" language speakers by toning down their scores. I think it's a good change overall, but we'll see how it pans out.
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Jun 1, 2012 22:01
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TCD posted:I finally get bureau approval for an extension and somebody in assignments shoots me down over a technicality that could be addressed in one of the many conflicting FAM/FAHs statements. Extensions are tough when your on a directed assignment. I'm surprised the EL CDO didn't just shoot you down. They can do that even if you're not EL anymore. Are you planning on doing another full tour or are they going to let you curtail halfway through or something?
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Jun 1, 2012 22:28
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TCD posted:They did... I understand Angola is nice this time of year. . . . Seriously though, extensions are tough these days since the positions basically have to be opened to AIPers, who have priority. And yeah, EL positions aren't getting extended in general.
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Jun 2, 2012 00:19
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err, exchange down for anyone? outlook doesn't seem to be working at all. Remoting in. Also diplomaticus - it should be noted that State S/R levels are not at all aligned with the public perception, the U.N. exams, etc. The example used in orientation was "a '3' in Chinese would basically mean they could send you to Wuxi with a list of stuff to get, an economic seminar to attend and take notes, share them with a LES, and navigate back to post in beijing, without a translator." a 4 basically means "native language". Correct that if it's wrong, since that's what they told us. Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 00:35 on Jun 2, 2012 |
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Jun 2, 2012 00:28
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Skandiaavity posted:err, exchange down for anyone? outlook doesn't seem to be working at all. Remoting in. There was a notice that it would be down. Try again tomorrow morning.
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Jun 2, 2012 00:38
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well, that explains it. didn't have much time to check my e-mail at all. vvv- from what I understood, the difference between 4 and 5 would be basically a 4 would be able to attend, and pass, all of the courses for a university degree. a 5 would be able to teach the courses ? Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 00:44 on Jun 2, 2012 |
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Jun 2, 2012 00:42
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Skandiaavity posted:
That 3 is pretty accurate. A 5 means "educated native speaker," and a 4 is somewhere between the two.
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Jun 2, 2012 00:42
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AKA Pseudonym posted:Extensions are tough when your on a directed assignment. I'm surprised the EL CDO didn't just shoot you down. They can do that even if you're not EL anymore. I'm not EL anymore. There's a ML slot here that went unfilled, so I moved over (already paneled several months ago), freeing up the EL. EL has no control over me  I'm now trying to do the full tour of the ML slot, with time served in the EL slot. Bureau signed off on it.Yes, they (EL) tried to raise the issue and bureau shot them down hard. I talked to the HRO here and he's pretty confident if I want to BoP that I can get it. Thankfully I also have an Oct ETD which actually helps me a lot. TCD fucked around with this message at 04:29 on Jun 2, 2012 |
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Jun 2, 2012 04:18
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CDA/EL is like the worst thing ever. The more you can do to avoid those folks who are just so concerned about your career development  and not just concerned about filling jobs at horrible posts with new, naive employees, the better. Fortunately, they only had their hooks in me for my first tour; I bid mid-level for my second and subsequent tours.
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Jun 2, 2012 04:34
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Business of Ferrets posted:CDA/EL is like the worst thing ever. The more you can do to avoid those folks who are just so concerned about your career development Its the worst for us, especially cause we just don't have the space overseas. Additionally, a year ago a first tour extension was out of the question because it wouldn't do anything for your career, the EERs would be stale, and it was looked down upon to stay domestic longer versus getting overseas. Now they are DYING for people to take the extensions. It's the first thing a CDO will say to an agent who isn't looking at a lot of decent choices. I don't see how it helps the big picture in any manner, but what do I know.
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Jun 2, 2012 05:22
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Hey everybody, after over a year of applications, interviews, and inspections, I've finally got my official offer to join as a Foreign Service Specialist (IMS). Got the huge info packet in the mail, and am working to get through the poo poo load of forms I need to submit. This thread has been really informative, so thank you to everybody who has contributed! I have a few random questions about training I was hoping somebody could answer, however (please excuse me if this was already mentioned in the thread. I read the first 15'ish pages, but there's just to much to cover): What is orientation like? Somebody mentioned earlier that it was fairly intense. I have no idea what to expect the first day (and the following three weeks), so any info would be appreciated. How intense is training for IMS overall? My job duties are fairly vague, as they don't mention exactly what sorts of hardware, systems, and programs I'll be expected to work with. Are you expected to hit the ground running hard? Just don't want to risk going in and being expected to know something very specific I'm rusty on because I haven't been using it for work the last few years. Not sure how much I should study up and refresh myself on everything before going in. Whats the dress code like for studying at the FSI, and also while working as an IMS overseas? Can't seem to find this info in the packets. I've been working at a Bay Area software company the last few years where shorts and t-shirts the norm, heh.
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Jun 2, 2012 08:51
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Welcome to the club! Orientation is pretty laid back really. You won't be taking any tests or doing any homework, you just go to class from 9 to 4 (Or is orientation 8 to 4? I don't remember.) It marks a pretty big transition and you get a lot of info tossed at you which can be sort of overwhelming. But it's pretty stress free. Unless you're taking a Microsoft test IMS training is also fairly laid back. Most tests are written by FSI and taken open book. And failing a test doesn't really mean anything anyway. Right now we're using Server 2003 and Windows XP. Vista being a short-lived piece of poo poo sort of screwed up our upgrade cycle but we're switching to Windows 7 eventually. On the classified network we have thin clients that connect through Citrix, that just takes some getting used to. As a local admin you're fairly well locked down and more and more duties are being centralized. So don't expect a of in depth technical work. You'll also get a little bit of training on phones and radio, how deep you actually get into those varies from post to post but it's usually not too much. And then there's our proprietary messaging system for sending and receiving cables, it's unique to State and a fairly big chunk of the job and you'll just need some time with it to learn it. Dress code during orientation is suit and tie if you're a dude. After that you can get away with a nice pair of jeans and a polo shirt, and the dress code at post is usually similar. In fact some days are dirty and physical enough that you'll want to wear jeans, most days you'll probably want to wear some khakis or something though. I've taken to wearing a shirt and tie, but that's me. You're boss at post will probably understand that you're new. You'll hear some horror stories about newbies basically being left to their own devices, but that's (mostly) a thing of the past. We got a new hire a few months back and the only we've overwhelmed him with is our over-eagerness to help.
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Jun 2, 2012 10:25
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Welcome to the club! I'm in the most recent orientation - 125th IMS. Be prepared for "it depends"  You will see me around FSI, I am happy to meet you for lunch or something if we have the time.There's some corrections to AKA Pseudonym's that were 'recent changes' as of 2012. But otherwise what he said is correct! It'll be an info dump so I hope it alleviates your concerns.. - There are no breaks in orientation. Anything you have to do, doctor's visits, etc, do now before you enter. During training, there is a 100% mandatory attendance policy. I'm sure we will eventually get some admin time (I know for sure the next guaranteed one I get is in August), but we have not had any admin time at all so far, five weeks in. People have asked and the coordinators are unsure of when, if any. The sole exception in both cases is overnight ER visits with justification. Otherwise they expect you to be there. - The dress code is Suit & tie, all the way, every day, for orientation (3 weeks). There's a one-day exception. During training so far, no jeans. Business casual (i.e. shirt & slacks). I caught flak for wearing a polo... But, I'm hoping this depends on the teacher and class being taught. - Orientation lasts from '8 to 4' (meaning 7:45-4:30), with small bathroom breaks and one hour lunch break in between. I think it's intense because they bombard you with various information, HR processes, Etiquette, and go through the other specialties as well. (i.e. Generalists, OMS, DS, HR, MED, FM, etc) so you cover everything. At the same time you have to decide where you're going on next, and are worrying about what your career/IMS does, etc. Also, be prepared for some public speaking. If that sounds like a bit of a ramble to you, it's just how the flow of orientation goes! Like what AKA Pseudonym said: It's not stressful at all, it's more like a busy, packed, daily schedule for 3 weeks. - After orientation, you start specialty orientation (ours is IMS), which is from 9-4 and much more relaxed. Suits come off, etc. But some material is repeated but focused for specialties. For example, you'll have a 4 hour training in orientation, then a 3 hour repeat in specialty training. Around ~5 or 6 weeks in, you begin your actual field of training, (Systems / Phones/ Radios, etc.) For me, during the first month, I did not find any solid answers. People on the board here were more helpful than the presenters, so any kind of information is good. Note that I'm not stating the presenters weren't good - most of them are quite good! it's just that they're aware of what they say might apply to you, but not everyone else; or vice versa. So they play it safe. - It really helps morale especially for the 2nd+ weeks in, if you can find the time to bring some coffee and bagels/donuts in. If you can't/don't have a car, try to find if anyone's interested. (note: people may idolize you if you brought in a case of 5 hour energy) - Think about world-wide availability for another second. Entry Level may not get good/ideal posts. Just do a lot of research, justify yourself, pros and cons, the best as you can. Also your list will vary from the other specialties. This is the only 'stress' you have, as orientation only gives you ~1 week before the list is due, so plan to burn candles for at least one night. If you have a spouse or kids, TALK TO THEM. Ask your CDO the same day or next day where to find info about kids or spouse life/employment at post. Most of our specialists got their top bids. Try to talk with your classmates, maybe an OMS or contractor in the class has worked there before, etc. What you think a post might be like and what it will be like, can be a huge difference. - Also about posts, when you get assigned, you probably have a billion and one questions about it. Rather than ask them in class, try to catch the instructor, CDO, Mentor, etc person after class and ask. If you have to ask, shoot for broad questions. For example, one question that was asked about Typhoons or Flooding in Sri Lanka - they are also a repeat occurrence in most SE Asian countries and applied to my post (Manila) as well - but really could happen anywhere, and are good for the general knowledge. You can ask here or in our google groups, and most of us will be happy to share our knowledge. So you won't be on your own. - Also the Cross-cultural communications guy had a really good presentation. Some people in our class didn't like it and thought it was a waste of time, but I'll say this from personal experience: what he presents is true. People can either listen and re-examine their approach to people. Especially foreigners. Or, smile, nod their head and think of it as a waste of time. Then they find out the hard way. - You'll laugh and cry at "It Depends." Expect this to be the answer to pretty much everyone's question. - For IMS specific, yeah I agree they can be pretty vague. You'll be frustrated even four or five weeks in, honestly. Technically, your job description can be "anything IT/Communications related". At some posts you may serve as ISO/ISSO/chief IT guy; other posts you may just be in charge of the mailroom & pouch.. Even during IMS training, they can still be pretty vague as folks are unsure of everyone's skill and background. My advice? Just roll with it. You'll find out specifics during later stages of training. They don't expect you to hit the ground running, they will train you for a mandatory period and then ship you off to post. You won't be all alone there, again, as AKA Pseudonym said. We just teleconferenced with some folks at posts and they gave us a clearer day-to-day picture. - Also about that, everything is taught from the ground up. You start at slate 1, basically. This is to ensure everyone is on the same page, has at least the same base skillset, and knows how the department prefers things to be done. It doesn't matter if you're MS certified or not. - Learn to like your classmates.. you don't have to be best friends, but you should try to be on good terms. For example, one DS agent openly criticized the president. Nobody bothered, everyone just smiled and nodded, because his punishment (his reputation) was already being made. Your attitude in orientation is emphasized for a reason. - Your classmates will be from very different places than yourself. Learn from them, network with them. Most importantly, have fun! Congratulations and welcome to the state department!  ProTip: I'm hoping they fixed the order of the presentations, but otherwise, unless you're 100% sure of which health insurance you want, hold off on sending it to HR until after the 2nd/3rd week presentation. Lots of people in our class were frustrated with this. Once you submit it, it's a done deal, and you have 30 days to send it in. It was very annoying to find out more about specific plans after we signed for them.
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Jun 2, 2012 16:02
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You can find good in pretty much any post in the world. Don't be afraid to take a 25% as your first post.
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Jun 2, 2012 16:59
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Teleku posted:Hey everybody, after over a year of applications, interviews, and inspections, I've finally got my official offer to join as a Foreign Service Specialist (IMS). Got the huge info packet in the mail, and am working to get through the poo poo load of forms I need to submit. Congrats, added to the OP! FSI dress is generally "Suit + Tie during your initial orientation (A-100 or your specialist version of A-100 for your first couple of weeks), polos and khakis/jeans during things like language training and tradecraft unless your teacher has other rules. Dress code at post will depend on job and location. As an econ officer in Ethiopia, I wear a suit and tie every day. In some posts, my same job would wear polos and a khaki because of weather (unless you had a meeting requiring a suit). Our IMS guys wear polos and slacks for work, jeans if they're doing installations or things that get grubby.
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Jun 2, 2012 17:02
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So the OP is basically at the character limit now. Nice!
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Jun 2, 2012 17:17
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So the DSS Special Agent BEX has added a case management section. Does anyone know anything else about it? Is it just a shorter version of the FSO CM exercise? FSOT next week and BEX two weeks after that. Very State heavy June.
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Jun 2, 2012 17:49
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drat, you got an email from the march DSS app? I haven't heard back yet. Good luck on both.
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Jun 2, 2012 18:21
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Teleku posted:Hey everybody, after over a year of applications, interviews, and inspections, I've finally got my official offer to join as a Foreign Service Specialist (IMS). Got the huge info packet in the mail, and am working to get through the poo poo load of forms I need to submit. Congrats!!
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Jun 4, 2012 02:29
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Information Programs Officer stationed in a cush EUR assignment right now. If you have any questions in that area lemme know.
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Jun 4, 2012 12:47
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Vilerat posted:Information Programs Officer stationed in a cush EUR assignment right now. If you have any questions in that area lemme know. I'm currently bidding for my 2nd EL IMS tour & happen to be looking for a cush EUR assignment. No real question though unless there's some secret code word to use when bidding that will help me get one.
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Jun 4, 2012 13:36
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You're falling behind in the 'bug Vilerat for an IMS position' sweepstakes JUST SAYING.
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Jun 4, 2012 13:43
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Oh well, that's fine. I'm not the type that tries to bug people. Besides, our list is pretty sweet IMO & I'll be happy if I get anywhere in the top 1/3rd of my picks.
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Jun 4, 2012 15:29
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Vilerat posted:You're falling behind in the 'bug Vilerat for an IMS position' sweepstakes JUST SAYING. Why you two timming me bro? 
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Jun 4, 2012 16:30
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Library science goons...Information Resource Officer positions are open, they havent recruited for this since 2009! This position is the reason I went for a library degree in the first place. I applied for OMS in March (still waiting on results for that) and am taking the FSOT this Friday but IRO is what I really want to do. I don't know how many openings they are budgeted to fill for IROs. http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/317237600
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Jun 5, 2012 12:47
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Miscreant Fromage posted:Library science goons...Information Resource Officer positions are open, they havent recruited for this since 2009! This position is the reason I went for a library degree in the first place. I applied for OMS in March (still waiting on results for that) and am taking the FSOT this Friday but IRO is what I really want to do. I don't know how many openings they are budgeted to fill for IROs. My friend with a MLS just asked me about the FS. Talk about timing.
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Jun 5, 2012 13:51
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Today in things to expect from the Foreign Service: random shifts in your expected departure date. I was given incorrect information about how to apply for a Libyan visa, meaning that I was about 3 weeks later than I should have been - applied at the end of home leave, not at the beginning. Resigning myself to sleeping on a friend's couch in DC for a month until my visa was approved, I started making leisurely plans for consultations and visiting friends in the month of June. On Monday morning, I got a phone call from the Libya Desk, telling me to come pick up my visa request letter, as we'd been told the visa would take two days to issue. Oh. poo poo. Nothing like preparing for a PCS in 72 hours when you thought you'd have 4 weeks. Bonus round: 10 minutes after I got the phone call from the Desk, militias took over the Tripoli airport _again_, though I understand the situation was resolved before nightfall. (I actually can't wait to get to Tripoli...)
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Jun 5, 2012 16:24
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I think I like Rio.
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Jun 5, 2012 16:29
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I'm taking the FSOT for the first time this Sunday. I applied for the political track. I've done some studying, but not enough. I do well on the economics, world history, and management knowledge assessments. I haven't had too much time to study since I just got out of school. I have a lot of trouble on the American history and government section, mainly because I've majored in International Relations which focuses on foreign things more and I don't remember that stuff since high school. Could someone give me a link of a good online source to review American history and government? Just a quick review would help. Maybe something for basic statistics too! I don't expect to pass, but who knows, if not, I'll try again! This is my dream career, and I WILL pass eventually. I interned at the American embassy in Paris last summer. I think I have a good shot if I get to the interview portion; I was born in France and have lived in two foreign countries for several years. I speak French decently well too.
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Jun 5, 2012 23:39
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I didn't find the FSOT all that hard. It's the drat QEP that's the problem. A family member that took the fsot same time as me just passed his orals in mgt cone with a decent enough score to probably make it to an A100. Anyways, good luck!
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Jun 5, 2012 23:50
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Gumog posted:I'm taking the FSOT for the first time this Sunday. I applied for the political track. There is a PDF file here that looks like it might provide a good overview of U.S. history (start at page 33). Obviously, I haven't read the thing and hey, it could be full of plain ol' crazy, but it looked fine at a twenty-second glance. Each chapter features a list of terms and even some multiple-choice questions that are reminiscent of the FSOT. Really, any decent AP U.S. history text should be sufficient. Also, master the articles and amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Good luck!
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Jun 6, 2012 00:14
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TCD posted:I think I like Rio. Huh, are you there for Rio+20? Huge UN conf going on.
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Jun 6, 2012 02:02
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the_chavi posted:I was given incorrect information about how to apply for a Libyan visa Funny thing, no one really knows because it's a crazy convoluted process to get one. Me and another guy we're on deck to TDY out there and couldn't because we literally couldn't get a visa. It was freaking annoying.
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Jun 6, 2012 02:08
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Ugh. On duty this week. Who needs sleep anyway? 
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Jun 6, 2012 06:26
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If all goes well I'll have made it through a two year tour with only 1 week as duty officer!
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Jun 6, 2012 08:15
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Skandiaavity posted:Huh, are you there for Rio+20? Huge UN conf going on.
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Jun 6, 2012 11:32
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Finally caught up with the thread. I started reading it initially because I was trying to figure if it was worth reapplying. After all I've read, I've again decided the FSO is for me. I just registered for the fall FSOT today. I have to wait until then because I applied last October and washed out in the QEP. At first I was pretty upset about losing out on that part, since my written test scores were great and the PN seemed so subjective. After a few weeks of reflection, I realized that, being honest with myself, I probably wasn't really ready anyway. Reading this thread has also helped me to not take it personally. This time around I'll be sure to spend more time on my answers to make sure I'm really presenting myself as I should. I know it's been covered a lot in this thread, but I still have one important aspect of the job that might hold me back. My wife and I had our first child last September, and I'm concerned that moving her around every few years is going to be detrimental to her education and well being. So, if someone with experience in having children in the FSO doesn't mind covering it again, please convince me this isn't a stupid, selfish thing I want to do. I've already decided to go with the consular cone because it seems to offer the best stability and regularity of hours, even though the political cone is definitely more interesting. I'm willing to spend all day stamping visas if it means I get to spend a little more time with her.
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Jun 6, 2012 17:54
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Killing Flies posted:I know it's been covered a lot in this thread, but I still have one important aspect of the job that might hold me back. My wife and I had our first child last September, and I'm concerned that moving her around every few years is going to be detrimental to her education and well being. So, if someone with experience in having children in the FSO doesn't mind covering it again, please convince me this isn't a stupid, selfish thing I want to do. I've already decided to go with the consular cone because it seems to offer the best stability and regularity of hours, even though the political cone is definitely more interesting. I'm willing to spend all day stamping visas if it means I get to spend a little more time with her. Me being in the Foreign Service is the best thing I ever did for my kids. They have friends all over the world and of just about every ethnicity. My five-year-old up until this year was natively bilingual in both English and Chinese. And the educational benefits overseas provide an education far superior to what I could afford in the States. In fact, after we go overseas next month, we don't plan to come back to live in America until after the kids finish high school. Sure, the moving is never fun nor easy, but the flip side is the opportunity to take awesome family trips and vacations and to be able to give your children a worldview and experience unknown to most Americans. If you get the chance, take the job and never look back; your daughter will thank you for it.
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Jun 6, 2012 18:34
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My kids attend the one of the best private schools in the country. They usually do.
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Jun 6, 2012 19:32
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| # ? Apr 20, 2024 00:32 |
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Most posts will have an international school (or multiple -- for instance Addis Ababa has the International Children's School, a.k.a. the American International School, the British International School, the Indian International School, etc. The Chinese school here is larger and nicer than our embassy. It's actually larger and nicer than the Prime Minister's palace.) In most posts, you can find a very high quality education. Because of the way that school assignments work in the US, it may actually be EASIER overseas, because you don't have to worry about bus jurisdictions, quotas, etc. For the few posts that don't have great schools, you can usually avoid them when bidding by making your preferences known to your career development officers.
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Jun 6, 2012 19:37
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