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I'm currently going through the hiring process to be an IMS. I'm waiting for final review now and should pass this coming week and head to DC for orientation in April. The anxiety of waiting & the anticipation had me searching all over for more information and happened upon this thread. I'm only about half way through it, but there's been so much good info in it that I got an account just so that I could post and say thank you to all those that have contributed. edit to add- I've finished the thread now, so here's a few questions: 1. I noticed mention of an IMS (TCD I believe) working through their 3 day weekend and a few other posts which indicate long work weeks. Is working lots of overtime the exception or the rule? 2. Has anyone here been able to take advantage of the student loan repayment benefit? http://careers.state.gov/specialist/benefits#slrp 3. This is probably a minor issue, but I'm planning to get a new PC before deploying. I would think a laptop would make the most sense even though I only intend to use it at home just because I can carry it with me in my luggage. Does that seem to be the best choice? Also, I was planning to get an iPad when the new model comes out, but since I have no idea where I'm going I'm having second thoughts. I'd guess carrying around an iPad in some 3rd world countries might make you a bit conspicuous and possibly a target. Just wanted to get the opinions of some of the people who are actually living overseas. 1of7 fucked around with this message at 19:39 on Jan 30, 2011 |
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Jan 30, 2011 04:44
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Just thought of a follow up question while doing my taxes last night. There was a question asking if you lived overseas & it mentioned that military overseas on duty were considered as living within the US. Which is the case for State employees? Is there residence considered to be the country they are posted in or the US?
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Feb 1, 2011 16:51
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I applied somewhere between 9/2009 & 2/2010. Having just graduated I applied for almost every lower level IT job I saw on USAJ during that period so I can't really narrow it down. I forgot about it until I received the invitation to the OA around July/August.
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Feb 1, 2011 18:20
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Thanks! My residency actually is in TN which has no state income tax. :-)
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Feb 2, 2011 01:06
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Just got my invite for 4/18. :-)
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Feb 2, 2011 19:38
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Vilerat posted:http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8286236/ LOL that's pretty funny, but jokes on them as I'm getting a huge pay bump to come to work here. :P
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Feb 3, 2011 01:09
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Thanks, I'm looking forward to it. I spent about 8 of the last 10 years working in a factory moving stuff around for about half the pay, so if that's what they want me to do I'm all for it.  In other news I got my housing assignment this morning, which surprises me since I haven't gotten all the paperwork and stuff yet (also surprised that they're working on Saturday.)
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Feb 5, 2011 17:48
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SWATJester that's where I'll be. Certainly looks good from pics & reviews. A girl I know in orientation now said it was probably the best Oakwood for kids because of accessibility to playgrounds & schools. I have 3 year old so that will be good for her.
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Feb 6, 2011 04:04
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I have a question for you more experienced guys. We were watching the news this week when they were evacuating all non-essential embassy personnel and my wife wondered what happens to the employees. Do they go to other posts to work temporarily? If not, do they still get paid?
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Feb 6, 2011 06:46
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LOL lucky 7, that's me. Aside from the part about returning to DC I was pretty spot on with what I told her even though I was guessing.
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Feb 6, 2011 21:01
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Network+ & Security+ are the only certs I have that anyone has heard of. I also have a BAS in Network Security & Forensics & the school is an NSA certified CAEIAE (I think that's right: Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.) Because the curriculum was built to meet the requirements of the Committee on National Security Systems finishing the degree program got me 6 certs from them. I've never seen anybody looking for those certs or talked to anybody whose heard of them, but I put them on my resume anyway hoping maybe they'll get me brought in at a higher step or something.
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Feb 12, 2011 04:55
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Yes, with a tech bachelor's no experience or certs are required. I only have 2 years help desk experience, so I think my degree was the biggest deciding factor. Minimum requirements are listed on the listing (now closed): http://www.careers.state.gov/specialist/vacancy-announcements/ims
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Feb 13, 2011 04:08
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That's a relief for me. :-) I was afraid I'd end up somewhere that I'd only have Internet access at work & I wouldn't be able to use that to keep in touch.
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Feb 15, 2011 21:29
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Vilerat have you been through a shutdown before? What exactly happens? Someone on Livelines posted that the ambassador's still expect you to work, but getting paid for it can be a problem.
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Feb 20, 2011 05:43
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Just read today that they are trying to get rid of the Overseas Comparability Pay: http://www.federaltimes.com/article/20110222/DEPARTMENTS08/102220301/ I haven't even started yet and I already have to worry about a pay cut. :-(
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Feb 24, 2011 02:39
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Yeah, the money is the probably the least of the reasons I'm interested in the job. But, I'd still like to make as much of it as I can.
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Feb 26, 2011 01:11
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Vilerat posted:http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/11112698/ Link worked when I was on my phone, but video wouldn't play. Now seems to have been removed.
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Mar 4, 2011 00:38
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I remember very little in the way of technical questions. I got the impression they were most concerned with whether or not you were easy to get along with (especially when dealing with people from other backgrounds & cultures.) So, I tried to just seem really friendly & even cracked a few jokes (in retrospect, 1 may have been a little inappropriate, but they laughed so I guess it's ok.) I figured if I make the interview seem enjoyable then they'd be more inclined to think working with me at a post would be enjoyable & pass me. As a side note: I'm not a naturally outgoing type of person. That is why I thought it was important to try to come off as friendly.
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Mar 20, 2011 15:00
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For me it was: Apply Get invited to OA Pass OA Get Security & Medical Clearances Pass Final Review Panel Get invite to orientation & training Accept invite Get offer letter Sign and return offer acceptance letter & a bunch of other paperwork
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Mar 24, 2011 18:10
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I got the invite to the OA in August, scheduling it for October. I'm starting in April (just 29 days!)
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Mar 27, 2011 13:51
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SWATJester let us know how it goes. I will be there in 4 weeks.
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Mar 28, 2011 16:07
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I've got a question about the timing of bidding. CDO says my initial IRM training ends late July & there may be additional post specific training after that. Say there was 2 months post specific training, but the position doesn't open for 3 months then what happens for the other month? Can you do additional optional training to fill in the gap or what?
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Mar 31, 2011 15:18
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Is there any possibility of a break between training & deploying? Just wondering if I'll have a chance to visit my family 1 last time etc...
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Mar 31, 2011 17:16
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Thanks AKA & SWAT. For the most part the IMS positions don't have language requirements or training though, right?
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Apr 1, 2011 03:11
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Yeah, what I've heard is that you have access to the distance learning, & may be able to squeeze some class language training in at the same time as your regular training (ie early morning or late night) but IMS don't get a period of just language training like generalists or other specialists that are more public facing such as DS. Guess I'll find out for sure in a few weeks. :-)
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Apr 1, 2011 05:04
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Yeah, the opportunity to learn another language was one of the draws for me until I found that out. But, you do have to get proficient in a language to get tenure, right? And, I believe I read that in some posts you get a sort of bonus pay for language proficiency too. But, it's pretty much up to you to learn it on your own.
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Apr 1, 2011 20:25
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Is that no to both the tenure requirement & the language incentive pay? I'm sure I read about the latter in the FAM (3910 I believe) & it specifically mentioned specialists as well as generalists. But, if you say that's not right I'll defer to your experience. :-)
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Apr 1, 2011 21:27
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I like the new name. Makes me way to shout "No, I am Diplomaticus!"
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Apr 3, 2011 23:22
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TCD, sorry for my ignorance, but can you explain what that means? Are you just stuck there on your own with no pay indefinitely?
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Apr 6, 2011 23:33
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Just heard a deal was reached & there'll be no shutdown. Hooray for me getting to start in 2 weeks.
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Apr 9, 2011 04:26
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Diplomaticus, I took your advice & went with Ballston. Not there yet, but from the location & based on the website for it I'm very pleased & pretty sure I made the right choice. Thanks!
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Apr 14, 2011 19:34
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Skandiaavity posted:Just passed my OA's.. 5.5, waiting on medical/suitability Congratulations!
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Apr 15, 2011 02:44
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I'm starting IMS orientation next week & there basically was no register for me. I got an invite immediately after Final Review.
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Apr 17, 2011 16:21
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After my first day of specialist orientation I have a tip for those coming after me. Even if some of the forms HR tells you to fill out say that they are optional... fill them out anyway or they will make you do it the first day. Also bring copies of them all to replace the ones they've lost so you don't have to fill them again.
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Apr 26, 2011 02:44
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Diplomaticus, that is my class. I don't have PM or your email. If you added me on AIM my email is that user ID @ gmail. In other news, I got my bid list & it's pretty awesome. I'll have a hard time picking 3 to rank as "low".
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Apr 27, 2011 00:22
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Congrats Diplomaticus! I talked to my CDO today & think I've got my post narrowed down to 2 spots. Guess I just have to wait 10 more days to find out. :-)
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Apr 30, 2011 04:37
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I passed on the iPad waiting for the iPad 2 with the camera. But, now that I'm ready to get one I'm wondering if I'd be better off just getting the original since devices with cameras aren't allowed in certain places anyway. Thoughts?
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May 1, 2011 01:04
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Yeah, in our case we rank the available posts as "high", "medium", & "low" & they take that into consideration when making the assignments. Of course, you can still be assigned to a post you ranked "low" but I think they try to avoid it.
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May 2, 2011 03:05
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I don't have PM, but it's no biggie as I've already turned in my list as they were due this morning. I'll be here till probably September.
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May 3, 2011 23:13
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Guess I'd better start trying to learn Mandarin & how to eat spicy food. Going to Chengdu.
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May 10, 2011 22:58
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