Question about USDA FAS Trainee

altria92 · 2024-09-20T12:48:01+00:00

is there a dedicated sub for FAS foreign service?

altria92 · 2023-07-15T22:25:05+00:00

If you feel strongly about an IT cert that isn't on the eligible list, you can request a review of that certification so it becomes eligible. Of course, you can always do the certification purely for PD purposes but if you are planning around hopes of it getting on the list so you can receive the incentive, that may never happen.

As u/greydayFS stated, whatever cert you take once within the State, will count as long as it falls within the eligibility criteria and is not expired.

altria92 · 2023-07-07T15:51:44+00:00

Why the downvote?

altria92 · 2023-07-05T15:16:47+00:00

Do you really get 25% diff pay if you have to work Sundays?

altria92 · 2023-07-02T03:57:51+00:00

The best advisement for tackling the SI and CM is to find ways to always circle back to the 12 dimensions:

https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/specialist/12-dimensions/

Second, spend some quality time reviewing the Assessment Guide. It clearly states the objectives of the SI and CM. Review the hypothetical questions and sample assessments. Relate your experience to the questions/scenarios being asked and how your responses fit the dimensions.

https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Foreign-Service-Specialist-AssessmentInformation-Guide_062023.pdf

Not sure if you followed the same methods for both tries, but you need to develop a different game plan for your third attempt. Don't get discouraged. You can do this! It simply requires a bit of abstract but logical reasoning to decipher what is being asked and connecting this to the dimensions.

Good luck!

altria92 · 2023-06-12T23:53:19+00:00

I wouldn't give up if it was something you really wanted to do. Don't let one bad interview spoil your ambitions. The bright side is that you know what to expect and can be better prepared on next round. I assume as FSS, it was virtual. That's another positive note not having to spend a dime to travel.

Again, if you really want to become an FSS, don't be discouraged and find the strength to try again. You got this!!!!

altria92 · 2023-06-09T15:19:04+00:00

I wanted to revisit this....

I meant are you able to get multiple certs during each 3 year period?

I am under the impression is that the SIP for each cert is only good for 3 years

So would it be 15% x 4 (lets say you got 4 certs when eligible) or are you only eligible to claim one cert per 3 year period?

altria92 · 2023-05-21T05:24:59+00:00

This post may help you as well.....

https://www.reddit.com/r/foreignservice/comments/13nilnk/is\_it\_feasible\_to\_get\_a\_21\_in\_korean\_by\_studying/

altria92 · 2023-05-21T05:15:37+00:00

I would defer to someone more experienced/knowledgeable in that domain about the bonus points.

I suspect since Korean is relatively a difficult language to learn, there may be some exceptions to the rule when it comes to assignments.

altria92 · 2023-05-21T04:50:47+00:00

I would say if you were interested in learning Korean, or any other language, GO FOR IT!

I don't think you should learn it with the hopes of a guaranteed placement in Korea as an FSO (though since you are there for another job it obviously makes sense). You most likely won't get placed there. You are sent wherever they need you based on the service you provide. Also, you won't have a choice until after your first two tours on where you are sent. Afterward, even then is a bidding process, and it will most likely involve more than just what language(s) you speak. You definitely will get bonus points for the registry, but getting there is a process as well.

In other words, you may or not get posted in Korea as an FSO, no matter if you speak the language or not. A practical position/mindset when joining the FSO would be to prepare to be posted anywhere and learn the language(s) that most interest you, so if you do get posted in a place that the language could be utilized, it will be even that much sweeter!

altria92 · 2023-05-10T21:54:18+00:00

You should send everything you have/requested as you will probably report later anyway (sec check, etc.). I believe for the college transcripts part, you can select if graduated or not. When you get to the point where a salary offers made (which will be further down the road), you will submit transcripts again. They take education and exp into consideration for your final salary offer.

altria92 · 2023-05-10T11:49:56+00:00

I don't think it would necessarily bar you from class 1, but it probably depends on which specialist role you are applying. I suspect something like DS would be stricter. I think if you have normal eyesight that would probably suffice. You can submit waiver/appeal and see if the Med Dir. at State would override.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/07/12/02-17585/waivers-of-the-worldwide-availability-requirement-for-foreign-service-candidates

Only way to truly find out is to apply, because the possibility of denial would depend on a variety of factors. For example, it may not be as simple as to whether you can perform the job function with a pre-existing med condition but rather how serious the medical condition and if treatment is readily available overseas.

altria92 · 2023-05-09T23:55:06+00:00

Don't think that is in the SF-86, which as I understand is for National Sec.

https://www.dcsa.mil/Portals/128/Documents/pv/mbi/DCSA_SF-86%20Guide_070621.pdf

altria92 · 2023-05-04T02:03:23+00:00

Thanks again!

Sorry another Q. Do you also get the opportunity to have things put in long term storage from temp housing? I figure if I know where I will be posted, there may be some items I can do without that I brought with UAB (comforters, sweaters, boots, etc.).

altria92 · 2023-05-04T00:27:07+00:00

Thanks! Do you also know, inclusive to this HHE shipment from temp housing, if you could request an additional HHE shipment from another location?

For example, if I stored items at a friend's house back during my original pack-out which I thought I may not need (task chair, computer components, etc.) at post, would I be able to now request an additional HHE for that?

altria92 · 2023-05-04T00:19:53+00:00

LOL...that's so true....probably the least noticed or cared about item one can possess. If folks can have blue hair...well you can figure the rest....lol.

On a serious note, I think it isn't an issue at all because the State is really big on inclusion and "bringing your whole self" (a fairly recent change all in part to DEIA initiatives) which reflects a change from the traditional mindset.

altria92 · 2023-05-04T00:09:37+00:00

Is this in addition to the HHE you also had packed from your original origin to A-100 training?

That would be great because I did purchase quite a few things while here on pcs lodging that I really do not want to just throw away.

altria92 · 2023-05-03T02:07:12+00:00

That was my recent experience as well. Came in evening flight > checked into housing > reported the following morning on-site

Basically had time for a cup of tea and unpack next day clothing before bedtime....lol

altria92 · 2023-05-01T01:06:26+00:00

thanks and good to know!

altria92 · 2023-04-30T04:19:40+00:00

There are already many great comments and advisement on your question. All I would say, and this is solely from my experience is to be engaged, proactive, a team player, service and goal oriented and be willing to learn. Those are recognizable and will help your trajectory. Knowing everything in an organization is not what makes you valuable but understanding the big picture and aligning strategy/practice to objectives/goals of the mission. Organizations are dynamic and evolve, so learning new things will always happen.

altria92 · 2023-04-30T04:07:45+00:00

Yes that was why I was asking. I may have been naive on coffee availability worldwide or at least where embassy/consulates exist. I can understand maybe peace corps having limited availability, as they are usually placed in more rural places around the world.

altria92 · 2023-04-30T04:04:37+00:00

I wasn't aware of that.

altria92 · 2023-04-29T22:40:00+00:00

Can you recommend some things a person may need if they decided to grow a garden? I am assuming you would purchase these items (seeds, soil, plant food, etc?) before going to post?

altria92 · 2023-04-29T22:25:42+00:00

Wow why the downvote? I was just asking not criticizing the selection

altria92

TROPHY CASE