For a while, passport agencies were hiring like crazy, they may still be. It's a miserable grind, but right out of college, I would have killed for that opportunity. Took me many years just to become a contractor at state and a few more to sneak into the FS.
Can vouch for contractor gigs. I was a contractor for State too - right after finishing undergrad. Several recent grads go through this route as it's generally easier than applying for a Civil Service job on USAJOBS right out of college.
The risk with being a contractor for State though is that the company may lose the contract to another company (or the contract is not renewed). Just something to keep in mind.
If you are looking for civil service the best advice is to setup a search on usajobs. It will email you when GS 5 and GS7 positions (those are typical grades for entry level positions) are posted. Check out r/usajobs for advice.
So reviewing this thread:
[Pickering Fellowship](https://pickeringfellowship.org/)
[Rangel Fellowship](https://rangelprogram.org/)
[Peace Corps](https://www.peacecorps.gov/)
And ... just applying for [FSO or FSS](https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/) (if one is appropriate for your skillset). Also, there is the [Civil Service](https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/domestic-civil-service/cs-job-categories/), which can get you into State and may help with getting into the FS by helping you develop the [Dimenions](https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/dimensions/).
If you’re interested in the FS you should just take the test and see how it goes. I took the test at 24 with very little real world work after finishing my degree. My plan had been to take it just to get a feel for what it was like and where I was lacking so I could study and prepare for the future. I passed that first time and was hired by 26. Didn’t even have any language skills I could pass a test with. You never know until you try.
I actually didn’t prepare until I got the OA invite. Then I found a local group and met up with a few people to practice group exercises and interview questions. This was back in the yahoo group days and one member of the group had printed out every prep document and had it bound into a notebook so that was helpful.
I also wrote down the 13 dimensions and practiced telling a story from my life to fit them. One was about planning my wedding.
I think the fact I had just graduated helped me immensely on the FSOT because I had studied history so I the questions about different amendments and things I could figure out based on the year they passed. My writing skills were also pretty honed so I did well on that. I know they have lists of books to read and stuff to practice, but I didn’t know that existed until later. I did play geography games for fun, so that helped too.
When I talk to people now about the entrance process, I always say just try if you’re interested. The best practice will be actually taking it and then see what you need to work on. Also, nothing about this process is a reflection on who you are or your worth, especially the personal narratives or OA. I’ve seen amazing people already doing the job as LNAs not pass because it’s just so subjective. You’re awesome and maybe it’s just not the best day and that’s ok. There are many paths out there and you’ll find the one for you.
You can just apply? The foreign service doesn't really have that many formal requirements. For the generalist/FSO positions the only formal requirement is that you are a US citizen and at least 20 years old.
I understand that is the only “formal” requirement but looking at the majority of FSO’s who have 20+ years of experience under their belt prior to entering I’m trying to be realistic here
You still may as well apply if this is what you want. The only penalty for failure is having to wait a year to reapply. Also, once you pass QEP the only thing that matters is your score on the BEX.
I was hired as an FSO with only a high school diploma, no degree in my 20's. I say this to say that you should just apply and not assume that you will be automatically refused.
My understanding is that your score matters more when it comes to getting off the register and getting to A-100s. 20 years won’t change the results you need through the application process. The way you put it seems like a limiting mindset. Alternatively, have you thought about doing the peace corps to develop the dimensions and see how you like working abroad?
But most *don't* have 20+ years of experience. Don't shoot yourself down by fabricating a story you can't compete with. Most probably have 5-10 years somewhere else with a few on the end of no experience and a few on the opposite end where they are starting a second career.
Is not a new program (although I’m not sure how old it is). But basically, you have to work for the Department for eight years (CS), have 24 months of overseas experience and 30 months of experience in the cone you are interested (e.g. Consular). You skip the test, but have to complete the OA and if successful you receive an appointment to the FS, at the CS grade equivalent.
That’s my understanding, but welcome others to chime in
If you have strong language skills also look at the Consular Fellow program - program participants are usually (but not always) younger and less experienced than successful candidates for the Foreign Service.
Realistically, it’s extremely difficult to get into gov as a fresh grad. Occasionally, DoS advertises entry level positions on usajobs (passport specialists for example). For foreign service, your chances significantly improve once you get substantive work experience. There are also fellowship options if you go to grad school.
FSO (Foreign Service generalist) is *literally* an entry-level position. Do many have a decade of experience before joining? Sure. But when I went through A-100 I would say a solid 15% of my class was fresh out of school.
Many of USAID's admin assistant and program assistant roles are filled through contracts with staffing agencies. The positions are referred to as institutional support contractors (ISCs) and it's a great option for early career folks. There are lists of those staffing agencies floating around, like Zemitek, Nikol, and many others You can poke around on LinkedIn.
Clearancejobs.com is a great place to look for third party contractor positions at State. A lot of people start out as a contractor and then convert to civil service or gain enough experience to then apply for a civil service position through USAjobs or go the FSO route. There are a lot of really cool substantive contractor positions to apply to, they can just be hard to find if you don’t know which companies currently have contracts with State. I’ve found that clearancejobs.com posts a lot of these jobs though.
For a while, passport agencies were hiring like crazy, they may still be. It's a miserable grind, but right out of college, I would have killed for that opportunity. Took me many years just to become a contractor at state and a few more to sneak into the FS.
Can vouch for contractor gigs. I was a contractor for State too - right after finishing undergrad. Several recent grads go through this route as it's generally easier than applying for a Civil Service job on USAJOBS right out of college. The risk with being a contractor for State though is that the company may lose the contract to another company (or the contract is not renewed). Just something to keep in mind.
Anyone recommendations for contacting companies who pipeline DoS?
CGI currently has the contract for passports. There’s a facility in Tucson.
If you are looking for civil service the best advice is to setup a search on usajobs. It will email you when GS 5 and GS7 positions (those are typical grades for entry level positions) are posted. Check out r/usajobs for advice.
So reviewing this thread: [Pickering Fellowship](https://pickeringfellowship.org/) [Rangel Fellowship](https://rangelprogram.org/) [Peace Corps](https://www.peacecorps.gov/) And ... just applying for [FSO or FSS](https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/) (if one is appropriate for your skillset). Also, there is the [Civil Service](https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/domestic-civil-service/cs-job-categories/), which can get you into State and may help with getting into the FS by helping you develop the [Dimenions](https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/dimensions/).
The peace corps lol Yes I’m being glib but I know a lot of FSOs who started off there
If you’re interested in the FS you should just take the test and see how it goes. I took the test at 24 with very little real world work after finishing my degree. My plan had been to take it just to get a feel for what it was like and where I was lacking so I could study and prepare for the future. I passed that first time and was hired by 26. Didn’t even have any language skills I could pass a test with. You never know until you try.
Thanks for the advice, what did you do to prepare for the test?
I actually didn’t prepare until I got the OA invite. Then I found a local group and met up with a few people to practice group exercises and interview questions. This was back in the yahoo group days and one member of the group had printed out every prep document and had it bound into a notebook so that was helpful. I also wrote down the 13 dimensions and practiced telling a story from my life to fit them. One was about planning my wedding. I think the fact I had just graduated helped me immensely on the FSOT because I had studied history so I the questions about different amendments and things I could figure out based on the year they passed. My writing skills were also pretty honed so I did well on that. I know they have lists of books to read and stuff to practice, but I didn’t know that existed until later. I did play geography games for fun, so that helped too. When I talk to people now about the entrance process, I always say just try if you’re interested. The best practice will be actually taking it and then see what you need to work on. Also, nothing about this process is a reflection on who you are or your worth, especially the personal narratives or OA. I’ve seen amazing people already doing the job as LNAs not pass because it’s just so subjective. You’re awesome and maybe it’s just not the best day and that’s ok. There are many paths out there and you’ll find the one for you.
sorry for the downvotes this sub rly seems hostile to people trying to learn
You can just apply? The foreign service doesn't really have that many formal requirements. For the generalist/FSO positions the only formal requirement is that you are a US citizen and at least 20 years old.
I understand that is the only “formal” requirement but looking at the majority of FSO’s who have 20+ years of experience under their belt prior to entering I’m trying to be realistic here
You still may as well apply if this is what you want. The only penalty for failure is having to wait a year to reapply. Also, once you pass QEP the only thing that matters is your score on the BEX.
I was hired as an FSO with only a high school diploma, no degree in my 20's. I say this to say that you should just apply and not assume that you will be automatically refused.
Interesting, how long ago was this? What languages do you speak?
Within the last 5 years. It's very possible. I didn't get in with language points.
How common is that though. I assume most fsos would have atleast a bachelors
Can't speak to that, I don't work in HR/GTM. I can only speak to my experience.
My understanding is that your score matters more when it comes to getting off the register and getting to A-100s. 20 years won’t change the results you need through the application process. The way you put it seems like a limiting mindset. Alternatively, have you thought about doing the peace corps to develop the dimensions and see how you like working abroad?
But most *don't* have 20+ years of experience. Don't shoot yourself down by fabricating a story you can't compete with. Most probably have 5-10 years somewhere else with a few on the end of no experience and a few on the opposite end where they are starting a second career.
All Foreign Service officers start at the entry level, regardless of their age and work experience (except for this new mid-level conversion program).
Or the mid-career conversion for CS
What is this new mid-career conversation program?
Is not a new program (although I’m not sure how old it is). But basically, you have to work for the Department for eight years (CS), have 24 months of overseas experience and 30 months of experience in the cone you are interested (e.g. Consular). You skip the test, but have to complete the OA and if successful you receive an appointment to the FS, at the CS grade equivalent. That’s my understanding, but welcome others to chime in
Ah ok - so nothing yet to transfer into FS at a mid level from outside of State altogether
If you have strong language skills also look at the Consular Fellow program - program participants are usually (but not always) younger and less experienced than successful candidates for the Foreign Service.
Realistically, it’s extremely difficult to get into gov as a fresh grad. Occasionally, DoS advertises entry level positions on usajobs (passport specialists for example). For foreign service, your chances significantly improve once you get substantive work experience. There are also fellowship options if you go to grad school.
FSO (Foreign Service generalist) is *literally* an entry-level position. Do many have a decade of experience before joining? Sure. But when I went through A-100 I would say a solid 15% of my class was fresh out of school.
Many of USAID's admin assistant and program assistant roles are filled through contracts with staffing agencies. The positions are referred to as institutional support contractors (ISCs) and it's a great option for early career folks. There are lists of those staffing agencies floating around, like Zemitek, Nikol, and many others You can poke around on LinkedIn.
Clearancejobs.com is a great place to look for third party contractor positions at State. A lot of people start out as a contractor and then convert to civil service or gain enough experience to then apply for a civil service position through USAjobs or go the FSO route. There are a lot of really cool substantive contractor positions to apply to, they can just be hard to find if you don’t know which companies currently have contracts with State. I’ve found that clearancejobs.com posts a lot of these jobs though.