program analyst

specialist

information technology specialist

human resources specialist

direct support specialist

U.S. Department of State

I had high hopes for this job, but it ended up being oppressive and unfulfilling. The reason was largely due to inexperienced, insecure, and biased management. Because it is one of the newer passport offices, they allow Foreign Service Officers to rotate into the director position. This means the director changes every 2-3 years. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons, not the least of which is unstable leadership. When the person subordinate to the director is a narcissistic bully, the workforce can never be high performing because people are not empowered to make decisions. This office had high turnover when I worked there. High turnover in any job is usually a bad thing. High turnover in a government position that goes to a GS-11 should raise multiple red flags. I thought the turnover was odd, but trying to be positive I reasoned that people must do really well and get promoted out quickly. I will never make that mistake again. The deputy director in this office behaved very poorly (and that's putting it mildly) toward me while I was there, to the point that I was forced to file a complaint. This person scoured the internet to find incriminating things about me, took personally a published article I’d written and then tried to use it to defend themselves against my complaint. This type of boundary crossing was not surprising coming from that individual, but I was floored that agency leadership supported such behavior. Once you get into the management club you are bullet proof.

The amount of interest people have in your personal life will be jarring if you are a private person. The agency takes seriously your "corridor reputation", which is a euphemism for community gossip. If you aren't forthcoming with personal details about your life, some may take it as license to create a story that can damage your career before it begins.

I can say that I liked the actual work of a passport specialist. It's a routine job that will eventually bore a person who likes to be challenged, but it's not a bad gig and can be a fulfilling career for someone who just wants to do their job, make a decent salary and go home. Unfortunately, bad people can ruin a good thing. I was not prepared for the level of competition that existed in this office considering GS-11 is a good salary for a federal employee, but State Department culture breeds competitive and even backstabbing behavior because it doesn't value its civil servants. There just aren't enough jobs to go around, so you can find yourself in a "dog eat dog" situation. If you want to work as a passport specialist, especially at this location, be good at following orders. Asking too many questions can make you a threat and target. You will be lead to believe that you can use your own judgment but in reality, they want you to think exactly like management. I'd advise one to only accept a job in this location if your options are limited.

I onboarded as an OMS when my office was still completely virtual during the pandemic. Unfortunately what that meant was that I had little to no actual training on how to do my job, and the leadership in my office didn't bother to take very much time to train me. My contracting company wouldn't even pay for me to do an orientation course. Basically thrown in the deep-end immediately, which is okay sometimes.. but irresponsible. 

A lot of my job was travel arrangement. The travel arrangement process at the Department of State is incredibly frustrating due to the ridiculously outdated bureaucratic requirements involved, and the fact that getting the necessary details in order to actually arrange trips *for* the FTEs is like pulling teeth is very difficult to put up with. You will make the required arrangements and reservations for a trip, and then someone will decide to change the trip agenda for little logical reason-- or completely forget to tell you that there's some pointless side meeting that's happening after their flight departs-- and be more than willing to waste *your* time changing details over 10 times on the same trip. But that is generally how administrative staff at the Department are treated. You're also arranging travel for everyone, but you're not actually allowed to travel as a part of your job duties (which is frustrating). 

I was the only contractor in my office and was consistently tasked with things that were not in my job description, and being the only contractor meant that it was difficult to push back. FTEs are more than willing to make a scapegoat out of you despite it being *their* mistake. The most enjoyable part of the job is being a tiny part of a very interesting mission, but often times the FTEs just assume that administrative staff are uneducated and uninformed on the subject matter and never want to discuss anything that is actually interesting. There is still a lot of sexism within the Department, as female employees and contractors are expected to basically pick up after disrespectful employees who leave their trash and dirty coffee mugs everywhere. Some days it feels like it's still the 1960s at the Department. 

My recommendation: don't get stuck in the black hole of administrative jobs at the Department of State. Eventually that is all that they will see you as even if you're hoping to eventually get into a job that is directly involved with policy or programming. Everyone there is only ever looking out for themselves. The administrative jobs *can* pay extremely well here, so that's a plus.. but the Department will absolutely and completely drain most people after some time.

Prepared the annual competency report that involved gathering data, analyzing information and graphical interpretations.
•Participated in the establishment of programs goals and objectives for competency programs which ensured non- credential employee are competent when hired and competencies are maintained.
•Work the database that to track all required licensure, certifications, orientation and training.
•Conferred with the HR Liaison officer on marketing of programs and goals.
•Inspected, facilitated, recommended and implemented approved changes to the Human resources joint commission of Accredited Hospital Organization Program.
•Used multiple systems to create and delete files; search files/records; store or extract materials from a variety of software packages; transmit large amounts of information; and reports.
•Provided guidance, interpretations, training and/or briefings on current and proposed policies for assigned civilian, contractor, and military personnel action program(s) to a variety of individuals, managers and key officials.
•Provided logistical and operational support, meeting minutes, setting up conference calls, for army teams worldwide.
•Responded to telephonic/electronic/written inquiries in reference to the management of enlisted soldiers.

•Provided high level administrative support
•Served as a receptionist, which included answering telephones, relaying messages, making appointments, and providing information about staff schedules & office routines
•Acted as department point of contact with office management and vendors to streamline office procedures.
•Prepared meeting packets and provided minutes taking support to the staff for meetings
•Coordinated travel arrangements,
•Prepared expense reports
•Processed reconciliation of office invoices
•Ordered office supplies
•Reviewed and distributed company mail
•Prepared a variety of standardized written documents, handwritten drafts, edited files, and processed electronic filing
•Organized and maintained confidential information
•Handled and answered customer inquiries and acted as a problem identifier and resolution resource
•Answered questions and provided guidance/troubleshooting

Working as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State has may ups and downs.  I enjoy the job after about 11 years and assignments in 5 countries.  Some of my assignments have been in places you'd likely want to visit as a tourist, some have been in places you would only go if ordered.

Your priorities can change a lot whenever a new President is elected, so you have to be able to accept such changes and may end up promoting policies with which you disagree.

Changing locations every 1-3 years can be both a pro and a con.  On the pro side, you do not stagnate in a single role and are always learning how to operate in new environments.  On the con side, it can seem that you have to leave just when you are really developing the subject matter expertise and local connections needed to excel in your role.

The organization is currently making a big push to improve Diversity and Inclusion in hiring, assignment selection, and promotion processes.  It will likely be a few years before we see if any of this makes any positive difference.  In the past, distribution of prestigious assignments has been given based on one's reputation with and connections in a controlling Bureau.  Critics say that this basically creates impenetrable "old boys' networks" that can serve as unfair barriers to entry.

Promotions have slowed in recent years.  Although you are eligible to be considered for  a promotion after 3 years at a given rank, in reality promotions are taking much longer.  The Foreign Service was once considered to have rather fast promotions, but with current timelines a motivated person could actually advance to the GS-14 and GS-15 levels quicker as a civil servant in other large agencies.

Throughout my career, I have maintained the highest performance standards within a diverse range of administrative functions. But in particular, I want to highlight my security experience in detail.   I offer a 3 year track record in security and you will benefit from my following key strengths. Successful track record supporting the efforts of executive level staff, including Directors, VPS, military officials as well as a president of a company, coordinating all outgoing and incoming guests. Ability to handle high-stress environments. Experience in a variety of work environments. I have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to develop and maintain comprehensive administrative processes that improve the efficiency of day-to-day operations. Ability to make informed decisions quickly, and execute those decisions with confidence. State, Federal Government, DOD and Military experience. Computer expertise with proficiency in all Microsoft office programs. (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Outlook) A proven reputation with a consistent history of exemplary performance reviews and recognition. My personal service, administration and management skills along with my ability to multitask would make me a great candidate for the supervisor position. I have the knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. I work extremely well with people and I am able to listen and speak effectively to communicate and solve problems as well.

6/2000 to 04/2009:  Defense Contract Management Agency, Manassas, VA.
Hours:  40 +, Procurement Technician/Contracting, GS-1106-06, $55,000 annually.  Worked with other government agencies included Department of State.  Worked with the Budget Department  and MOCAS accounting database regarding financial matters on contracting issues.  Gathered and administered travel arrangements and travel vouchers for the team.  Provided analytical studies, product buying, projects and resolutions to procurement issues such as purchasing of computer software and hardware.  Prepared procurement packages by gathering, correlating, analyzing, determining and recommending action to resolve any discrepancies.  Worked closely regarding regulations on FARS and DFAR.  Operated personal computer and utilizes various software packages to provide graphs and spreadsheets on various forms and statistical data.  Knowledge of management and program analysis methods, policies and procedures necessary to interview, gather and evaluate factual information to ensure other staff members are provided accurate data portraying the performance and analysis of contracting issues.  Worked with team members regarding contracting management issues and offers assistance in studies and projects related to management improvement, productivity and other management issues.  Purchased supplies, office equipment and other items with government credit card.  Used various credit card and reconciliation databases and software.  Developed financial spreadsheets.

The Foreign Service is a unique job with a unique lifestyle.  No day is typical.   Intellectual stimulation is frequent.  Insurance and benefits are definitely a plus.  

The opportunities to travel and serve the United States abroad are unique.  To be entrusted with representing the country to foreign officials abroad, in the United States, and in international forums is honorable.  Assisting U.S. citizens is personally rewarding.   Gaining suffucient expertise to be entrusted to brief senior officials is thrilling.  Knowing that senior officials count on your work is a regular occurance.  

In over twenty years with the Department of State, the work never ceased being interesting.  No job was ever so repetetive as to become boring.  The constant emergence of new issues was always intellectually stimulating.  How many other jobs will pay to teach you a language full-time for a year (in some cases, two) before your next assignment?

Serving abroad comes with its challenges.  Being uprooted every 1-3 years is rough, partucularly for children and professional spouses who may have a hard time finding work overseas.  Uncertain/dangerous security at certain posts precludes family members from some tours.   For those who prefer to avoid constant moving, taking a civil service position in the Department--a position that is based in Washington--is an option.  One can still represent the country and travel abroad periodically, while retaining the ability to remain  based in the United States.

Working at the Department of State was the highlight of my career.  

In my role at the State Department, I experienced a dynamic and inclusive culture characterized by stability and professionalism. The department fostered an environment where diverse perspectives were valued, and collaboration was encouraged. However, due to the nature of foreign service assignments, where officers typically serve tours lasting 2 to 3 years, I found myself consistently adapting to new management structures and leadership styles. Despite this challenge, the transition process was generally smooth, facilitated by comprehensive onboarding procedures and a supportive team environment.

Throughout my tenure, I appreciated the opportunity to work with talented colleagues from various backgrounds, each bringing unique expertise to the table. The State Department's commitment to diplomacy and global engagement resonated with me, and I found fulfillment in contributing to its mission-driven work. While navigating the complexities of international affairs presented occasional challenges, I found satisfaction in overcoming obstacles and achieving collective goals.
Overall, my experience at the State Department provided me with valuable professional development opportunities and a deep appreciation for the importance of diplomacy in advancing national interests. The stable work environment, coupled with a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, made it a rewarding and fulfilling place to work.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The U.S. State Department is such a vital part of the whole U.S. Government and I am proud to have  played a small part in supporting its mandate and goals.  As an employee at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad I was afforded wonderful opportunities to work for Ambassadors and Consul Generals using and enhancing my administrative skills.  Living abroad cannot help but broaden one’s perspective on many things and that experience has enhanced my life.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Reminding oneself that we are part of a team.  And that we may not all think th same about an office/company goal, we must do all we can keep the end goal in sight.  Though we may not agree as to how a colleague goes about workng toward a goal, it is mporant to strive to find compatabiity and respect for differing vviews and manner of working 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
People are trained and equipped to do their jobs.  Naturally, there are different personaities to work with and relate to.  For the most part people are patient and resectful of others.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
An Embassy begins looking at traffic (cables) from Washington dealing with all manner of subjects relating to U.S. relations with the host country.  To this end different offices in an Embassy are charged with certain concerns, and must coordinate their work with other sections of the Embassy.  It can be comparred to a beenhive.

The typical day was always challenging, I would meet with the morning shift team members, discuss any issues and receive a briefing on things that required a follow-up.  I learned so much from working at DCB, from designing custom applications that were used in DCB and SSO offices. I learned a lot about the work flow, daily tasks and the types of applications that would increase their production and productivity. I interacted well with management, their guidance ensured that tasks, projects and issues were completed in a timely manner.  The work place culture was dynamic, everyone had a specific role and task to perform, still they found humor and time to smile, make an observation or comment about some thing or an event that made the news. The hardest part of this job was seeing people that I had established a friendship, were nearing or at retirement most people that left the job were somewhat wishful that they could have stayed longer. The friendships that I established during my three year tenure were priceless, everyone was like family which is really unique in its own way. I still miss that friendship and bonding that I had established there. Last by not least, I enjoyed making a difference in so many of my coworkers' day to day tasks, just seeing them use the applications I developed gave me a sense of pride in knowing that I had made their daily tasks easier to perform.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Program analyst 3 salaries reported	$122,404 per year
Specialist 3 salaries reported	$72,033 per year
Information technology specialist 3 salaries reported	$132,237 per year
Human resources specialist 4 salaries reported	$99,819 per year
Direct support specialist 7 salaries reported	$59,345 per year

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