People sometimes ask how diplomats get their assignments. Once one gets beyond the first couple of tours, the FSO has a certain amount of control - they can bid on any available job and see what sticks. They cannot be assigned to any job they didn't specifically apply for.
Entry-Level Officers (ELOs) have it different. Our first two tours are 'directed', meaning we have to be ready for whatever is available.
The first time out, we draw up a list of personal concerns. Examples of this may include:
- Desire to learn a new language/improve a current one
- Family concerns (needs a school for the kids, job for the spouse etc.)
- Career goals
- Taste
These are weighed against the needs of the service, such as:
- Matching language-speakers to the relevant post
- Getting people with the right experience/in the right cone
- Which posts need people right away
- not wasting training on those who won't need/use it again
Somehow, the Career Development Officers hash out a resolution that will anger/terrify the fewest number of people.
Did you specify "Not Central America, because the food is terrible"?
ReplyDeleteOnly if you don't know where to eat...
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