The Foreign Service Journal, May 2006

F O C U S M A Y 2 0 0 6 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 31 As technology progresses, OMSs will be required to obtain and maintain proficiency in new software applica- tions as determined by Service needs.)” We are not going to receive any extra pay for these certifications, unlike other specialists who receive extra pay for every certifica- tion. I also think OMSs should be allowed to go TDY to take these certification classes and not always have to work them around R&R or home leave. No other specialist group has to do this; OMSs should be given equal treat- ment to advance our careers. Caren Cornett Office Management Specialist Nicosia u Different Goals As an Information Management Specialist, I’ve had a difficult time finding accurate career development infor- mation that applies to me. First of all, most information like this is geared toward generalists. Also, as an IMS, some things just don’t apply to me. Language training is not required, for example. I’m also an untenured FP-4. Most of the career devel- opment information only applies to tenured FP-3s or higher grades. That’s still a few years down the road for me. Also, most career development information is geared toward getting into the Senior Foreign Service. I’ll prob- ably reach mandatory retirement age before I’m eligible for that. To be honest, my career goals are quite a bit dif- ferent than the ones in the guidelines. Paul Berry Information Management Specialist Hong Kong u Readjustments Needed The OMS career path is certainly viable for those new to the Foreign Service. However, for us “old- timers” who have been trying to get promoted and are