September 2014 IDC Board

[BusyBee604]

Usually from Intel specifically, or applicants with extensive Intel related experience.
BzB, prior ET2 (SS)

Thank you both. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear but hopefully I'll still be competitive.

@psulaw0929, in no way was I suggesting that you not apply, or have no chance. I just answered your question. You never know, every application has a chance. Good luck!
BzB, prior ET2 (SS)

 

[psulaw0929]

@psulaw0929, in no way was I suggesting that you not apply, or have no chance. I just answered your question. You never know, every application has a chance. Good luck!
BzB, prior ET2 (SS)

PSUlaw,

I'm not an OR, but your stats look more than competitive. I'm just happy you selected Intel as #1 and not IW, because I think you have me beat.

Thanks @IWhopeful and @BusyBee604. I certainly intend on applying and was seeking an honest and straightforward answer, which is exactly what you gave me. I've read so many varying anecdotes about the board's selection behavior that I don't know what to think anymore.

If anyone has any information on this, I'm a little curious how the board evaluates candidates. To clarify, I see from the schedule that packages are due approximately a month before the convene date. My assumption would be that the board members evaluate the packages during this month-long period and then meet to discuss the applications and make selections. I'm curious whether my assumption is accurate and whether each board member initially evaluates each candidate or if they split the applications up and then vie for the candidates they have vetted from their group of packages.

I know this doesn't really affect anyone's package but I thought people may be interested to know. Thanks.

 

[A_Longo88]

Thanks @IWhopeful and @BusyBee604. I certainly intend on applying and was seeking an honest and straightforward answer, which is exactly what you gave me. I've read so many varying anecdotes about the board's selection behavior that I don't know what to think anymore.

If anyone has any information on this, I'm a little curious how the board evaluates candidates. To clarify, I see from the schedule that packages are due approximately a month before the convene date. My assumption would be that the board members evaluate the packages during this month-long period and then meet to discuss the applications and make selections. I'm curious whether my assumption is accurate and whether each board member initially evaluates each candidate or if they split the applications up and then vie for the candidates they have vetted from their group of packages.

I know this doesn't really affect anyone's package but I thought people may be interested to know. Thanks.

I highly doubt they take a month to look at the kits. They probably take a week at the most.

 

[LadyT]

@psulaw0929 Are you sure you don't want to choose another designation? I am applying for the December 2014 INTEL board as well and I'm just trying to get rid of as much competition as possible lol But seriously, good luck!

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

I expect the selection rate to remain the same around 15% or so for this board.

 

[psulaw0929]

@psulaw0929 Are you sure you don't want to choose another designation? I am applying for the December 2014 INTEL board as well and I'm just trying to get rid of as much competition as possible lol But seriously, good luck!

@LadyT, I wish I could apply for other programs. While I am genuinely interested in Intel, it is also one of the few programs for which I qualify based on age. However, I want to be a naval officer more than anything else. I just got lucky that the program I want is one of the few programs for which I qualify. Although, if I'm not selected for Intel then I have no other programs to fall back on.

 

[psulaw0929]

I expect the selection rate to remain the same around 15% or so for this board.

That's higher than other estimates I've seen so I'm glad to hear it.

 

[LadyT]

I expect the selection rate to remain the same around 15% or so for this board.

That is higher than I've heard too...I'll take it as a positive.

 

[LadyT]

@LadyT, I wish I could apply for other programs. While I am genuinely interested in Intel, it is also one of the few programs for which I qualify based on age. However, I want to be a naval officer more than anything else. I just got lucky that the program I want is one of the few programs for which I qualify. Although, if I'm not selected for Intel then I have no other programs to fall back on.

Hopefully we'll both receive a Pro-Rec Y. My OR is supposed to submit my application this week and then the waiting begins...

 

[psulaw0929]

Hopefully we'll both receive a Pro-Rec Y. My OR is supposed to submit my application this week and then the waiting begins...

Absolutely! I'm having trouble with LORs and my motivational statement. I've been out of school for several years now, out of the Navy for the better part of a decade, and can't ask anyone from my current firm or anyone that knows anyone from my current firm, so it makes LORs a little tricky. Regarding the motivational statement, I'm struggling. It's hard to find that balance between including all your accomplishments without sounding like you're regurgitating your resume and/or sounding arrogant. And then, it's even more difficult sticking to the intent of the statement, which is your motivation for wanting to be a naval officer, while selling yourself at the same time.

 

[LadyT]

Absolutely! I'm having trouble with LORs and my motivational statement. I've been out of school for several years now, out of the Navy for the better part of a decade, and can't ask anyone from my current firm or anyone that knows anyone from my current firm, so it makes LORs a little tricky. Regarding the motivational statement, I'm struggling. It's hard to find that balance between including all your accomplishments without sounding like you're regurgitating your resume and/or sounding arrogant. And then, it's even more difficult sticking to the intent of the statement, which is your motivation for wanting to be a naval officer, while selling yourself at the same time.

Does your firm not know that you are applying for the Navy? The reason I ask is that my OR has indicated that he will eventually talk to my current employer before submitting my application. I am not sure if that's just a personal preference or something that is required. I say all that to say, you may want to talk to your OR about the LORs to ensure that s/he does not contact your employer before you get a chance to speak with them.

Here's my 2 cents on the motivational statement...I would focus more on your leadership abilities and the qualities of a Navy officer that you possess. I would focus on two or three main qualities and have great examples of how you possess those qualities. I have heard repeatedly that when the board looks at the statements, they want to know why you would make an excellent Navy officer, not just why you would be good in INTEL, SUPPO, SWO, etc. You will have to complete a background check, which basically lays out your professional experience so I don't necessarily see the point in focusing too much on that in your motivational statement (unless you can link it to leadership).

 

[psulaw0929]

Does your firm not know that you are applying for the Navy? The reason I ask is that my OR has indicated that he will eventually talk to my current employer before submitting my application. I am not sure if that's just a personal preference or something that is required. I say all that to say, you may want to talk to your OR about the LORs to ensure that s/he does not contact your employer before you get a chance to speak with them.

Here's my 2 cents on the motivational statement...I would focus more on your leadership abilities and the qualities of a Navy officer that you possess. I would focus on two or three main qualities and have great examples of how you possess those qualities. I have heard repeatedly that when the board looks at the statements, they want to know why you would make an excellent Navy officer, not just why you would be good in INTEL, SUPPO, SWO, etc. You will have to complete a background check, which basically lays out your professional experience so I don't necessarily see the point in focusing too much on that in your motivational statement (unless you can link it to leadership).

Good advice. I'm surprised to hear that they may contact my current employer. I certainly wouldn't want to lose my job because I'm applying for the Navy. And my firm wouldn't be happy to find out that I'm looking to leave. If anyone else that reads this thread can comment on that, I would love some more input, not that I certainly don't appreciate your comments LadyT.

I certainly agree with what you said about not focusing on the specific job in the motivational statement, but instead on being a naval officer in general. However, my OR explained to me that since I'm only applying for Intel that I should speak to why I think I would make a good Intel officer. I'm sort of torn as to what I should do. I'd appreciate anyone else that could comment on this as well.

Finally, it was my understanding that the "background check" was just part of gaining your security clearance. Is this conducted prior to submitting a package? And if so, are you sure the board sees anything more than "yes, this person would qualify for a security clearance"? Thanks.

 

[LadyT]

Good advice. I'm surprised to hear that they may contact my current employer. I certainly wouldn't want to lose my job because I'm applying for the Navy. And my firm wouldn't be happy to find out that I'm looking to leave. If anyone else that reads this thread can comment on that, I would love some more input, not that I certainly don't appreciate your comments LadyT.

I certainly agree with what you said about not focusing on the specific job in the motivational statement, but instead on being a naval officer in general. However, my OR explained to me that since I'm only applying for Intel that I should speak to why I think I would make a good Intel officer. I'm sort of torn as to what I should do. I'd appreciate anyone else that could comment on this as well.

Finally, it was my understanding that the "background check" was just part of gaining your security clearance. Is this conducted prior to submitting a package? And if so, are you sure the board sees anything more than "yes, this person would qualify for a security clearance"? Thanks.

As far as your last question, I had to have my background check completed prior to submitting my package. In fact, I had to have it completed prior to attending MEPS (in order to receive my fingerprints). Also, I am not sure if they see anything more than "yes, this person would qualify for security clearance." I would assume they would receive the completed print out, but you know what they say about assuming. Hopefully others will be able to provide you with more concrete answers.

 

[psulaw0929]

As far as your last question, I had to have my background check completed prior to submitting my package. In fact, I had to have it completed prior to attending MEPS (in order to receive my fingerprints). Also, I am not sure if they see anything more than "yes, this person would qualify for security clearance." I would assume they would receive the completed print out, but you know what they say about assuming. Hopefully others will be able to provide you with more concrete answers.

Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I guess I need to get in touch with my OR and see about getting started on all this so I can have it done in time to submit my package. Luckily, I have all the information together after having had to do background checks for my two bar memberships so hopefully it won't take too long.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Does your firm not know that you are applying for the Navy? The reason I ask is that my OR has indicated that he will eventually talk to my current employer before submitting my application.

Your recruiter is an idiot if he does that.