Debbie Thompson Email & Phone Number

Greater Asheville, Nc

Global Career Transitions is a woman-owned company providing assistance to individuals experiencing career transition. We work with clients dealing with a wide variety of transition types, including career change, relocation, encore careers, and retirement. Our employees' experiences include both domestic and international career planning, and our expertise relies heavily on our personal experiences living and working in many countries. • My role includes coaching and counseling clients… Show more Global Career Transitions is a woman-owned company providing assistance to individuals experiencing career transition. We work with clients dealing with a wide variety of transition types, including career change, relocation, encore careers, and retirement. Our employees' experiences include both domestic and international career planning, and our expertise relies heavily on our personal experiences living and working in many countries. • My role includes coaching and counseling clients on career management and career development. Clients are racially diverse and from a broad range of countries, professions and ages. Sessions result in enhanced career development and personal successes for clients. I also design and deliver job search training. • I have successfully negotiated company contracts with the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the World Bank in Washington DC, the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute and Family Liaison Office in Washington DC.• I organized a multi-dimensional GO-TO Job Fair for the Family Liaison Office and the U. S. Agency for International Development that was offered to adult family members of Foreign Affairs Agencies. In addition to HR representatives networking with our participants, other activities included entrepreneurial counseling from SCORE representatives, and career counselors providing resume advice. Other activities included a tax specialist who answered a wide range of questions on income earned overseas, and participants' presentations of success stories of businesses they created while overseas. More than 120 family members attended the Job Fair in-person and dozens more overseas connected electronically; the resulting evaluations praised the high degree of local and worldwide interactivity, the availability of a vast amount of new information on job searching overseas, and the wide variety of international employers. Show less

Foreign Service Institute, Arlington, Va

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) is the U.S. government’s premier foreign affairs training provider. FSI is dedicated to ensuring the career-long opportunities required for success in today’s global arena.One program offered by FSI is the Job Search Program (JSP). This program helps participants in their transition out of government service. Through an intensive four-week learning experience of individual/group training and counseling, employees acquire the skills and knowledge… Show more The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) is the U.S. government’s premier foreign affairs training provider. FSI is dedicated to ensuring the career-long opportunities required for success in today’s global arena.One program offered by FSI is the Job Search Program (JSP). This program helps participants in their transition out of government service. Through an intensive four-week learning experience of individual/group training and counseling, employees acquire the skills and knowledge needed for a successful transition.The course emphasizes:• planning and development of a roadmap for the future• information interviewing and research for transition planning• assessing skills and values • preparing resumes and other self-marketing materials• practicing interviewing and negotiation techniques• developing networking and skills for target jobs and/or other pursuitsAs a JSP counselor, I provide career and transition counseling to employees of U.S. Foreign Affairs agencies retiring or leaving U.S. government employment. My duties include facilitating small groups of 7-9 individuals in self-assessment, resume, LinkedIn profile and biography development, interviewing techniques and questions, and other job search tools in the process of transitioning to life and career changes. I conduct mock video-recorded interviews with participants and provide feedback for improvement. As a JSP subject matter expert, I offer interactive presentations on building a LinkedIn profile and networking and 30-second summary development to the entire JSP class of 80-125 participants.Over the past 4 years I have earned a 3.91 out of 4 on my participant evaluations, which include technical expertise, small group facilitation, one-on-one consultations, responsiveness and overall professionalism. I have created LinkedIn How-To guides at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and compiled a document with the many LinkedIn security options with instructions for using each. Show less

Orlando, Florida Area

Carley Corporation provides custom-designed training solutions to improve human performance. It specializes in large scale, complex programs where learning and performance results are critical. For the 12th year in a row, Carley was listed as one of the 2016 “Top Simulation and Training Companies” by Military Training International. • During my tenure, I created or reviewed more than 70 hours of instructor-led training annually, including more than 2000 storyboards, corresponding… Show more Carley Corporation provides custom-designed training solutions to improve human performance. It specializes in large scale, complex programs where learning and performance results are critical. For the 12th year in a row, Carley was listed as one of the 2016 “Top Simulation and Training Companies” by Military Training International. • During my tenure, I created or reviewed more than 70 hours of instructor-led training annually, including more than 2000 storyboards, corresponding instructor guides, and trainee guides for new U.S. Navy aircraft and equipment.• I conducted Internet research on highly technical topics, researched hundreds of Classified publications, analyzed vast amounts of information, and determined specific information to include in each lesson to meet government-approved learning objectives.• At any one time, I managed development of as many as ten separate lessons, all in different phases of development. Show less

Washington Dc And Ottawa, Canada

The U.S. Department of State’s Family Liaison Office (FLO) established the Global Employment Initiative (GEI) to help family members explore employment and professional development options while posted overseas. The program employs Global Employment Advisors (GEAs) to provide on-site and virtual job coaching sessions, training workshops, and career development services at no cost to family members.GEAs support family members in their job search by providing resources, guidance, and… Show more The U.S. Department of State’s Family Liaison Office (FLO) established the Global Employment Initiative (GEI) to help family members explore employment and professional development options while posted overseas. The program employs Global Employment Advisors (GEAs) to provide on-site and virtual job coaching sessions, training workshops, and career development services at no cost to family members.GEAs support family members in their job search by providing resources, guidance, and facilitating skills development. The GEAs create a worldwide network of job search and career transition professionals who understand the challenges of working overseas.• Presented with the severe lack of spousal employment for family members of Foreign Affairs Officers posted overseas, I created and obtained funding for the Strategic Network Assistance Program now called GEI. The program began as a pilot in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and grew to its current 16 GEAs covering over 200 U.S. missions, creating a worldwide network of job search and career transition professionals who understand the challenges of working overseas.• In order to support the growth of the GEI, I designed a data collection database, determined content collected concerning client services and job placements, and reported compilation of monthly statistics to the Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service. This information provided the data required to successfully expand the program annually. Show less

FSI’s Management Training Division is part of the School of Professional and Area Studies (SPAS). This Division provides job-specific orientation and tradecraft training to empower foreign affairs management professionals to advance U.S. interests and tackle the evolving challenges of 21-century diplomacy. The Management Training Division offers tailored programs supporting our professionals in the areas of human resources, budget and fiscal, general services and supervision. • My job… Show more FSI’s Management Training Division is part of the School of Professional and Area Studies (SPAS). This Division provides job-specific orientation and tradecraft training to empower foreign affairs management professionals to advance U.S. interests and tackle the evolving challenges of 21-century diplomacy. The Management Training Division offers tailored programs supporting our professionals in the areas of human resources, budget and fiscal, general services and supervision. • My job included observing and coaching 11 subject matter expert (SME) instructors in adult learning theory and practical adult instruction techniques. I recommended development of new curriculum designs, evaluation tools, and course revisions. The result of my efforts was much improved training delivery throughout the division. • I managed the division’s contracting for external SMEs in a variety of topics. My management included creating statements of work, informing contract winners, negotiating training schedules and evaluating contractors’ performance. Certified as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for the Management Training Division. • Two new distance learning courses I designed and initiated were approved by the Management Division Director. • Due to illness of the Foreign Service Program Manager in charge of planning the 2nd Annual Foreign Service Nationals Conference, I was selected to take over. I planned all workshops, speakers, exposition hall exhibits, travel, and other logistics for the annual conference. Show less

Washington Dc

The Family Liaison Office (FLO) serves U.S. government direct-hire employees, their family members, and Members of Household (MOH) who are serving, have served, or will be serving at our Missions overseas. FLO's mission is to improve the quality of life of all demographics we serve by identifying issues and advocating for programs and solutions, providing a variety of client services, and extending services to overseas communities through the management of the worldwide Community Liaison Office… Show more The Family Liaison Office (FLO) serves U.S. government direct-hire employees, their family members, and Members of Household (MOH) who are serving, have served, or will be serving at our Missions overseas. FLO's mission is to improve the quality of life of all demographics we serve by identifying issues and advocating for programs and solutions, providing a variety of client services, and extending services to overseas communities through the management of the worldwide Community Liaison Office (CLO) program. FLO has six areas of interest with the Employment Section employing the largest staff and seeing the greatest number of clients.• It was my responsibility to manage all aspects of employment special projects. As Coordinator I identified issues and developed program policy and direction.• I conceived of and initiated a new million-dollar employment assistance program, SNAP. I managed the budget, determined acceptable expenditures, developed training curriculum for new Local Employment Advisers (LEAs), and planned and delivered the annual week-long training program for LEAs. • In order to determine where new SNAP offices should be created, I traveled to Mexico, Canada, China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, England, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. While evaluating each location's viability for an office, I also provided training and counseling to the spouses and family members of the Mission community.• I coached over 1200 clients per year. The services I offered included career planning and training in techniques for job searching, and information gathering for international job markets. Show less

Lisbon Area, Portugal

The CLO is among the first points of contact for newly assigned or arriving employees and family members to a U.S. diplomatic mission overseas. CLOs identify the needs of their communities and respond with effective programming, information, resources, and referrals. They serve as advocates for employees and family members, advise post management on quality of life issues, and recommend solutions and family-friendly post policies.The CLO program is charged with building community spirit… Show more The CLO is among the first points of contact for newly assigned or arriving employees and family members to a U.S. diplomatic mission overseas. CLOs identify the needs of their communities and respond with effective programming, information, resources, and referrals. They serve as advocates for employees and family members, advise post management on quality of life issues, and recommend solutions and family-friendly post policies.The CLO program is charged with building community spirit and enhancing morale at post. CLOs do not have official funding for morale/recreational events or programs and rely on self-supporting events or fundraising activities. CLOs depend on the volunteer efforts of employees and family members to share their time and their talents to address community needs.• My duties included providing assistance and guidance on education and employment issues, offering cultural adaptation and employment workshops, tours of Portugal, organizing social events, and recruiting and training more than 100 volunteers to assist with activities. • I organized official events for the U.S. Embassy and the American International School, including a School Groundbreaking Ceremony, Awards Ceremonies, Winter Concert, Halloween Parties, St. Patrick's Day Parties, an Arts and Crafts Fair. Each event required coordination with multiple Embassy offices including the Ambassador's office, Management and HR offices, Security office, Public Diplomacy office and various school administrators and Board members. My efforts were rewarded with a Meritorious Honor Award for improving Embassy morale.• As a way to determine my community's needs I produced an annual needs assessment and determined the need for an in-house day care center. After researching the many legal and financial issues I obtained management approval, formed a volunteer board, developed a budget, and hired a director. Show less

Mexico City, Mexico

The American School Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that delivers a high-quality American independent education to international and Mexican students. Founded in Mexico City in 1888, ASF is the oldest continuously operating accredited American School outside the U.S.• I taught AP American Government, Global Studies and Economics in the high school social studies department. • My extracurricular activities included sponsoring the Sophomore class, conducting… Show more The American School Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that delivers a high-quality American independent education to international and Mexican students. Founded in Mexico City in 1888, ASF is the oldest continuously operating accredited American School outside the U.S.• I taught AP American Government, Global Studies and Economics in the high school social studies department. • My extracurricular activities included sponsoring the Sophomore class, conducting after-hours SAT Preparation courses and providing after-hours gifted students' enrichment activities. Show less

M.S, Educational Administration & Supervision

Bs, Secondary Education

Certifcate, Using Type In Career Counseling

Course taught counselors how to use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) instrument to assist clients in developing strategies.

Mbti Qualified, Mbti

Course prepares student to administer and interpret the MBTI assessment. In addition to ensuring the ethical and accurate use.

Career Development Facilitator Certification, Career Management

A year-long Career Development Facilitator certification program meeting 12 hours per week. Course provides training in the helping.