Find a Fellowship: Part II - Professional Programs

In my last fellowship post, I talked about graduate fellowships that can help offset the cost of your Master’s, Doctorate, or MBA degree. However, there is another kind of fellowship of interest to young people. Professional fellowships offer great job experience and can really boost your resume. Plus, many lead to full-time positions with sponsoring organizations. Oh, and don’t forget, most fellowships are paid!

There are fellowships in nearly every industry. From teaching to scientific research to public policy, you can probably find a fellowship opportunity for almost any interest. However, most have very specific requirements and are quite competitive. You may have to do some digging to find one that fits your skills and interests. You may also be asked to submit a proposal for some project you will undertake during your fellowship. Also, a lot of professional fellowships like to take candidates who already have some career experience. Finally, unlike graduate fellowships, these are a little harder to search for. However, it is much easier if you know what you are looking for.

Here are some examples of professional fellowships:

International Relations / Public Policy – These generally do not have education requirements. Instead, they focus on professionals who have already demonstrated their interest in specific issues. You don’t have to be a politician for most, though. Instead, they look for analysts, journalists, consultants, and more.

• White House Fellows
• United States Institute of Peace
• CHCI Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship

Research Fellowships – These are usually for science, but some fellowships (most notably Fullbright fellowships) offer programs for other types of research. Nearly all of these will require a project description ahead of time. Most provide funding and indidivuals then conduct their own research.

• Fullbright

Engineering Fellowships – These projects usually try to bring highly skilled engineers together to solve some sort of problem or address a specific engineering issue.

• Earthquake Hazards Reduction Fellowship

Media Fellowships – Looking to make a name for yourself in television, journalism, newspaper, etc.? Several groups offer short-term fellowships in the media. Projects range from journalism work in a specific region, to developing your own independent film, to management training programs.

• National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Fellowship
• Directors Guild-Producer Training Fellowship
• NPR Kroc Fellowships

Education Fellowships- Even if you did not major in Education and don’t have a teaching certificate, you can get involved with schools around the world through a fellowship.

• Pearson Teacher Fellowship
• Math For America Fellowship
• Teach for America
  

Business Fellowships – These usually focus on aspects of marketing, public relations, or analysis, but there are also many other options available.

• Ruder Finn's paid Executive Training Program

Community Service Fellowships- Want to spend time doing something good for the world? These fellowships will help train you, fund you, and motivate you.

• Congressional Hunger Center Fellowships
• El Pomar Fellowship
• ALLY Program
  

Other Great Opportunities:

• Boston Red Sox Fellowship Program
• United States Golf Association Fellowship