If you plan on completing your MES requirements (even though you may not have officially graduated) between 9/1/11 and 8/31/12, you are eligible to apply for the federal Presidential Management Fellowship Program (PMF), which is a two-year paid fellowship: http://www.pmf.gov/. The application is due 9/25/11. Please see below for exact directions on applying.
Since 1977 the PMF Program has matched outstanding graduate students with exciting Federal opportunities. It is often a pathway to a permanent job with the Federal Government.
This rigorous fellowship includes challenging assignments, potential for accelerated promotions, developmental assignments, and networking opportunities. Finalists appointed as PMFs are hired by Federal Agencies and engage in solving domestic and/or international issues in areas such as public administration, engineering, technology, science, criminal justice, health, and financial management, to name a few. Some of the possibilities for MES grads can be with the Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/pmf/index.html), BLM (http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/blm_jobs/students_and_recent/pmf_program.html) or EPA (http://www.epa.gov/ohr/pmf/index.htm).
The selection process for the Presidential Management Fellows Program consists of four parts which extend from September through March – for the exact timeline go to: http://www.pmf.gov/becomeapmf/index.aspx.
If you are interested, there are two steps that you need to complete right away:
1. Application – During September 15 – 25, fill out an application through www.usajobs.gov.
2. Nomination by MES Director – Once you finish your application, you will receive a nomination form. By Monday, September 26, 2011 at 5pm, please submit to my office this form plus a statement no more than 500 words that addresses the following:
a. Why you are interested in PMF
b. The breadth and quality of your accomplishments
c. Your capacity for leadership
d. Your commitment to a career in the analysis and management of public policies and programs