The Presidential Management Fellows announced their 2015 semi-finalists, which included 10 students from the Batten School — doubling the number of semi-finalists from the public policy program last year.
The Presidential Management Fellows program, administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, provides finalists with a two-year, full-time paid government position with benefits and is open to all disciplines. The prestigious program provides fellows with two years of training and development, including 160 hours of interactive training on leadership, management and policy, as well as challenging work and development assignments.
According to the program’s website, “[the fellowship] inculcates a lasting bond as well as a spirit of public service, ultimately encouraging and leading to a career in the government.”
Out of the 7,800 applicants, PMF accepted 1,015 semi-finalists from more than 300 colleges and universities. Semi-finalists are assessed on problem solving, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication, public service motivation, personal accountability and adaptability.
Barbara Hampton, the director of career services at the Batten School, said the program provides opportunities for graduate students to gain high level positions in the federal government and serves as an entry point for many individuals.
Batten graduate students Jeff Hunt and Baylee Molloy, both of whom are semi-finalists, said the program identifies people who have a commitment to public service.
“The purpose is to create leaders within our generation that are going to be taking these positions in the federal government later on and be engaged,” Molloy said. “It’s an opportunity to work for the government and be innovative.”
Hampton said following the fellowship the federal government gives fellows the opportunity to convert to a full time position without reapplying and assume a higher level of responsibility and receive a higher salary.
Batten graduate student Shannon Joyce said she appreciated the outreach to young professionals.
“To me, the purpose of the program is to provide training, mentorship and opportunity to young professionals who have a passion for serving their country,” Joyce said.
Batten graduate student Aaron Shroyer, a semi-finalist, said the school’s success is a “good step forward.”
“The Batten school definitely is becoming better recognized in that we are producing students who can compete with more recognized and well-known schools,” he said.
The semi-finalists will advance to a final round, where 600 finalists will be selected and offered the opportunity to obtain a PMF appointment.
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