Gateway Into the Federal Government – Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) Program

 The Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) Program is a flagship leadership development program at the entry level for advanced degree candidates.  The Program attracts and selects the best candidates possible- but is really designed with a more narrow focus – developing a cadre of potential government leaders.  

This rigorous, two-year paid fellowship includes challenging assignments, developmental assignments, and networking opportunities. Finalists are eligible for appointment as a Fellow with a participating Federal agency and will have the opportunity to engage in solving domestic and/or international issues in areas such as public administration, engineering, technology, science, criminal justice, health, privacy, cybersecurity, and financial management, to name a few. 

Note that although the PMF program seeks candidates from law schools and JDs are a valued degree within the PMF program, PMF Finalists are not hired into attorney positions.  

The Presidential Management Fellowship Program application is now open and will remain open through October 14, 2020. You will find the announcement on USAJOBS by searching for “Presidential Management Fellows.”   

During the application process, you must take an on-line assessment and submit a resume and transcript; additional information about resumes and transcripts can be found in the Applicant Handbook.

Within a few weeks after the application closes, applications will be reviewed and the top qualifying applicants will be selected as Finalists. Finalists are eligible for appointment as a Fellow with a participating Federal agency. 

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please review the “Become a PMF” section on the PMF website. This section also provides a “PMF Applicant Handbook,” which details the annual application process, and explains eligibility requirements and required documentation, and the “Assessment Preparation Guide,” which prepares applicants for the on-line assessment. Both of these resources and a number of others can be found on the Become a PMF\Resources section of the website. 

Karen Warren is the law school’s PMF liaison.  If you have any questions about the program or application process, please email her.