PMF Program
For the STEM Track, for the 2014 application cycle, only the following advanced degrees (masters, doctorate, or professional) are eligible for the new STEM track pilot.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 04, 2013
From Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, 2013, the Presidential Management Fellows application for the program’s Class of 2014 is posted on USAJOBS.Gov. The entire initial application process, including submission of all necessary documents, must be completed by Oct. 15th, unless there is an extension because of the furlough.
Read about the 2013 PMF Application here, including details about the new pilot STEM track. For the STEM Track, for the 2014 application cycle, only the following advanced degrees (masters, doctorate, or professional) are eligible for the new STEM Track.
The Office of Personnel Management’s PMF program is designed to attract to the federal service outstanding men and women from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. By drawing graduate students and recent recipients of advanced degrees from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, the PMF program provides a continuing source of trained men and women to meet the future challenges of public service. Presidential Management Fellows, who serve for two years in a federal role that aligns with their graduate studies, go on to a very broad range of careers in public service or the private sector
Study the list of Potential PMF Jobs
Begin preparations now to apply for the Class of 2014 by studying the list of PMF jobs. The initial PMF resume should be prepared for the "Program" (or at the the track) rather than a specific Agency. If a candidate makes it to the next level, they should tailor a new resume to the Agency(ies) that he/she is interested in.
Compensation
Participants who are placed in a PMF position are compensated and receive the full salary and benefits of a federal employee, in the GS-9 to GS-12 range. Depending on the Agency, Presidential Management Fellows may also be eligible for student loans of up to $10,000 per year and $60,000 in total.
Here are key points to help prospective PMFs prepare for the initial application, which is to be completed online, beginning Oct. 1st. Read about the step by step application process here. Stay up-to-date on the Class of 2013 program by signing up for the PMF Listserv.
Who Is Eligible for the PMF Program?
Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for this year's class of Finalists, applicants must have completed an advanced degree (graduate or professional degree) within the prior two years of the opening of this announcement or pursuing an advanced degree that will be completed by August 31st of the following year, including the successful defense/completion of any required thesis/dissertation.
The qualifying advanced degree must be from an accredited academic institution. All eligible applicants will be reviewed on school accreditation. Those having or obtaining advanced degrees from foreign academic institutions may be asked to use a credential evaluation service. Additional information can be found under the “Become a PMF/Eligibility” section at http://www.pmf.gov.
PMF STEM track Qualifications
In addition to the application requirements for the PMF Program, those interested in applying for the PMF STEM track pilot will meet, or have met within the previous two years of the opening date of the application announcement, all degree requirements for one of the following advanced degrees eligible for the PMF STEM track pilot. These will be listed under the qualifying degree section on the application and indicated as “(STEM Eligible)” next to their names.
Further Qualifications
Although applicants are students or recent graduates, many have extensive experience in public administration, technology, science, health, human resources, business, and financial management. The Office of Personnel Management will assess each candidate’s interpersonal skills, oral and written communications, problem-solving skills, adaptability, integrity and motivation to serve.
The Assessment Process
After the initial application period ending Oct. 15th, if you score sufficiently high on the on-line assessment, are found eligible, and your application/resume is complete, you will be deemed a semi-finalist and invited to the in-person assessment. Then, if you are selected as a finalist, you’ll be eligible to be appointed to a participating federal agency in a PMF position sometime in the next year for a two-year term. If you don’t get the application right, you won’t get to those next steps, and you’ll miss the chance to join the PMF Class of 2014.
Last year’s PMF Finalists
Check out the list of Current Finalists from the Class of 2013. You can search by person’s name, university graduate school, status and agency. You can also see current PMF appointments by agency. This is a great list to target your agency, if you are a finalist.
Tips for Preparing the Federal PMF Resume
The PMF resume is longer than the typical private industry resume. Refer to the sample resumes in the Student’s Federal Career Guide, by Paul Binkley, Ed.D. and Kathryn Troutman, which is available via Kindle and eBook. Draft a two- or three-page federal resume offline in advance Oct. 15th deadline. Get ready to copy and paste the resume into the online application system. Include details about significant courses, papers and projects, including the title of your thesis and a short description of your thesis objectives, research strategies and presentation. Include details of relevant internships or employment. Omit irrelevant work experience. Include computer skills, software and programs; international travel and workshops; avid volunteer activities and sports. These samples will help with expanding your competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities in your resume. Cover letters, recommendation letters, and writing samples ARE NOT at the application and assessment process phase.
Apply Online to Be a PMF
Go to the specific PMF application page to begin your application. Read the official vacancy announcement on USAJOBS. This is not a USAJOBS application, however. Only the announcement is posted on USAJOBS. The application is extensive; set aside a full day to get it done. Be sure to complete the application by the deadline of Oct. 15th. The online application could take several hours at ONE TIME.
Applicants will wait to hear about selection for the semifinal round and an in-person interview. If applicants are interviewed and are selected as a finalist, the next step is to apply to a federal agency for an appointment to a specific position as a PMF. Agencies will have access to your resume and may also reach out to you to encourage you to apply for a position.
