The Student Role in Pursuing Fellowships Association of University - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Association of University Programs in Health Administration

The Student Role in Pursuing Fellowships

Agenda

• OVERVIEW
• Importance and Timeline
• Information Sources
• Target Applications and Manage Process
• APPLICATION ELEMENTS
• Resume and Experience
• Cover Letter
• Personal Statement
• Recommendation Letters
• FINAL TIPS
• Contact Current Fellow
• Communication and Professionalism
• Final Proof and Presentation

2

OVERVIEW:

Fellowship Defined

A period of training following a formal graduate academic education that typically lasts 12-24 months.

Why Pursue a Fellowship

• Exposure to senior leadership
• Experience with strategic decision making
• Leadership growth
• Skill development and practical experience

Standard Fellowship Timeline

• Applications typically due late September to early May
• Generally May start date
• Several screenings, including telephone and in-person

interviews

3

OVERVIEW:

Fellowship Information Sources

• American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

Fellowship Directory

• Association of University Programs in Health

Administration (AUPHA)

• American Public Health Association (APHA)
• Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH)
• Federal Government (FDA, CDC, AHRQ, DHHS)
• Undergraduate program resources
• Own professional network
• Alumni connections and Career Services
• Bulletin postings and campus events

4

OVERIVIEW:

Target Applications

• Identify fellowships of interest (3, 4, 3 rule)
• Dream, highly competitive fellowships
• Other good, competitive fellowships
• Other good, “fallback” fellowships
• Be open minded
• Do not apply to all possible opportunities
• Tailor applications materials for each position
• Meet all deadlines
• Develop Plan A, B and C

5

OVERVIEW:

Manage the Application Process

• Consult with faculty advisor, intern preceptor or

program director for guidance

• Draft Fellowship Application Table
• Program and organization information
• Contact information—Addresses, phone number,

email

• Application requirements, eligibility and deadlines
• Stay organized—develop a filing or tracking system

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

6

APPLICATION ELEMENTS:

Resume and Experiences

• PURPOSE: A brief account of professional experiences

and qualifications.

• CONTENT:
• Education, work and volunteer experience, honors,

awards, activities, and relevant proficiencies

• Descriptive statements using action verbs
• Highlight accomplishments
• Tailor to include key words required of the position

without changing the meaning of the work accomplished

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

7

APPLICATION ELEMENTS:

Cover Letter

• PURPOSE: Vehicle used to express interest in a particular

position.

• CONTENT:
• Express interest in the position
• Highlight background experience
• Reflect attitude and work ethic
• Elaborate on resume skills, explain how they apply
• Provide additional information requested in position

posting

• List enclosures, close and thank you

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

8

APPLICATION ELEMENTS:

Personal Statement

• PURPOSE: An applicant’s introduction to a selection

committee.

• CONTENT
• Goals, education, experience
• Demonstrated commitment to profession
• Experiences that have influenced goals
• Explain what is unique or impressive
• “Mission to mission” connection

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

9

APPLICATION ELEMENTS:

References

• PURPOSE: Better explain an individual’s qualifications,

abilities and character

• CONTENT:
• Secure references one month in advance
• Choose carefully and strategically
• Confirm correct contact information
• Provide referrer with current resume
• List on separate paper with similar look and format as

resume

• Follow-up with a thank you

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

10

FINAL TIPS:

Contact Current Fellow

• Better understand the fellowship experience
• Pros and cons of the particular fellowship
• Find out what to expect
• Ensure good fit for the position

Communication and Professionalism

• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Professional at all times
• Stay open-minded
• Respond to email inquiries ideally within 2-4 hours,

but within a business day at the latest

• Meet deadlines

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

11

FINAL TIPS:

Final Proof and Presentation

• Follow all instructions provided, including word limits
• Use bold and italics when necessary and avoid

underlining or artistic fonts

• Choose Calibri, Times New Roman or Verdana
• All materials organized, well written and error-free
• Proof with outside help
• Print on clean, white, letterhead paper
• If possible, submit materials in a single packet

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

12

Association of University Programs in Health Administration

2000 14th Street North, Suite 780 Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 894-0940 aupha@aupha.org www.aupha.org

AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012

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Adapted with permission from Lomperis, Ana Maria T., "Fellowship Planning Workshop" Power Point Presentation, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, St. Louis, MO, August 31, 2012.