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

The Student Role in Pursuing Fellowships Association of University Programs in Health Administration

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 2 • Final Proof and Presentation

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 3 • Several screenings, including telephone and in-person interviews

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 AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 • Program and organization information • Contact information — Addresses, phone number, email • Application requirements, eligibility and deadlines • Stay organized — develop a filing or tracking system 6

APPLICATION ELEMENTS : Resume and Experiences • PURPOSE: A brief account of professional experiences and qualifications. • CONTENT: AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 • 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 7

APPLICATION ELEMENTS: Cover Letter • PURPOSE: Vehicle used to express interest in a particular position. • CONTENT: AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 • 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 8

APPLICATION ELEMENTS: Personal Statement • PURPOSE: An applicant’s introduction to a selection committee. • CONTENT AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 • Goals, education, experience • Demonstrated commitment to profession • Experiences that have influenced goals • Explain what is unique or impressive • “Mission to mission” connection 9

APPLICATION ELEMENTS: References • PURPOSE: Better explain an individual’s qualifications, abilities and character • CONTENT: AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 • 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 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 AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 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 11 • Meet deadlines

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 AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 • 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 12

Association of University Programs in Health Administration 2000 14 th Street North, Suite 780 AM Lomperis, SLU HMP Dept. Fall 2012 Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 894-0940 aupha@aupha.org www.aupha.org Adapted with permission from Lomperis, Ana Maria T., "Fellowship Planning Workshop" Power Point Presentation, 13 Saint Louis University School of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, St. Louis, MO, August 31, 2012.