The FELLOWSHIP FOR EMERGING LEADERS
IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Developing the Next Generation of Public Service Leaders
Program Description
The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service is a seven-month development program for a select group of approximately 30 promising young public service professionals. This program brings together emerging leaders working in public service positions throughout in New York City. Through FELPS, these leaders gain valuable experience and exposure to a range of career exploration activities that will help them define their path into public service. Monthly activities consist of two evening or weekend sessions, as well as additional activities (including social events and community service) organized by the fellows.
The FELPS framework guides its fellows through their career development process by asking these four questions:
- Why public service? FELPS aims to reenergize the fellows' initial choice to enter public service while encouraging them to examine their short, medium, and long-term commitment to the sector while balancing other life goals.
- What's in my leadership toolbox? FELPS assists fellows in obtaining a clearer assessment of their assets, knowledge base, and skill sets. With this assessment of their personal "tools" fellows have a greater ability to identify opportunities to deepen these competencies at work and in their lives.
- Who's in my network? Beginning with their peer network, Fellows develop a wider network of relationships and a greater ability to tap those relationships to further their work and career goals.
- What's my career map? Semi-monthly fellows meetings and guidance from Career Guides (established professionals in various public service professions) help the fellows gain a more robust understanding of the multifaceted and complex terrain of public service.
Program Activities
FELPS uses a variety of methods to explore its four guiding questions. These include:
-Speaker Series. The Speaker Series provides a structured opportunity for FELPS Fellows to explore a wide range of issues and topics relating to public service. At these sessions, fellows hear from featured speakers representing different types of public service careers or trends in public service work. While the speaker series is primarily hosted at NYU Wagner, some sessions take place at the speakers' places of employment, providing fellows with exposure to a variety of public service environments. Past speakers include:
- Joel Klein, Chancellor of New York City Schools
- Jennifer Jones Austin, Senior Vice President of Community Involvement at United Way of New York City
- Kharry Lazarre-White, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Brotherhood/Sister Sol
-Personal Exploration. In addition to the speaker series, fellows will engage in monthly workshops that help them explore their strengths, goals and interests and develop a personalized career plan. Past workshops include:
- How to conduct informational interviews
How to build on individual strengths and manage weaknesses
How leaders create and use networks
How to get the most out of graduate school
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Fellows Network. One of the most valuable resources and sources of support for fellows as they move through their public service careers will be the other extraordinary fellows. From the very beginning of the fellowship, participants have the opportunity to get to know each other through various activities and events, including a day-long orientation session. Fellows are encouraged to actively network within the group, both socially and professionally.
