Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service 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. The program brings together diverse 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 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 peers, 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.
What Fellows Have Said about the Program
"The fellowship experience exposed me to people who were just assuming leadership roles within public services as well as those that had impressive legacies of reforming institutions and building organizations from the ground up. It was inspiring to see people who had sustained their commitment throughout their careers and to learn what kept them committed to such a challenging and initially difficult-to-navigate field."
"The fellowship not only provided me with the means to think about my career, but it also connected me to people who shared my passion for policy and social justice. It's great to be able to come to a place and connect to people on many different levels."
"FELPS gave me the much needed space to be thoughtful about what I want out of life. It was a gift and a powerful experience. I hope that this self-reflection and the perspective it yields will remain a part of my practice for years to come."
"FELPS helped me understand that I have a lot to offer the public service sector, and that others have a lot to give to help me get there. Collective Leadership is real."
Speakers Series
The fellowship offers a variety of structured leadership and professional development opportunities, including speaker sessions with top public service leaders.
Fellows hear from senior executives across the spectrum of public service organizations. Speakers offer insights into their own career trajectories, guidance on practical strategies for succeeding in public service, and analysis of timely issues and trends. 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.
Previous speakers include:
- Dennis Walcott, Chancellor of New York City Schools
- Ana Oliveira, President and CEO of The New York Women's Foundation
- Iain Levine, Director of Programs for Human Rights Watch
- Khary Lazarre-White, Co-founder and Executive Director of Brotherhood/Sister Sol
- Jennifer Jones Austin, Senior Vice President of Community Involvement at United Way of New York City
- Ellen Schall, Dean of NYU Wagner
- Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President
- Sigmund Ginsburg, Founder of the New York City Urban Fellows
Personal Exploration
Fellows engage in monthly workshops that help them explore their strengths, interests and goals and develop a personalized career plan. Session topics include:
- Conducting informational interviews
- Building on your individual strengths and telling your unique story
- Creating and using networks
- Effectively communicating and delegating in management
- Finding a graduate school that fits your career objectives
In addition, the Fellowship curriculum includes an ongoing series of readings and journal reflections, self evaluation activities, facilitated small group discussions to foster peer learning, and informational interviews.
Mentorship and a Network of Support
Mentorship is a key element of the fellowship. Career Guides who serve as mentors throughout the course of the program are senior-level managers and directors at a variety of public service organizations. They meet with Fellows on an ongoing basis both in groups and one-on-one.
In addition, one of the most valuable resources and sources of support for Fellows as they move through their public service careers is 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 and ongoing peer-learning in cohort groups.
Upon completion of the program, fellows become part of a thriving professional alumni network.
