1. The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: Is It for Me? UW-La Follette School Seminar September 9, 2015

2. If you are interested in working in the federal government and incredible professional development, the answer is YES!

3. What is the PMF program? The Federal Government’s most prestigious and competitive graduate fellowship Two-year, full-time position within a federal agency Includes full pay and benefits (at hired GS level) Extensive training and development opportunities Training and development geared toward target position Upon successful completion, may be non-competitively converted to a permanent or term position Why be a PMF video: http://go.wisc.edu/4ntv6p http://go.wisc.edu/4ntv6p

4. Program Requirements Consist of: Minimum of 80 hours of training annually At least one 4-6 month developmental assignment Optional rotational opportunities Assignment of senior-level mentor Participant agreement Individual development plan Annual performance plan Agency-specific requirements (if any)

5. Eligibility Graduate students from any academic disciplines who expect to complete an advanced degree (masters or professional) during the academic year (September 1, 2015 - August 31, 2016) Those who completed an advanced degree no more than 2 years prior to the opening date of the PMF Program's announcement Degrees completed between October 1, 2013 and August 31, 2016 You do not need to be a US citizen, but do need to be authorized to work in the US. You must obtain citizenship by the time you finish your two years of service.

6. Open to All Disciplines Including: Accounting/Finance/MBA Information Technology/ Cybersecurity International Affairs/Policy Health/Medical Sciences Business Administration Environmental Sciences Public Policy Public Administration Human Resources Statistics STEM* & Law** Ecology, etc. (NEW) *Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Track introduced in 2014 and in particular demand this year **Law students eligible; however, PMF program not designed to provide training and development to compete for an attorney position

7. PMF Career Path Initial appointments at GS-9, 11, or 12 (or equivalent), based on applicant qualifications and agency need So, salaries of $52,668 to $99,296 Promotion potential up to GS-13 (or equivalent) during fellowship Potential conversion to a permanent or term position Typical career path with limited experience (or equivalent): Appointment - GS-9, step 1 1-year anniversary - GS-11, step 1 Program completion - GS-12, step 1

8. Federal Employment Benefits Student Loan Repayment Programs Flexible Spending Accounts Health and Dental Insurance Paid Vacations and Sick Leave Life Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Retirement Plan Additional information can be found at: http://go.wisc.edu/8r84w8 http://go.wisc.edu/8r84w8

9. PMF Application Process Application period is September 28-October 13, 2015 Submit an on-line application (allow several hours) Upload resume and transcript UW will ALSO need letter from registrar w/expected date of degree: See: http://go.wisc.edu/789i49http://go.wisc.edu/789i49 Contact certs@em.wisc.edu, provide student ID and expected graduation datecerts@em.wisc.edu Allow 5 business days Upload supporting documentation for any claims of Indian preference, veterans’ preference, and reasonable accommodations Complete on-line assessment and applicable essays

10. PMF Application Process Cont. Successful Semi-Finalists invited to in-person assessment in Washington DC Finalists selected, and have 12 months for appointment eligibility Upon securing position with a Federal agency  Fellow Approximate timelines on PMF website Very competitive program! In 2015: 7,800 applications 1,015 semi-finalists 602 finalists 60-70% appointment rate over last several years

11. Assessment Process Applicants and Semi-Finalists assessed on the following: Problem Solving Interpersonal Skills Oral Communication Written Communication Public Service Motivation Personal Accountability Adaptability Technical Competence (for PMF-STEM) Assessment Preparation Guide will be posted under “Become a PMF”  “Assessment Process” section at www.pmf.gov w.pmf.gov

12. Selection Process Step I: Assessment On-line, Un-proctored Must complete during two-week window (9/28-10/13) INDEPENDENT WORK On-line assessment Situational Judgment Test Applicants indicate how they would respond in given situations Personality Test Applicants respond to behavioral questions Essays completed during the application taken into consideration during the in-person assessment Semi-Finalists selected based on eligibility, complete application, and on-line assessment results (mid-Nov.)

13. Selection Process Step II: In-Person Assessment Semi-Finalists participate in in-person assessment consisting of competency-based questions (Dec.-Feb.) Participate at own expense Half-day process Individual behavioral interview Group exercise Proctored written exercise Conducted in Washington, DC Scores factored in the selection of Finalists

14. Selection Process Step III: Job Placement Process Agencies notified shortly after Finalists are selected (March ‘16) Finalists invited to attend PMF Virtual Job Fair (April ‘16) Finalists search for agency positions on-line via the PMF website Available positions change throughout the year 12 months from the date selected as Finalists to secure appointment with agency  Fellows Employment policies and incentives determined by individual agencies All degree requirements mustbe completed prior to Onboarding (Aug. 31, 2016)

15. Application Tips Successful application package consists of Resume (can’t revise once uploaded) Transcript (+ letter from registrar if info missing on transcript) Supporting documents if claiming Indian preference, veterans’ preference, and/or reasonable accommodations Completion of the on-line assessment Completion of the essays Ensure system and browser requirements are met Sufficient time (~ 3 hours) to prepare, review, and submit prior to announcement closing Review all instructions and FAQs Additional details found under the “Become a PMF” section of the PMF website (http://www.pmf.gov/)http://www.pmf.gov/ Note: They will be looking for easy ways to eliminate applicants!

16. Stay Connected Join the PMF Listserv to receive important information (ex. application and eligibility information, newsworthy events, program changes) Subscribe instantly on-line at http://go.wisc.edu/f167mhhttp://go.wisc.edu/f167mh Monitor “News & Events” section on PMF Website: www.pmf.gov w.pmf.gov Facebook Page:www.facebook.com\PMFProgramw.facebook.com\PMFProgram Also recommended: http://pathtopmf.com/http://pathtopmf.com/

17. Contact Information Presidential Management Fellows Program U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street NW, Room 6500 Washington, DC 20415 Application Inquiries: pmfapplication@opm.gov*pmfapplication@opm.gov Website: www.pmf.govwww.pmf.gov NOTE: Please use the pmfapplication@opm.gov mailbox for all inquiries regarding the application cycle and assessment process. Applicants should follow the Help instructions provided during the application process for technical assistance.pmfapplication@opm.gov

18. Overview of the Path to becoming a PMF

19. QUESTIONS? Hilary Shager Associate Director La Follette School of Public Affairs hshager@lafollette.wisc.edu Marie Koko Government Careers Specialist L&S Career Services http://go.wisc.edu/fl198p

20. Guest speakers & additional info Andrew Peppard, 2012 MIPA Don Eggert, 2015 MPA http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/news/two-students-make- finalist-stage-of-presidential-management-fellows-program- 2015http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/news/two-students-make- finalist-stage-of-presidential-management-fellows-program- 2015 Another chance to learn about PMF: September 22, 1-2pm, Union South LFS alum Chad Ruppel (2004 MPA/URPL)