The launch of the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program Class of 2021 Application is just around the corner! The application opens on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at Noon (Eastern Time) and closes on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Noon (Eastern Time).
In advance of this year’s application period, we wanted to take a moment to remind you of some key resources that are available for prospective applicants, and to highlight what’s new for the 2021 application cycle.
Reminders & What’s New for the 2021 Application Cycle
(Reminder) Informational Webinars for Prospective Applicants: During the month of September, informational webinars for prospective applicants are taking place every Tuesday. These webinars give a general overview of the PMF Program, details on the 2021 application cycle, and allow for participants to ask questions (if time permits). These sessions are filling up fast, so be sure to let your students know soon! For more information, visit: https://www.pmf.gov/become-a-pmf/2021-application/.
(What’s New) PMF Applicant Handbook: The PMF Program Office just released a brand new “PMF Applicant Handbook” that details the annual application process, explains eligibility requirements and required documentation, and provides an overview of the assessment process. When it comes to submitting a successful application, this is a valuable tool for prospective applicants and should be used in conjunction with the annual PMF Assessment Preparation Guide. You can find the PMF Applicant Handbook at the top of the Become a PMF\Resources page on the PMF website.
(What’s New) PMF Program Required Application Documents and Alternative Letter: This document outlines details on documents required for the PMF Application, including the resume and advanced degree transcript (and/or alternative). It also includes a sample of the alternative letter for applicants to obtain from academic institutions, if needed. You can also find this document on the Become a PMF\Resources page on the PMF website.
(What’s New) Applicant School Accreditation (for Foreign Schools): Those applicants who apply based on a recent or current advanced degree from a foreign academic institution (outside of the United States) and are selected as Finalists will be required to utilize a credential evaluation service to determine if their degree and foreign institution are equivalent to U.S. standards. Go to the Education Completed Outside of the United States to learn more.
(What’s New) Improved Application Experience: We have enhanced the user experience of on-line application, enabling applicants to complete some steps in any order, clarifying some of the questions, and improving the layout of the instructions. We have also incorporated additional application status messages for applicants not selected as Finalists.
(What’s New) Cyber Assessments for Finalists: For all Class of 2021 Finalists, the PMF Program has partnered with CYBRScore to provide every finalist the opportunity to take an optional cyber aptitude and attitude assessment. These assessments help measure whether Finalists have the capability to learn cyber skills and potentially be good fits for cyber roles in government. The Federal government is seeking future leaders to serve in cyber roles across government and Finalists can take the assessments and share the results with Federal agencies to assist with getting placed as a Fellow where they can be trained and developed to perform cyber roles in those agencies.
Prior to the next class year’s application, we solicit workforce planning estimates from participating Federal Agencies. The survey to agencies recently concluded. Here’s a rough estimate on the results: We collected submissions from 52 agencies, with a desire for an estimated 500 PMF positions over the next fiscal year. Degrees in Accounting/Finance/Budgeting, Public Health, Administration/Management Process, Policy Analysis, and International Development/Studies remain in high demand.
General information for Academia can be found under our Academia webpage. The Academia section includes a general overview of the program, advising students, publicizing PMF on campus, resources available for academia, and FAQs.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your application-related questions to pmfapplication@opm.gov.
