OPM extends application period for IT fellows

Students in advanced degree programs, including those in information technology, now have the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to submit their applications for the 2013 class of Presidential Management Fellows and Technology Fellows programs.

The Office of Personnel Management announced Friday that it has extended the application period for the PMF program to Monday, Nov. 26.

Included in the PMF program is the Technology Fellows program, which launched in 2011 as part of the Obama administration’s 25-point plan to reform federal IT management. The program, which supports point 11 of the IT reform plan, appoints technology students expected to complete a masters or a doctoral-level degree to serve a two-year paid fellowship with the federal government. Fellows also have the opportunity to participate in rotational assignments and gain in-depth experience managing large and complex IT programs.

Last year, more than 9,000 graduate students applied to the PMF program and approximately 630 achieved finalist status. “If you become a PMF, you will have earned your place in the program, and the opportunity to grow professionally, serve your country and make a difference,” according to a notice on the PMF website.

The PMF program now falls under the new Pathways programs, which offer agencies more flexibility in hiring students in high school, undergraduate or graduate programs, as well as recent graduates. One of the Pathways tracks beefs up the PMF program by expanding the eligibility window for applicants and making it more student-friendly by aligning it with academic calendars. The new program also enables agencies to hire successful interns after they have completed 640 hours on the job, or 320 hours on the job if they have demonstrated exceptional performance.

Applicants interested in applying for the PMF or Technology Fellows program can search for Presidential Management Fellows on USAJOBS.gov, or visit PMF.gov. Finalists for the program will be selected by March 2013, OPM said.

In September, GovLoop and the nonprofit Robertson Foundation for Government launched a new interactive online website – PathtoPMF.com -- designed to help prospective PMF’s navigate the application, interview and job placement process.  

Are you applying for the 2013 class of PMF or Technology Fellows? Wired Workplace is interested in hearing about your experience with the application and selection process. Feel free to leave a comment below, or e-mail me at bballenstedt@govexec.com.