AFP - About the Program

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NIH developed a new strategic recruitment program using the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP) for professional administrative careers called the Administrative Fellows Program (AFP). Through this program, NIH is able to recruit fellows who will grow into a permanent career through a 2 year program of training and on-the-job experience. NIH is reaching out to colleges and universities to bring in bright, motivated individuals to help us reach our resource goals for the future.

This unique opportunity will allow you to develop skills through training, rotational assignments and mentoring. Professional development is an integral part of the Administrative Program. Not only will you be learning about your career track, you will also be developing skills in leadership and management. Your training will involve creating an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that will outline your developmental activities for the desired skills/competencies along with your short term and long term goals. You will select an NIH mentor that will assist you in selecting rotational assignments, advise and counsel regarding career goals, share experiences and offer insights, and guide you to function successfully within NIH.

An Administrative Fellowship is more than a job; it’s and opportunity to leverage your skills to improve the health of the Nation and the world.

Life as an AFP

Erin Brandt, NINDS, Management Analysis

I completed my Master of Public Policy in University of Minnesota, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs when I started in the AFP in June 2008. Before coming to the NIH, I worked as the Executive Director of a foundation that specializes in making small grants in Africa.

I was a little unsure about my future career path and AFP provides many opportunities for training, mentoring, networking and rotations to try different positions. I knew other interns who were already Fellows and they loved the program and working at the NIH. The NIH has a great mission and a has a reputation for investing a lot of time and resources into their intern programs so it seemed like a perfect fit for me.

I am excited to be a part of the AFP because of the opportunity to work somewhere where all my efforts play a part in a mission that significantly and positively impacts people around the world. Also, I work with really amazing people, which is a must for me – everyone at NIH is dedicated to their work and they are really wonderful people. During my free time, I enjoy hiking, biking, reading, volunteering and spending time with my husband and our puppy.

Justin Hentges, NIDCR, Administrative Officer

Originally from Wisconsin, I worked in college admissions before moving to the D.C. area for graduate school. After receiving my Master of Public Policy degree from George Mason University, I joined the NIH in June of 2007 as part of the inaugural class of the Administrative Fellows Program.

I joined the program because of the opportunities to participate in meaningful while still being able to take part in great training opportunities. I was also excited to be working for an organization with a great, helping mission. The people I met on my interviews proved that the NIH is a group of good people dedicated to helping.

I had the opportunity to work in my Institute’s Intramural Administrative Office, Budget Office and Grants Management Office. I also was able to rotate to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Budget for three months. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to work with the dedicated and intelligent people that make up the NIH. Even though I’m not a “science” guy, it’s always interesting to hear the new and exciting research that the NIH is supporting and how that research will help the public at large.

In my spare time, I like to read about Russian and English history, bike, cook-out, and watch old movies with his partner.

Amy Baker, NCI, Grants Management Specialist

I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University and earned a Master of Education in Special Education from Millersville University.

When I joined the NIH, I had just completed a seven-year teaching career as an instructor for students with varying degrees of special needs. During a seven-year teaching career, I created two unique educational programs for both elementary and high school-aged students. Accomplishments include the transition of students from school-to-work and the provision of modified curriculum to assist children who have learning difficulties. I also created a classroom ‘business,’ whereby students created and sold baked goods and coffee to staff and students. I found my work rewarding; however, I had the desire to find a more suitable work-life balance for my family. Seeking an equally satisfying career, I discovered the (then) brand-new Administrative Fellows Program. I quickly made a decision to pursue this unique and exciting opportunity. I knew my background was unique to a scientific community such as the NIH. However, I knew that my unique talents could be put to good use as a multitasking administrator.

In June 2007, I became a Grants Management Specialist Fellow for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the NIH. Specifically, I am a specialist for the Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention section of the Office of Grants Administration within NCI. My workload includes direct involvement in business related activities in negotiating, awarding, post-award monitoring, and all other administration of grants and cooperative agreements. Additionally, I work with varying mechanisms and institutions within an assigned portfolio of grants. Providing strong customer service is highly important to my role as a grants specialist. As an administrator of grants that are funded with the intention of eliminating disease, I have found my work within the NIH to be incredibly rewarding. I hope to continue functioning as an administrator of grants, assisting in furthering the scientific mission of the NIH.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working out, reading, and scrapbooking.