the opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions
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- Who is eligible to be in the PMF
Program?
- How long is the program?
- When and how do I apply?
- Will I be paid? How about benefits?
- Can I get any of my student loans paid back if I
join the program?
- What are the requirements to graduate from the
Program?
- If I am selected as a Finalist, am I guaranteed a
job?
1. Who is
eligible to be in the PMF Program?
If you will meet all graduate degree
requirements (even though you have not necessarily graduated),
including the completion or successful defense of any required
thesis or dissertation (as required), during the academic year (as
defined under the Become a PMF\Eligibility webpage), you are
eligible to apply.
As a graduate student from any academic discipline and expected
to complete an advanced degree (graduate or professional) from a
qualifying college or university during the current academic year,
you are eligible to apply.
If you obtained your advance degree from a qualifying college or
university no more than 2 years prior to the opening date of the
announcement, you are eligible to apply.
Go to the Become
a PMF\Eligibility webpage for the current eligibility
requirements.
2. How
long is the program?
The PMF Program's fellowship lasts two years. Fellowships
are full-time paid positions with benefits.
3. When
and how do I apply?
The application process can be found under the Become A
PMF\Application Process webpage. The application process
for the PMF Program is rigorous.
4. Will I
be paid? How about benefits?
PMF Program participants are paid full salary and benefits at
the GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 (or equivalent) grade level depending on
the position into which hired and the hiring agency. Finalists may
be promoted based on the qualification requirements for the hired
position. More information can be found under The
Opportunity\Compensation webpage.
5. Can I
get any of my student loans paid back if I join the
program?
Depending on the hiring agency, PMFs may be eligible for the
Federal Student Loan Repayment Program or the Public Service Loan
Forgiveness Program. For more information, please go to the Student
Loans webpage.
6. What
are the requirements to graduate from the Program?
Fellows must complete the following requirements to graduate
from the PMF Program:
- Attend a minimum of 160 hours of formal training (80 hours per
year)
- Complete at least one developmental assignment four to six
months in length, or participate in an agency-wide initiative, or
other Presidential or Administration initiative equivalent to four
to six months in length
- Create a performance plan and undergo an annual performance
review with a minimum rating of "Successful" for each year of their
fellowship
- Create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that sets forth the
specific developmental activities agreed upon by the Fellow and
supervisor (may consult with the Agency PMF Coordinator and/or
Mentor).
- Receive Executive Resources Board (ERB) or equivalent
certification
- ERB certification is needed for non-competitive conversion
7. If I am
selected as a Finalist, am I guaranteed a job?
No. If you are selected as a Finalist, you are eligible for a
PMF appointment by a participating Federal Agency. Finalists have
up to one year from announcement of Finalists to obtain a PMF
appointment.
UPDATED: 11-15-2012