Fellows: FAQs
Why should you apply?
Inspire Fellows was developed to provide a clear path for young business professionals looking to enter the nonprofit sector. The program focuses on three key areas to help business professionals in this career transition:
- Targeted Roles: ProInspire works with hiring organizations to identify roles that are targeted to individuals with business experience. Target functions include business planning and strategy, financial analysis, partnerships and program management.
- Professional Development: ProInspire provides a robust professional development program to support Fellows.
- Network: Fellows have access to coaching, mentorship and networking events throughout the program to ensure a successful transition. In addition, the cohort will provide a strong professional network as Fellows grow in their careers.
What kind of organization will you work for?
Inspire Fellows was developed to provide a clear path for young business professionals looking to enter the nonprofit sector. The program focuses on three key areas to help business professionals in this career transition:
- Targeted Roles: ProInspire works with hiring organizations to identify roles that are targeted to individuals with business experience. Target functions include business planning and strategy, financial analysis, partnerships and program management.
- Professional Development: ProInspire provides a robust professional development program to support Fellows.
- Network: Fellows have access to coaching, mentorship and networking events throughout the program to ensure a successful transition. In addition, the cohort will provide a strong professional network as Fellows grow in their careers.
What kind of organization will you work for?
ProInspire partners with high-performing social sector organizations that have offices in the Washington D.C. area. Hiring partners are making a positive impact on major social issues, including community development finance, economic development, education, international development, and social entrepreneurship. Fellows will be matched with a nonprofit based on their interest, relevance of skills to that organization’s needs, and culture fit.
Note: Positions are based in Washington D.C., but may require travel.
What kind of work do Fellows do?
Note: Positions are based in Washington D.C., but may require travel.
What kind of work do Fellows do?
Organizations hire Fellows for roles that fill mission-critical needs and utilize their skill sets. Click here for role descriptions from the 2009 program. Examples include:
• Creating and executing strategic plans
• Developing corporate partnerships
• Evaluating investment opportunities for a social investment fund
• Identifying opportunities for cost savings
• Launching a new program
• Supporting the executive director with key strategic initiatives
Role descriptions for the 2010 class of Inspire Fellows will be available in February 2010.
What happens after the Fellowship program is complete?
• Creating and executing strategic plans
• Developing corporate partnerships
• Evaluating investment opportunities for a social investment fund
• Identifying opportunities for cost savings
• Launching a new program
• Supporting the executive director with key strategic initiatives
Role descriptions for the 2010 class of Inspire Fellows will be available in February 2010.
What happens after the Fellowship program is complete?
Fellows typically pursue one of three paths after the Fellowship: 1) Stay at the hiring organization if a permanent position is offered, 2) Find other job opportunities, or 3) Attend graduate school.
What are the selection criteria?
What are the selection criteria?
Successful candidates have:
• A minimum of two years of business experience
• Passion for using their business skills to have a positive impact on society
• Humility and desire to learn from experienced nonprofit professionals
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly
• Experience in one or more business area, including finance, strategy, marketing, operations, information technology and general management
• Strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to live in Washington D.C. for the program
Final selection of Inspire Fellows is made by hiring partners based on their needs and culture fit.
Note: Hiring partners do not sponsor work visas.
• A minimum of two years of business experience
• Passion for using their business skills to have a positive impact on society
• Humility and desire to learn from experienced nonprofit professionals
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly
• Experience in one or more business area, including finance, strategy, marketing, operations, information technology and general management
• Strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to live in Washington D.C. for the program
Final selection of Inspire Fellows is made by hiring partners based on their needs and culture fit.
Note: Hiring partners do not sponsor work visas.
When does the program start?
The next class starts on August 2nd, 2010 with a 2-day training and orientation. Most Fellows begin their full-time positions on August 4th.
