PMF 2012: Application Begins Today

Yes, it’s that time again. The Presidential Management Fellows application process is officially open for the 2012 application year. Here’s a very quick rundown of how to determine if you are eligible and what to expect. At the end of this article are the other great resources available on the web. I will be happy to answer any questions you have about the application process, assuming I know the answers, but otherwise, just let us all know whether you are going to apply or not.

The application window for this year is today, September 15, 2011 to September 25, 2011. School nominations have to be in by September 30, 2011.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you MUST be enrolled in a graduate program of some sort and be scheduled to complete your degree requirements between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012. Seems easy enough, right?

The Process

First, and I can’t stress this enough, you have to find out who at your school handles PMF nominations. It’s usually the dean of your particular program. You don’t get invited to take the test unless your school nominates you. Make sure your nominating official has all the information he/she needs to complete the nomination. All of the materials you need can be found on the PMF website.

Second, go over to the job listing on USAJOBS and apply for the program. You can find it here: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=102311164

Third, make sure all of your documents are saved all the way through on Application Manager. You can provide corrected documents if you need to, but sometimes they require processing time. In that case, it’s better to get your application in early.

And fourth, let us know here or on GovLoop that you’ve applied. We like to have conversations here about the experience and what everyone else is going through. And since I have been through the process myself, there are things I can probably help you with. Good luck, everyone!

Resources

• Check out GovLoop’s application guide (full disclosure: I helped with this).
• GovLoop also has an open comment thread for this year’s application process.