Center forCareer and Professional Advising
Fellowships
Fellowships are short-term funded experiences that allow you to do a deep dive into a particular area of interest. Spending a year or two gaining expert knowledge about a subject you’re passionate about, developing new skills while cultivating ones you already have, and gaining exposure to new perspectives and new communities—these are the hallmarks of many fellowship opportunities.
The CCPA can be your first stop in learning more about fellowships. Browse through the list of fellowship opportunities on our website and then schedule a meeting with Jason Chan, Director of Fellowships, to chat more about the fellowships that might be a good fit for your academic, extracurricular, career, or personal interests.
For students and alumni applying to fellowships, the CCPA can provide guidance and support in the following areas:
- Connecting you with previous applicants and recipients for tips and advice
- Understanding and navigating the application process
- Revising and strengthening your personal statements, research proposals, and essays
- Identifying potential recommendation letter writers
- Preparing for interviews
How it Works
Fellowships come in a variety of types. Some involve conducting research, while others are intended for graduate study in a range of disciplines. Some are oriented around teaching, while others place fellows in service agencies or nonprofit organizations. And while some are based in the U.S., others take place overseas. Chances are there’s a fellowship opportunity out there that’s relevant to your interest and goals!
Why Apply
Fellowship experiences are transformative; they are intentionally designed to be catalysts in your academic and professional trajectories. Fellowship programs select you for your potential and promise, provide you with an immersive experience, and connect you with an extensive peer and alumni network—all to catapult you to the next chapter of your life and career journeys. Even if you don’t receive a fellowship, the process of applying itself can be a meaningful opportunity to reflect on your identities, values, and aspirations.
When to Apply
The earlier, the better! While many fellowship programs solicit applications from seniors and alumni, deadlines are often early in the fall semester. Advance planning is key to ensuring you have time to prepare a strong application. There are also fellowship programs open to first-years, sophomores, and juniors, so it's never too early to start thinking about fellowship opportunities.
Getting Started
Learn more about what fellowships are and why you might want to consider one as part of your academic or career plans, as well as steps for beginning to explore and apply to fellowships.