How to Apply for an APEX Fellowship. for Summer 2016

Transcription

1 How to Apply for an APEX Fellowship for Summer 2016

2 Focus of Summer Experiences Explore intersection of students academic, professional and personal interests Discover how students skills translate to authentic environments Engage in self-discovery, esp. one s values vis-à-vis career choices Ashley Wagner 17 Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Community Lebanon, OH

3 What are APEX Fellowships? 6 or 8 week funded summer experience Student designed, developed & implemented Include research, oversight & guided reflection Follow syllabus of activities over spring, summer & fall Kevin Smith 16 3i Innovations - Wooster, OH

4 Take initiative and responsibility for your own own experience Explore vocational interests that are fulfilling & meaningful in authentic environments Test the waters for potential career paths Why Apply? Get connected with Alums Receive funding! Quan Phan 17 GC Creative Studio Cleveland Heights, OH

5 What APEX Fellowships are NOT A travel program A means of funding offcampus study A way to pay for summer credits at Wooster or other academic institutions Research support Abigail Helvering 16 Select Committee on Benghazi Washington, D.C.

6 WHO and WHAT are eligible for APEX Fellowships? All rising sophomores, juniors & seniors In good academic & behavioral standing Wooster or in Wooster-endorsed OCS programs From all majors Un/under-paid internships -or- Volunteer programs with significant career exploration Student engagement of 6 to 8 wks and hrs International or domestic locations

7 What is the funding? For unpaid internships/volunteer programs $1900 for programs at least 6 wks and 220 hrs $2500 for programs at least 8 wks and 300 hrs Plus up to $600 for travel expenses May NOT be used to return home MAY be used for daily commuting expenses For low-paying or stipended programs May be used to make up difference up to maximum amount of award for 6-8 wks/ hrs

8 Have substantive advising meeting(s) with EL Submit a polished, up-to-date résumé Demonstrate extended conversations about summer experience with reference writers Respond to extended answer questions clearly, thoroughly and thoughtfully Have a polished To be Eligible for Andrew Award Consideration (+$500) profile Demonstrate preparation for the interview Follow up with interview committee

9 Fellowships & Purposes Advocacy Civic Engagement Corporate Education Entrepreneurship Health and Health Care Other Address legal needs of underserved populations or under-represented issues Understand how social services organizations operate & serve clients Apply problem-solving skills in a business or industrial environment Work with summer enrichment programs or organizations that do educational outreach Develop skills around creating, building & supporting ventures Better understand health and health care issues of underserved populations Provide experiences that will expand boundaries & combine interests with career choices

10 What kind of internship or volunteer program does APEX fund? On-site immersive work experience Host organization gives student meaningful tasks Variety of interactions On-site supervisor for mentoring & feedback Macy Conrad 18 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deer Creek Lake Mt. Sterling, OH

11 Finding Host Organizations Consult with faculty & staff who have interests in your topic or geographic area Ask extended family & family friends Ask former fellowship recipients Use resources found on APEX website & on APEX bulletin board

12 Communicating with Potential Host Organizations Consider every communication a mini interview Err on the side of being more formal rather than less, for example, use Dear Dr./Mr./Ms./Mrs. + Last Name until invited to address them otherwise Demonstrate you have done your homework about the organization and its mission Be as specific as you can in your inquiries

13 Example of an Ineffective Communication (taken from a student ) Eager Student Hiring Manager Hi! I'm really interested in applying for the summer internship with your organization, and I've started working on the application, but I have a few questions. Is there any more description of the specific areas of interest/the actual job description? Also, I live nearby so I might not need the provided housing. Is it required? Or could I just get paid the difference? Or not at all? Where is the internship going to take place? And lastly, do you have any advise about the application? Thanks so much!

14 Timing: Responses from Host Organizations & Applying Question: I ve applied for this to-die-for internship, but the host organization says it does not make decisions until after the APEX Fellowship application deadline. Can I still apply? Answer: Yes, you can apply for the 1 st deadline (Feb 19), but you must have a position secured by the 2 nd deadline (Apr 8).

15 Application / Placement Fees Some volunteer programs require a fee to hold your placement Options: Ask if you can pay the fee once you know you ve received the fellowship If you must pay the fee up front, you can reimburse yourself from APEX funds, if awarded run the risk of not receiving funding & must make the decision whether you re willing to pay or not

16 Special Considerations for International Students You may have up to 30% taken out of your funds If you intern in the U.S., You must have been full-time student in the U.S. for 9 months Your proposal must relate to your major Ananya Shrestha 16 Nicholas Brealey Publishing Boston, MA

17 Some Application DO s Start early & be thorough with research Collect accurate budget information Talk to past participants Ask for references early Give your reference writers Time at MINIMUM: 2 weeks A copy of your resume, internship description & personal statement Info about the host organization Seonna Gittens 16 Star Works Group New York, NY

18 Some Application DONT s Don t neglect getting feedback on your application Come to Walk-in-Wednesdays Ask others to review Use the Writing Center Don t submit a generic or uninformative resume Use the fellowship language Highlight key contributions to jobs and activities

19 Some Application Logistics Application is completed in Horizons Application questions & details can be found in the How to Apply booklet Ask recommenders to complete the electronic recommendation form by the deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 19 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 8 Brenda Khor 17 Usher s New Look Atlanta, GA

20 Completed applications include Horizons application which includes Personal & Organization Information Cost Calculation Optional Travel Funds Request Personal Statements Copy of transcripts from ScotWeb (free!) Resume Two references completed using electronic form from the Horizons application Program/Internship Agreement

21 Important Dates to Remember Walk-in Wednesdays 1:30 4:30 p.m. feedback on ideas, proposals resume help, interview practice Application Deadlines Friday, February 19 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 8 11:59 p.m.

22 What s Next? Start talking to profs, extended family, APEX Fellows, etc. Come to Walk-in Wednesdays Make an appointment with Cathy McConnell Ryan Ozar Contact Krista Martin kmartin@wooster.edu David Morrow 16 Break Through San Francisco Kat Neis 18 Dressage Today