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UMGC Career Connection How to Apply for the 2022 Presidential Management Fellowship Program

Alyssa K. Cole
By Alyssa K. Cole

It’s almost time to submit your application for the Presidential Management Fellowship Program (PMF). This year the application window will open on September 28 and close on October 12, 2021. For more information about the PMF Program and how to apply, please continue below.  

What is the PMF Program?  

The PMF Program is the Federal Government’s premier leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. It is highly competitive and only the top candidates are selected as PMF finalists. In fact, over the past five years an average of 5,635 candidates applied each year with only 3,429 finalists selected. 

PMF Program Eligibility  

Anyone who completed a graduate degree between September 28–October 12, 2021, or will confer their graduate degree by August 30, 2022, is eligible to apply for the PMF program. It is an excellent opportunity to launch a career in the Federal government and gain valuable leadership experience.  

What types of candidates is the PMF Program looking for?   

The program is searching for candidates with key leadership qualities. Therefore, the application process, which also includes an online assessment, is designed to judge the following core competencies: flexibility, integrity, interpersonal skills, public service motivation, problem-solving, and written communication skills.  

How do I apply?  

PMF finalists can apply for targeted leadership development positions across 140+ participating federal agencies. These positions are only available to finalists, along with opportunities for mentorship within the agency, rotational assignments with other agencies of interest, and advanced potential for promotions.  

To help interested students and alumni prepare for the 2022 application process, UMGC’s Office of Career Services conducted an informational webinar to review the application process. UMGC and PMF alum Margaret Larkin (PMF 2020) joined to share her experience in the program, she is currently employed at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If you are interested in learning more about the PMF Program and its application process, watch the PMF 2022 Information Session webinar on demand and visit pmf.gov.  

As always, keep in mind UMGC’s Career Services team is here to help you plan and achieve career success. Visit CareerQuest to set up an appointment with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist today. 

Alyssa K. Cole is a former career advising specialist with UMGC Career Services. She holds a Master of Arts in Education from Louisiana State University, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and is the CEO of AKC Career Consulting, which is a writing and career consulting agency that provides affordable assistance to college students, recent graduates, and entry-level working professionals.