This is my first time participating in the annual National Association of Fellowship Advisors (NAFA) conference in Chicago and I’m highly impressed with insights and perspectives of the fellowship advisors from universities all over the country. These are professionals dedicated to helping talented students, particularly undergraduate students, prepare and compete for prestigious national fellowships, scholarships and awards.
One of the most interesting things I’ve discovered is that there are few NAFA members at this meeting who advise graduate students on finding and earning fellowships, although some are thinking strategically how they could better serve this population. Also, some of my individual conversations with fellowships advisors revealed that alumni sometimes call them asking for information on professional fellowships. These inquiries can be a challenge for university fellowship advisors focusing on advising undergraduate students.
I’m excited to see opportunities where ProFellow can help. Graduate students and people with five, ten, or twenty years of work experience are eligible for a multitude of fellowships, particularly in the areas of public service, teaching, health, journalism, law, creative arts, technology and science. We look forward to not only helping people find these opportunities, but also providing expertise and access to former Fellows, mentors and institutions.