We have learned that education and experience go hand in hand when it comes to building a competitive resume. And there is no doubt that the combination of the two makes for a well-rounded profile. But the trend seems to be changing. Just recently, some of the most important tech companies have pushed the envelope on their hiring and recruiting policies, giving past experience more weight than it ever had before. Although it is still part of their hiring considerations, Google, IBM and Apple no longer require a degree from their job applicants. Companies have begun focusing more on the candidate’s experience and skills rather than their college degree. This trend is evident not only in the tech industry but also in other related fields including the impact field.
The Net Impact Fellowship Program is one way in which to acquire this experiential learning while focusing on social and environmental impact. Every year a cohort of smart, passionate changemakers is selected to work on self-designed action projects in their community or in their campus. Selected fellows are invited to attend the annual Net Impact Conference, receive leadership training, mentorship from industry professionals, a project stipend, and access to impact-driven networks.
Fellows gain new perspectives and develop skills that will be useful in their personal and professional lives. Working for a bigger purpose alongside people who are also changemakers helps with your own development as a leader, having an entrepreneurial mindset and understanding how the world works. Whether looking for a job with impact or looking to make a career transition, experiential learning provides an effective way to grow the skills and professional networks that are so essential in the impact space. Fellowship programs are short-term leadership development opportunities that offer you the resources, support and professional networks that you might otherwise not obtain from a typical job or internship. Fellowships can be structured to provide Fellows with exposure to a particular type of work or allow Fellows to complete self-designed projects. Their main goal is for Fellows to build robust leadership and professional skills, and expand their professional networks to launch or boost their careers.
The Fellowship Program introduces a new generation of budding change-makers and offers invaluable networking opportunities to connect with other exceptional Fellows, professionals and industry mentors, some of whom are fellowship alumni themselves. Through these connections, a fellowship enables one to cultivate relationships that can lead to new opportunities.
At Net Impact, fellowships are a challenge to do something exceptional, and this year Net Impact Fellows will work across topics of food & nutrition, racial equity, climate change and impact investing & diversity.
To learn more and submit an application, visit the program page here and apply for the specific cohort of interest. The application deadline is Monday, September 17th at 12:01 AM PST.
For an example of past Fellow projects, take a look here:
Food Fellowship Alumni Berenice Leung
Racial Equity Fellowship Alumni Charlie James
