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What
is a typical day like as a Fellow?
There
is no defined “typical day” for a Fellow. The
majority of Fellows’ work revolves around their regional
grants, including assessing applications and budgets prior
to Grants Committee Meetings, making grant evaluation
calls, writing press releases, and working with grantees on check presentations.
In addition to grant work, Fellows manage many direct charitable activities
as well as local and office projects. On any given day Fellows may also attend
professional development classes and/or seminars. Time in the office can be
sporadic, as Fellows are often traveling for grant work or other projects.
Overall, Fellows’ responsibilities vary from day to day based on the
time of year and what responsibilities take precedence. Not having a “typical
day” provides Fellows with the opportunity to fine tune their time management
skills and prioritize the wide variety of responsibilities they face.
Why does the Fellowship last two years?
The
Fellowship is a hands-on working experience, and also a starting
point in acquiring managerial skills. An in-depth mentoring
program facilitates
this process. First-year Fellows are mentored by second-year Fellows who
teach the skills of the job. Although only second-year Fellows have mentoring
responsibilities, all Fellows play an active role in the management of the
grants process, direct charitable activities, and various office projects.
What have past Fellows gone on to do
after their time with the USGA?
Based on past interests
and experiences gained both within and outside the USGA,
Fellows have gone on to a wide range of opportunities directly
following
the Fellowship. While some Fellows have continued working in the non-profit
sector, others have chosen to continue their formal education through business,
law, or medical school. Others begin work in areas like finance, public relations,
international business, or education. Some have even started their own businesses.
You can find information on all of our former Fellows and their current positions
on our Web site.
Do I have to play golf to work for
the USGA?
It is not necessary for a Fellow to have
experience with golf to apply for the Fellowship. In fact,
some Fellows have
never stepped on a golf course.
However, it is important for Fellows to have an appreciation for the benefits
sport, specifically golf, and other extracurricular activities have on the
development of young people. Regardless of the background or level of playing
experience, the Fellowship provides opportunities to enhance the Fellows’ knowledge
of golf. All Fellows will gain a greater appreciation for the game during the
Fellowship through working at Championships and developing relationships with
state and regional golf associations.
What is the Fellow’s
involvement in the grants process?
In addition
to the three individuals who manage the Fellowship and
Grants program, the Fellows provide the support for the
Grants Program. From the time an organization
applies for a grant, Fellows offer resources on starting a successful program,
answering questions about the grant application, and working with applicants
on planning and budgeting. Three times a year, Fellows are responsible for
presenting these applications to the volunteer USGA Grants Committee. If a
grant is awarded, Fellows then work with the program to prepare a press release,
plan media events, provide equipment contacts, facilitate volunteer connections,
and often conduct an on-site visit. The Fellows teams work to maintain consistent
contact and to evaluate the compliance and progress of all the programs in
their assigned regions.
How much traveling is involved? Where
will I travel and what will I be doing?
Fellows travel
for three general purposes: conducting grant related functions,
attending USGA Championships, and representing the USGA Grants Initiative and
Fellowship Program. Travel for all three can take a Fellow anywhere in the
nation. In total, the average Fellow will be on the road between 35-50 days
out of the year. For grant travel, Fellows visit programs that are either applying
for, or have received a grant from the USGA. While visiting the program, Fellows
may meet with program participants, program directors, and members of the community
to discuss the status of the program or project. Typically these trips range
from two to five days depending upon if the Fellow is visiting one or several
programs in an area. In addition, Fellows have opportunities to assist at the
13 National Championships conducted by the USGA. Fellows are usually on site
for seven to 12 days working in a variety of roles. In representing the USGA,
Fellows travel to attend meetings and address a variety of audiences on the
role of the Grants Initiativeand Fellowship program.
How are third-year projects developed
and what are some that have been undertaken?
Fellows
may develop a proposal for a third-year project. The approval
of such a project is based on several factors, including
how well the project aligns
with the specific needs, objectives, and mission of the USGA and the degree
to which it would further develop the individual Fellow. Past projects have
included designing and launching JuniorLinks.com, developing the Resource Center
for Individuals with Disabilities, conducting impact analyses of programs throughout
the nation, and planning a best practices conference for local champions (site
directors) responsible for programs that receive USGA-support.
What are the Personal and Professional
Development aspects of this job?
Because it is early
in Fellows’ professional careers,
one of the tenets of the Fellowship is to provide an opportunity
to develop and hone skills needed
to be successful in the workplace. At the onset of the Fellowship, all Fellows
meet with staff to discuss their long-term professional goals. Together, they
develop a plan to provide work experiences and outside opportunities that will
allow the Fellow to strive toward these objectives. Throughout their time at
the USGA, Fellows are quickly given a high level of responsibility, which leads
to a greater opportunity for self-assessment and skill development.
While the
majority of professional development takes place through day-to-day
work experiences, there is also emphasis placed on seminars, workshops, and
courses. Fellows develop their skills in areas such as public speaking, non-profit
management and fundraising, mentoring, negotiations, leadership, and entrepreneurial
fundamentals. These skills are taught so that they can be utilized both at
the USGA as well as in future endeavors.
In addition to the above traditional
means of professional development, the Fellowship program also includes
a comprehensive team-building activity that usually lasts up
to a week. Typically, the trip involves an outdoor educational
component centered on physical challenge. This field activity
engages Fellows in leadership roles by placing the group into
new and unique situations. The challenges faced together facilitate
a forum for individual and group feedback building a foundation
for an office culture of teamwork.
Are all Fellows recent college graduates?
While
almost all Fellows join the Fellowship program within a year
of graduation, a few Fellows have come to the program after
graduate school and/or limited
work experience. Often, this is a Fellow’s first experience in a professional
environment; others are building upon previous work experience. The Fellowship
is considered a continuing educational experience. Fellows use every opportunity
to learn from each other regardless of work or academic backgrounds. Fellows
have brought college degrees to the program such as Biology, Business, Computer
Science, Economics, English, Political Science, Health Science, and others.
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