STPF Professional Development
Fellows’ career pursuits following the fellowship are often influenced by the skills, knowledge, and networks they gain through the immersive fellowship experience and the professional development opportunities they receive. Upon completion of the program, some alumni return to their prior institutions, while others transition to new sectors (government, nonprofit, academia, industry).
STPF conducts a year-long professional development program available to all current fellows. The curriculum is specialized for scientists and engineers and typically includes a two-week orientation, monthly educational activities, skill-building workshops, career-enhancement sessions, and a year-end summit. STPF’s professional development program complements the fellows’ placement experience by enhancing their capacity in four foundational learning areas: Policy and the Federal Government; Communication; Leadership; and Networking and Career Strategies.
Fellows have opportunities to apply their professional development within their host office and to put leadership, communication, and policy into practice through participation in STPF Affinity Groups. These groups foster collaboration and empower greater professional development by engaging programming around topics of common interest including Science Diplomacy, Energy/Climate, Global Health, and Water. Currently there are approximately 20 Affinity Groups engaged in a broad range of issues and activities. In addition, STPF maintains a robust database and active listservs to coordinate events that enable current and alumni fellows to interact and network during and beyond their fellowships. The activities help to enhance the fellows’ knowledge and capabilities, and to foster collaborative connections within and beyond the fellowship cohorts.
STPF learning goals and objectives
Professional development calendar