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A fellow programme doesn’t always have to lead to academic careers. With numerous opportunities available to the candidates now, gone are the days when one had to contend with faculty or research jobs. The U.S. has always been the land of opportunities, and in May 2013, it welcomed young achievers from all over the world to broaden their expertise and turn them into the change agents societies need. U.S. government banks on emerging young achievers for shared growth The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State recently played host to more than 200 emerging leaders from close to 50 countries for month-long, intensive fellow programmes aimed at training people globally for challenging roles in the areas of economic development, governance and media as well as to carry forward the Department’s vision of global youth empowerment. Those who made it to the list participated in the Professional Fellows Programme, which highlighted how individual citizens had the power to work out solutions to the challenges their societies face and as a result, benefit from shared global prosperity. The congregation of the young emerging leaders in the United States is a good example for other nations of the developed world that can also formulate such exchanges on a regular basis for global economic stability and growth. So, what was the Fellows Programme itinerary? The 200-plus participants spent around 6 weeks in the States, completing customised fellowships in applicable organisations, government offices, non-profit companies and businesses or business associations. The fellow programme went a long way in establishing a structured, well-laid out interaction among foreign participants and Americans developed to form lasting professional partnerships and meaningful ties. So, where do these emerging leaders work? The Fellows are absorbed in different public and private sector undertakings across the U.S. to gather a first-hand experience of diverse scenarios in their respective domains and learn how they are being tackled. The key takeaways The Professional Fellows Programme helps participants use key learnings and introduce fresh thought and knowledge into their areas of work back home, assume greater responsibility in their given roles and create better institutional relationships with other players in their respective industries. For 2013, the programme emphasised on three fields – Legislative Governance, Economic Empowerment and Media. The candidates are emerging professionals who have demonstrable experience and achievements in any one of these areas. A two-way Fellows Programme The Professional Fellows Programme also sees around 300 American participants who travel overseas on shared programmes, enabling a two-way exchange of best practices in diverse specialisations and sectors. This initiative by the U.S. government helps trade and commerce to develop on a global scale, helping to eradicate inequalities of wealth and income. Held in Washington, D.C., the professional fellow programme ended with a Professional Fellows Congress, from May 8th- 10th, 2013. The three-day affair witnessed participants collaborating to develop practical, real-life solutions and frameworks which they will be able to implement in their communities and organisations back home. Social welfare is a priority now as more businesses are starting to realise the importance of shared economic welfare in attaining their own goals and objectives. Arindom is a final year IIM-student who is keen to pursue a fellow programme in management, preferably from an IIM, to work towards India’s socio-economic upliftment.
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