Who
may apply?
Any individual who has completed all course work towards a master's degree
in public administration, business administration or a closely related
field by June 2009. An
individual is eligible to apply even if completion of an fellowship, comprehensive
exam or thesis is needed to complete their graduate schoolwork.
When
are decisions made about who will be interviewed?
Decisions on final interviews usually come approximately 2-3 weeks
following the application deadline. This time frame may vary depending
on the number of applications.
Where
are the finalist interviews held?
The fellowship committee invites the finalist candidates to attend in-person
interviews in Kansas City, Mo. The City Manager's Office will make travel
arrangements with the finalists for a two-day interview process mid-March. City staff members will contact finalist
candidates to arrange interviews and provide more information on
the fellowship opportunity after the application process is closed.
How
many fellows are chosen?
Two to four positions are available each year.
Who
makes the final selection decision?
The fellowship committee makes the final selection of the fellow class
following the review of applicant resumes and finalist interviews.
How
long is the fellowship?
The fellowship is generally one-year long and runs from the first week
of June until the last week of May.
What
happens after the year is finished?
City staff try to place qualified fellows in positions that fit the
needs of the City while meeting the individual's specific career interests. The City does not guarantee a job at the conclusion of the fellowship.
What must an applicant
submit to be considered for this program?
Application information for Cookingham fellows will be available in November 2009. Previous applications have included:
- Resume
- One- to two-page cover letter
explaining career goals and what you hope to gain from and contribute
to a public
management fellowship with the City of Kansas City, Mo., addressed to
L.P. Cookingham Management Fellowship Committee
- Supplemental writing
exercise
- Official undergraduate
and graduate transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from a graduate advisor or instructor and a former work supervisor
When
must the application materials be submitted?
The total packet of materials must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2009.
All materials must be included and complete for consideration.
If
one part of my packet is not postmarked by the closing date of Feb.
1, 2009, will my application still be considered?
No. All materials must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2009.
Applicants should make sure their packet is complete and ready for review
at the time of mailing.
What
is the application material used for?
This material allows the fellowship committee to select the most qualified
candidates for interviews.
Do
you only hire fellows from Missouri?
No. Fellows have come from all over the nation. In recent
years, fellows have been hired from Kansas, Indiana, Arizona, Ohio, Texas,
New York, Washington, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.
Where
do fellows work?
Each fellow performs rotational assignments with the City Manager's Office,
the Office of Management and Budget Department, Capital Improvements Management Office and one rotation in a department of the fellow's chioce.
Why
choose the L.P. Cookingham Fellowship?
The fellowship has been one of the longest running in the country and
has provided a great learning opportunity to more than 100 past participants. Fellows have gone on to rewarding jobs within municipal, state and federal
government, private companies and not-for-profit organizations.
Kansas City is committed to making its fellowship the best around and
will make sure its fellows are provided with a great learning experience
and meaningful projects.
Whom
do I contact if I have additional questions about the program?
For additional information about the fellowship program, please contact
our current fellows at (816) 513-1366 or cookinghamfellowship@kcmo.org.
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