FAQ
What is the relationship between the fellowships/fellows' actions and the board's decisions?
Fellows operate independently in their campus activities and personal initiatives. While the board provides general advice for the fellowship program itself, they are not responsible for or involved in fellows' individual actions or the broader fellowship's events/recruitement decisions. Each fellow represents themselves as an individual WashU student, not as an agent of the fellowship board.
Why is there only 10 fellows per grade right now?
We’re initially limiting the number of fellows to 10 per grade to ensure that we can provide a high-quality, personalized experience for each participant. By starting with a smaller group, we can carefully refine the program, gather feedback, and gradually expand the fellowship while maintaining the same level of support and resources for anyone that may be interested in joining. Our goal is to grow the program sustainably each year until we can eventually provide a great experience to anyone interested in being involved.
Do y'all provide scholarships or money for fellows?
We currently do not provide any scholarships or money for fellows. The term “fellowship” in our group's name refers to a community of students sharing camaraderie and common goals.
Who do I get in touch with if I have any questions?
Please email mckelveyfellowship@gmail.com if you have specific questions about the program.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To join the McKelvey Fellowship, you must intend to pursue a career in STEM after college, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and attend every event throughout the interview process.
Can I join both the Fellowship and a Social or Business Organization?
For sure! We have many fellows involved in both social Greek Life and professional business fraternities. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, please reach out!
Is this an initiative from the school?
Our organization is founded, operated, and dedicated by WashU students to help all WashU students. While we collaborate with university officials on certain public-facing initiatives, we operate independently. All our actions and statements represent our organization's views and not those of WashU in an official capacity.
What will involvement look like for each grade?
The program aims to support students across all years, tailoring assistance to their specific needs and stages. For seniors, the focus is on securing full-time employment, return offers, professional networking, and potential startup launches. Juniors receive guidance for recruiting season and startup support. Sophomores are helped with resume development, skill-building, and strategic planning for future opportunities. Freshmen are encouraged to create long-term plans, prioritize learning, and engage in campus networking. All years are focused on building resources, events, and service.
What will the events look like?
Our events will be focused on immersive and engaging experiences. Expect a mix of student-led workshops where you'll build in-demand tech skills, fireside chats with inspiring tech leaders, and networking sessions to cultivate crucial industry connections. Example events include things like how to build a startup, best strategies to land return offers, or advanced networking tips.
What will the selection process look like?
The selection process for our fellowship program is competitive and multi-staged. It begins with students submitting an application that includes written responses and an optional project or portfolio demonstrating their skillset. Our upperclassmen then screen these applications to identify top candidates. Finalists proceed to the interview stage, where they meet with one of our student fellows. The final selection of the fellowship cohort is based on overall potential, ambitions, and alignment with the program's goals of giving back. To ensure quality and consistency, all selected fellows must receive approval from an advisory board composed of alumni.
What will the mentorship process look like?
Mentorship is at the heart of the fellowship. Each fellow will be paired with a successful current WashU student or graduated alumnus in the tech industry. Mentors will provide personalized guidance, career advice, and industry insights, with one-on-one meetings and ongoing support throughout the program.