FAQ
What is the relationship between the 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 itself, it is not responsible for or involved in the individual actions of fellows or the broader Fellowship's events and recruitment decisions. Each fellow represents themselves as an individual WashU student, not as an agent of the Fellowship board.
Do you provide scholarships or funding for fellows?
We do not currently provide any scholarships or funding for fellows. The term “Fellowship” in our group's name refers to a community of students sharing camaraderie and common goals.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please email mckelveyfellowship@gmail.com if you have specific questions about the Fellowship.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To join the McKelvey Fellowship, you must intend to pursue a career in STEM after college, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and attend the required events throughout the interview process.
Can I join the Fellowship and a social or business organization?
Absolutely! Many of our fellows are involved in social Greek Life and professional business fraternities. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, please reach out.
Is this an official initiative from the university?
Our organization was founded by and is operated 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 Washington University in an official capacity.
What does involvement look like for each grade level?
The Fellowship aims to support students across all years by tailoring assistance to their specific needs. For seniors, the focus is on securing full-time employment, navigating return offers, professional networking, and potential startup launches. Juniors and sophomores receive guidance for recruiting season and startup support. Freshmen focus on campus networking, resume development, skill-building, and strategic planning.
What will the events be like?
Programming focuses on immersive and engaging experiences, divided into professional development and social initiatives. Our professional development events include intimate coffee chats with industry leaders and entrepreneurs, targeted recruiting sessions, and collaborative peer-feedback workshops. Additionally, we hold regular fellowship executive and general body meetings to ensure organizational alignment. Finally, we host a variety of social events designed to facilitate a tight-knit and supportive community among our members.
What does the selection process look like?
The selection process for our Fellowship is competitive and multi-staged. It begins with series of in-person informational networking sessions, followed by a written application which may include an optional project or portfolio to demonstrate the applicant's skillset. Our Recruitment Chairs screen these applications to identify top candidates. Finalists proceed to an interview conducted by current fellows. The final cohort is selected based on overall potential, ambition, and alignment with the Fellowship's goals.
What does the mentorship process look like?
Mentorship is at the heart of the Fellowship. Each new member is paired with a current fellow that shares their professional intersts. Mentors provide personalized guidance, career advice, and industry insights through one-on-one meetings and ongoing support throughout the Fellowship.