VENTURE FOR AMERICA FELLOWS – FAQs
- What time zone is my interview in?
- What should I do if I’ve already submitted my application but one of my recommendations is late?
- My references are having trouble uploading my recommendations through the website. What should I do?
- How does the application process work?
- What kind of company will I work for as a Venture for America Fellow?
- How is it determined which Company I am assigned to as a Venture Fellow?
- Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?
- When is my application due?
- What does the application process look like for round one?
- Do I need to submit an official transcript when I apply?
- Are fellows responsible for their own housing?
- What is the Venture Fellow Summer Institute at Brown University next summer?
- If I’m accepted to the fellowship, can I get an extension on my decision to join?
- If I’m not accepted, can I apply again?
- Can I defer my acceptance?
- Can I be a fellow for only one year?
- Do you only look for graduating college seniors?
- What if the company I’m assigned to closes?
- Can I check online to see if my three letters of recommendation have been submitted?
- Does Venture for America help forbearance with any student loans I may have?
- Is there anything else I should know before applying?
What time zone is my interview in?
All interview times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST). Please be aware when scheduling phone interviews and other meetings with us.
What should I do if I’ve already submitted my application but one of my recommendations is late?
As long as you have submitted your Venture for America application including resume and transcript by the deadline, you will still be considered. It is your responsibility to follow up with your references and make sure their letters of recommendation are submitted as soon as possible.
My references are having trouble uploading my recommendations through the website. What should I do?
Once you have followed up with your references and are sure that they cannot upload your recommendation because of a technical issue, you can have them send your recommendation as an attachment to apply@ventureforamerica.org to be uploaded internally.
How does the application process work?
There are three steps.
- Applicants complete an online application where they submit a resume and cover letter, recommendations, essays, as well as personal and academic information.
- Selected applicants participate in a 30-minute phone interview with a Venture for America representative.
- We invite the most promising applicants to a full-day, in-person interview, which includes completing a problem-solving activity, participating in a group discussion, and interviewing one-on-one with a Venture for America representative
What kind of company will I work for as a Venture for America Fellow?
Venture for America has developed partnerships with entrepreneurs, incubators and venture capital firms in target cities (presently Cincinnati, Detroit, Providence, and New Orleans) in order to identify companies that have the potential to generate jobs in areas of need. Companies that have agreed to host Venture Fellows in 2012 include renewable energy, biotech, and Internet companies, though innovative non-tech companies will be considered.
Check out our Current Partners page for more information.
How is it determined which Company I am assigned to as a Venture Fellow?
Fellows submit their preferences in terms of region and industry. Company assignments are made based upon each Company’s specific needs with the goal of meeting Fellows’ expressed preferences. Fellows will interview with the Company to establish and confirm fit. However, it should be emphasized that Venture for America Fellows are obliged to accept their assignments.
Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?
Unfortunately, due to the hiring restrictions of many of our partner companies, Venture for America may only accept US citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents for admission into the program. Individuals who are in the United States under a student, work, or tourist visa are not eligible to become Venture for America fellows. Similarly, individuals who have refugee status but nothing indicating permanent resident alien status are not eligible to become Venture for America fellows.
When is my application due?
There are three different rounds where you may submit your application for consideration in the 2013 Fellowship. The first deadline is October 1, 2012, the second is December 3, 2012 and the third deadline is February 18, 2013.
What is the application process for round one?
The application process for round one is as follows:
- 1. Applications due by October 1, 2012
- 2. Phone interviews conducted between October 5th-October 19, 2012
- 3. Final round interviews conducted on TBD (but tentatively on October 26, 2012)
- 4. Offer letters sent out between November 2nd and November 9, 2012
- 5. Accepted applicants must accept or reject offer by November 23, 2012
Do I need to submit an official transcript when I apply?
We understand that it is often times very difficult or impossible to upload an official college or graduate school transcript. In such instances, an unofficial transcript will be accepted.
Are fellows responsible for their own housing?
Venture for America will help and recommend appropriate housing for all of its fellows in each city. We assume most of the fellows will want to live together in the recommended group housing, but it is up to each individual as to where he or she decides to live. Fellows will be responsible for rent.
What is the Venture Fellow Summer Institute at Brown University?
The Venture Fellow Summer Institute is a five week training camp at Brown University, in which selected fellows will learn everything from basic email etiquette, to Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), to networking. A curriculum of relevant articles and readings will be assigned throughout the five weeks and will carry on into the rest of the two-year fellowship program.
While at the training institute, fellows will partake in classroom activities, group projects, and case studies, as well as social and team activities. They will get to meet start-up founders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and most of the Venture for America Board Members. Our goal, at the end of the five weeks, is to have a cohort of fellows that are well-equipped to immediately add value to their host companies. Housing is provided in Brown University dormitories.
Camp will begin on Saturday, June 16th and end on Friday, July 20th. Fellows will head to their host cities immediately after camp and begin work one to two weeks later.
For more information, be sure to check out The Fellowship Experience page.
If I’m accepted to the fellowship, can I get an extension on my decision to join?
Due to the competitive nature of the Venture for America fellowship, there will not be any extensions offered on decisions.
If I’m not accepted, can I apply again?
You cannot apply more than once for the same fellowship year, but we welcome you to reapply for future fellowship years.
Can I defer my acceptance?
Due to the competitive nature of the Venture for America Fellowship, we do not permit deferrals.
Can I be a fellow for only one year?
No. Venture for America Fellows are selected through a rigorous process and receive substantial benefits throughout the program. In most environments, it takes at least 2 years to be able to make a significant contribution.
Do you only look for graduating college seniors?
No. Venture for America invites outstanding enterprise-builders of all backgrounds with a variety of experiences to apply. Graduate students and working professionals are encouraged to apply to the fellowship and will follow the same application process as all other applicants.
What if the company I’m assigned to closes?
In the event that a host company is no longer a suitable place for a fellow, Venture for America will find and place the fellow at another appropriate company.
Can I check online to see if my three letters of recommendation have been submitted?
No. It is up to each individual applicant to follow up with his or her “recommenders” and make sure the letter of recommendations have been submitted.
Does Venture for America help forbearance with any student loans I may have?
Venture for America refers Fellows to available programs that may help with loan payments. Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is a way to make your monthly federal student loan payments more manageable. IBR is available to federal student loan borrowers in both the Direct and Guaranteed (or FFEL) loan programs, and covers most types of federal loans made to students. To qualify for IBR, you must have a “partial financial hardship.” You have a partial financial hardship if the monthly amount you would be required to pay on your IBR-eligible loans under a Standard Repayment Plan with a 10-year repayment period is higher than the monthly amount you would be required to repay under IBR.
Student Startup Plan via IBR: http://www.sba.gov/startupamerica/student-startup-plan
To see if you qualify, visit the IBR calculator: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/IBRCalc.jsp
IBR Q&A: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/attachments/siteresources/IBRQ&A_template_123109_FINAL.pdf
Helpful links on how to apply for IBR with your lender: http://www.ibrinfo.org/how.vp.html
Is there anything else I should know before applying?
Venture for America is looking for individuals who embody our organization’s values and standards. Before submitting the application, all applicants should read and agree to the following statements:
- I see my professional pursuits and my career as a moral choice that indicates my values.
- I appreciate those who assume personal risks in order to build a company or pursue a common good.
- I believe that actions are the proper measure of one’s accomplishments.
- I believe that creating opportunities for myself and others is an important aspect of professional success.
- I believe that one’s professional conduct is a reflection of personal character, and will always strive to act accordingly.
For any other questions, feel free to contact info@ventureforamerica.org
