FAQ - Fellowship Questions

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What is a typical day like as a Fellow?

There is no defined "typical day" for a Fellow. The majority of Fellows’ work revolves around their regional grants, including assessing applications and budgets prior to Grants Committee Meetings, making grant evaluation calls, writing press releases, and working with grantees on check presentations. In addition to grant work, Fellows manage many national projects as well as local and office projects. On any given day Fellows may also attend professional development classes and/or seminars. Time in the office can be sporadic, as Fellows are often traveling for grant work or other projects. Overall, Fellows’ responsibilities vary from day to day based on the time of year and what responsibilities take precedence. Not having a "typical day" provides Fellows with the opportunity to fine tune their time management skills and prioritize the wide variety of responsibilities they face.

Why does the Fellowship last two years?

The Fellowship is a hands-on working experience, and also a starting point in acquiring managerial skills. An in-depth mentoring program facilitates this process. First-year Fellows are mentored by second-year Fellows who teach the skills of the job. Although only second-year Fellows have mentoring responsibilities, all Fellows play an active role in the management of the grants process and various other Fellowship projects.

What have past Fellows gone on to do after their time with the USGA?

Based on past interests and experiences gained both within and outside the USGA, Fellows have gone on to a wide range of opportunities directly following the Fellowship. While some Fellows have continued working in the non-profit sector, others have chosen to continue their formal education through business, law, or medical school. Others begin work in areas like finance, public relations, international business, or education. Some have even started their own businesses. You can find information on all of our former Fellows and their current positions on our website.

Do I have to play golf to work for the USGA?

No. Fellows bring a myriad of different interests to the USGA. Some have never stepped on a golf course while others have played competitive golf at a high level. Regardless of the background or level of playing experience, the Fellowship provides opportunities to enhance the Fellows’ knowledge of golf. All Fellows will gain a greater appreciation for the game during the Fellowship through working at Championships and developing relationships with state and regional golf associations.

What is the Fellow’s involvement in the grants process?

In addition to the three individuals who manage the Fellowship and Grants program, the Fellows provide the support for the Grants Program. Fellows are divided into six teams to oversee all USGA grants. These six teams concentrate on a particular region of the country, composed of seven to ten states. Each team consists of a first and second-year Fellow, who work together as partners to support grant recipients in all operating phases. From the time an organization applies for a grant, Fellows offer resources to starting a successful program, answering questions about the grant application, and working with applicants on planning and budgeting. Three times a year, Fellows are responsible for presenting these applications to the Grants Committee, a volunteer USGA committee. If a grant is awarded, Fellows then work with the program to prepare a press release, plan media events, provide equipment contacts, facilitate volunteer connections, and often conduct an on-site visit. The Fellows teams work to maintain consistent contact and to evaluate the compliance and progress of all the programs in their assigned regions.

How much traveling is involved? Where will I travel and what will I be doing?

Fellows travel for three general purposes: conducting grant related functions, attending USGA Championships, and speaking about the Grants Initiative and Fellowship Program. Travel for all three can take a Fellow anywhere in the nation. In total, the average Fellow will be on the road between 35-50 days out of the year. For grant travel, Fellows visit programs that are either applying for, or have received a grant from the USGA. While visiting the program, Fellows may meet with program participants, program directors, and members of the community to discuss the status of the program or project. Typically these trips range from two to five days depending upon if the Fellow is visiting one or several programs in an area. In addition, Fellows have opportunities to assist at the 13 National Championships conducted by the USGA. Fellows are usually on site for 7 to 12 days working in a variety of roles. For presentations, Fellows travel to attend meetings and address a variety of audiences on the role of the USGA Grants and Fellowship program.

How are third-year projects developed and what are some that have been undertaken?

Fellows may develop a proposal for a third-year project. The approval of such a project is based on several factors, including how well the project aligns with the specific needs, objectives, and mission of the USGA and the degree to which it would further develop the individual Fellow. Past projects have included working on the development of an urban golf course, directing a junior program, designing and launching a junior golf website, developing the Resource Center for Individuals with Disabilities, conducting impact analyses of programs throughout the nation, and planning a best practices conference for local champions (site directors) responsible for programs that receive USGA-support.

What are the Personal and Professional Development aspects of this job?

Because it is early in Fellows’ professional careers, one of the tenets of the Fellowship is to provide an opportunity to develop and hone skills needed to be successful in the workplace. At the onset of the Fellowship, all Fellows meet with staff management leaders to discuss their long-term professional goals. Together, they develop a plan to provide work experiences and outside opportunities that will allow the Fellow to strive toward these objectives. Throughout their time at the USGA, Fellows are quickly given a high level of responsibility, which leads to a greater opportunity for self-assessment and skill development.

While the majority of professional development takes place through day-to-day work experiences, there is also emphasis placed on seminars, workshops, and courses. Fellows develop their skills in public speaking, non-profit management, mentoring, conflict negotiation, leadership, and entrepreneurial fundamentals. These skills are taught so that they can be utilized both at the USGA as well as in future endeavors.

In addition to the above traditional means of professional development, the Fellowship program also includes an Outward Bound trip. During this intensive week in the outdoors, Fellows learn teambuilding skills by dealing with adversity while participating in activities such as rock climbing, camping, rafting, and ascending mountain peaks in the Colorado Rockies.

Are all Fellows recent college graduates?

While almost all Fellows join the Fellowship program within a year of graduation, a few Fellows have come to the program after graduate school and/or limited work experience. Often, this is a Fellow’s first experience in a professional environment; others are building upon previous work experience. The Fellowship is considered a continuing educational experience. Fellows use every opportunity to learn from each other regardless of work or academic backgrounds. Fellows have brought college degrees to the program such as Biology, Computer Science, Economics, English, Political Science, Health Science, and Marketing.

What is it like to live in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs, a city of over 370,000, offers many social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, and is a one hour drive south of Denver. In addition to plentiful trails for running, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities within the city limits, major ski resorts are a 2 – 2.5 hour drive. Once Fellows are hired, the USGA will reimburse relocation costs, up to a certain amount. In the past some Fellows have chosen to live alone while others live together or with other friends. The cost of living in Colorado Springs is moderate, with housing, food, transportation, and other activities quite affordable on a Fellow’s salary. If interested in the financial differences between Colorado Springs and your current location, you may want to compare the two using an online cost of living calculator. These can be easily found by using any online search engine.

What is entailed in the Fellowship selection process?

The application deadline is January 5, 2006. Following the deadline, applications will be reviewed over several weeks, and a series of phone interviews will be conducted during the last week of January and the first week of February. After those are completed, candidates will receive notification from the USGA. A group of finalists will be invited to Colorado Springs for Selection Weekend, March 3-5, 2006. During that weekend candidates will have the opportunity to explore Colorado Springs and meet formally and informally with Fellows and Staff. Offers to join the USGA Fellowship will be extended in mid-March. Typically, six Fellows are hired each year.