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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Current PMFs

Frequently Asked Questions

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The following FAQs are directed towards Fellows.

  1. When will the Job Fair, Orientation, Graduation, etc., be held?
  2. How do I develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?
  3. How do I find a developmental assignment?
  4. What do I need to do to graduate from the PMF Program?
  5. Is the PMF Orientation and Graduation Ceremony a requirement for completion of the PMF Program?
  6. I lost my certificate for the PMF Orientation Session and I need to include this with my ERB package to complete the Program. How can I get a duplicate certificate?

1. When will the Job Fair, Orientation, Graduation, etc., be held?

The Job Fair is held in the spring, usually 3-4 weeks after the selection of Finalists. The PMF Orientation sessions will be held periodically throughout the year for current Fellows. The Graduation Ceremony is held in late spring. However, these timelines may change from year to year. When the PMF Program Office has dates for any of these and other events, a notice will be posted on the PMF website and an email will be sent to applicable parties.

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2. How do I develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?

You and your supervisor should develop the required IDP together. The OPM Form 1302, PMF IDPAdobe Acrobat Version [357 KB], is an optional Adobe Acrobat fillable PDF form that Fellows may use. The Training webpage offers many suggestions to get you started. You will need to complete 80 hours of training per year during your fellowship as well as a 4-6 month developmental assignment. You should also consult with your Agency PMF Coordinator and Mentor.

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3. How do I find a developmental assignment?

You should work with your supervisor to identify a developmental assignment and it should be included on your IDP. Not all developmental assignments are located outside of the employing agency. If a developmental assignment cannot be identified, there is a list of rotational opportunities on the Rotational Opportunities webpage that may meet the requirements of the developmental assignment. Another option is to network with other Fellows who may know of assignments within their agencies. However, the employing agency has the final approval of whether you may perform the developmental assignment outside of the employing agency. A developmental assignment may take place at the Fellow's organization, appointing agency, or to another Federal Agency. Visit the Training and Development webpage to learn more.

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4. What do I need to do to graduate from the PMF Program?

All requirements of the PMF Program must be satisfactorily completed before you can be certified and converted. Each agency has an Executive Resources Board (ERB), or equivalent, that must verify that all requirements of the PMF Program have been successfully completed. The appointing agency notifies the PMF Program Office of the results of the board's decision. Agencies may have specific requirements for their ERB process and the Agency PMF Coordinator should be aware of that process. Early on in the fellowship, you should work with your supervisor, mentor, and Agency PMF Coordinator to determine the requirements, deadlines, etc., for successful ERB certification. Successful completion of the PMF Program requirements and ERB certification is what authorizes you to non-competitively convert to a permanent or term position. Once you are ERB certified and converted, you are eligible to participate in the Graduation Ceremony and considered graduated.

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5. Is the PMF Orientation and Graduation Ceremony a requirement for completion of the PMF Program?

No, neither is a requirement. Your participation in a PMF Orientation session may count towards your required training hours and should be recorded on your IDP. Graduating Fellows may choose to participate in the Graduation Ceremony or have a certificate of completion mailed to their home address on file; this is done during the Graduation Ceremony registration process. Certificates may only be requested up to a year after your class graduation ceremony.

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6. I lost my certificate for the PMF Orientation session and I need to include this with my ERB package to complete the Program. How can I get a duplicate certificate?

Duplicate certificates are not issued. Typically at the conclusion of PMF Program Office sponsored event, a confirmation of participation is sent via email; this serves as your certificate. Agency PMF Coordinators have access to on-line reports that identify when their Fellows have participated in a PMF Orientation Session. 

It is important that when you attend training during your fellowship and throughout your Federal career that you keep documentation of training attended. This is often used to support future career opportunities! You are encouraged to keep copies of all training certificates, send copies to your Agency PMF Coordinator, and maintain a PMF Program folder to keep track of all program requirements. 

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UPDATED: 11-04-2012