Fellowships - why good? Forum

[jjlaw]

What are the advantages of completing a fellowship at a nonprofit? I understand that clerkships can help make you competitive in firm hiring down the road, but what is that equivalent for fellowships? To me, they seem like two-year stints at a nonprofit that may or may not lead to a permanent position. And for someone who is not even sure about PI, is it even worth it?

[A. Nony Mouse]

A fellowship is generally intended for someone who does want to do PI. And while doing one may not lead to a job at the same non-profit, it still gives you 2 years to get experience and make connections in the PI world, the better to position you to get a PI job than when you graduated without either of those things.

(Also, fellowships are generally quite competitive, so have some cachet, and often require putting together a specific project, so show your skill in doing so.)

[whirledpeas86]

What are the advantages of completing a fellowship at a nonprofit? I understand that clerkships can help make you competitive in firm hiring down the road, but what is that equivalent for fellowships? To me, they seem like two-year stints at a nonprofit that may or may not lead to a permanent position. And for someone who is not even sure about PI, is it even worth it?

I'm pretty sure it would be near impossible for someone who "is not even sure about PI" to get a fellowship in the first place.

[Amity]

The day after my offer, I received a fellowship and I am looking forward to it. After I mentioned the fellowship to a partner he could not have been more pleased.