More About the Program

Focus on Leadership

The PMF is a unique and rewarding experience for graduate students from all disciplines.

Goal

To attract outstanding graduates from different academic disciplines who are committed to excellence in leadership and management of public policies and programs.

Description

The PMF Program is a 2-year paid fellowship for recent graduates with an advanced degree. Applicants must apply before graduating. Fellows interview for positions at CDC based on their skills and career goals. The program provides the experience and training to prepare fellows for a career in the federal government.

Fellows are full-time CDC employees. They earn a salary and receive benefits. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Those who complete the program may become permanent employees.

Carmen Villar, MSW, Chief of Staff for CDC (PMF 1997)

I chose a career in public service in an effort to ‘give back’ to my community and country. CDC is an incredible agency through which I have been able to contribute to improved public health outcomes, both domestically and internationally. I look forward to continuing to serve both CDC and the U.S. Government.

Positions

A position includes activities tailored to fellow’s career goals. Activities include

Hands-on experience
Mentorship
Classroom training
Seminars and conferences
Developmental assignments
Optional rotations

Developmental Assignments

In addition to a position, fellows are placed in an assignment that provides leadership experience and skills for their career goals.

Optional Rotations

Fellows may select optional, short-term rotations in other CDC programs. These temporary rotations allow fellows to pursue professional interests and learn more about CDC.

Locations

Most positions are located at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. A few are in other CDC facilities, including

Map of US showing assignment locations.

Hyattsville, Maryland
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cleveland, Ohio
Denver, Colorado
Washington, DC

Program Areas

Positions are in various programs such as

Reproductive Health
Emergency Preparedness
Chronic Disease
Occupational Safety and Health
Health Marketing
Environmental Health
Infectious Diseases
Injury Prevention
Global Health

Eligibility Requirements

Education

You must either be expecting to graduate with an advanced degree (Master’s, JD, or PhD) or be a recent graduate within two years of completing your advanced degree.

Citizenship

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

For more eligibility information, see the federal PMF Eligibility page.

How to Apply

For application information, see the federal PMF Application Process page.

Timeline

All deadlines are midnight, ET, and subject to change.

November 5–26, 2012	Applications accepted
December 19, 2012	Deadline for applicants to submit supporting documentation for any claims for Veterans' Preference
Mid-December	Applicants notified of eligibility Semi-Finalists selected and notified Semi-Finalists start scheduling their in-person assessment
January/February 2013	In-person assessments conducted for Semi-Finalists
March 2013	Semi-Finalists notified of Finalist status via email
Spring 2013	PMF Class of 2013 Finalists Job Fair (Washington, DC)