Since 1977, the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program has been the federal government's premier leadership development program. The PMF Program is for graduate students from a variety of qualified disciplines who expect to complete an advanced degree (e.g., master's degree, law degree, or doctorate degree) from a qualified college or university during the current academic year. Eligibility to apply to the PMF Program is limited to students in their final year of graduate school and those recently graduated within the previous two (2) years. Veterans’ preference applies.

Individuals appointed to this program are referred to as Fellows and are placed in a dynamic, two-year leadership development program.

The features of this program are as follows:

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Enter into a written agreement (i.e., Participant Agreement) that outlines roles and responsibilities;
• Establishment of an Individual Development Plan that outlines goals and training;
• Assignment of a managerial mentor outside of the Fellow’s chain of command; 
• Establishment of a performance plan to clarify expectations and potential for advancement;
• Complete at least 80 hours of formal interactive training per year of the program (160 hours total);
• Complete at least one (1) developmental assignment of four to six months in duration; and
• Optional completion of at least one (1) short-term rotational assignment of one to six months.

Upon successful completion of the PMF Program and receipt of certification from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Executive Resources Board, a Fellow may obtain a permanent position.

Applying to the PMF Program

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) solicits applications for the PMF Program once a year during the fall. An applicant will need to apply directly to the yearly job opportunity announcement for consideration.

Additional Resources

Pathways Programs via USAJOBS

PMF Program via OPM

Contact the Pathways Programs Team at the SEC

For more information about the Pathways Programs at the SEC, individuals may contact the SEC’s Pathways Programs Manager at PathwaysProgram@sec.gov.