How to apply for Fellows

About fp21

fp21 is a nonprofit think tank dedicated to raising the standard for evidence and integrity in foreign policy, making it a unique player in the policy reform space. Unlike traditional think tanks, fp21 focuses on reforming the processes and incentives that shape foreign policy, offering fellows a chance to drive systemic change. Working here means joining a mission-driven community committed to improving how foreign policy is made.

About the role

As a Fellow at fp21, you will support the organization's mission while building your own expertise and networks in foreign policy reform. You will write at least one piece for publication on fp21's website, promote content on social media, and engage with academic and government peers. This fellowship is impactful because it allows you to contribute directly to the conversation on evidence-based foreign policy while developing your professional profile.

A typical day

A typical day might involve researching and drafting an article on a foreign policy reform topic, engaging with peers on social media to promote fp21's latest content, and attending virtual meetings with other fellows or mentors. You might also spend time networking with academic or government contacts to expand fp21's reach and gather insights for your writing.

Who fp21 is looking for

• Has a strong interest in foreign policy reform and a desire to challenge conventional wisdom in the field.
• Demonstrates excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce well-researched, persuasive content for publication.
• Is active on social media and skilled at promoting ideas to a broader audience, including academic and government networks.
• Understands intellectual property considerations and is committed to adhering to organizational guidelines.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any previous writing samples that demonstrate your ability to argue for policy reform—fp21 values evidence-based arguments.
• Showcase your social media presence and how you've used it to promote policy ideas or engage with professional networks.
• Research fp21's published content and reference specific articles or themes in your application to show alignment with their mission.
• Emphasize your network in academic or government circles and how you can leverage it to amplify fp21's reach.
• Demonstrate your understanding of intellectual property by mentioning your willingness to adhere to fp21's IP guidelines in your cover letter.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your specific interest in foreign policy reform and why fp21's approach resonates with you. 2) Your writing experience and how you can contribute to fp21's publication goals. 3) Your ability to promote content through social media and professional networks. 4) Your commitment to ethical standards and intellectual property considerations.

Research before applying

• Read fp21's website, especially their mission, blog posts, and any reports to understand their specific approach to foreign policy reform.
• Explore the backgrounds of fp21's team and fellows to understand the network you'd be joining.
• Look into recent foreign policy debates where fp21 has taken a stance, to familiarize yourself with their positions.
• Check fp21's social media accounts to see how they promote content and engage with their audience.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• What specific foreign policy reform ideas do you believe are most urgent, and how would you write about them for fp21?
• How would you promote an fp21 article to your academic and government peers? Describe a strategy.
• Can you discuss a time when you had to navigate intellectual property concerns in your work?
• How do you balance advocacy for reform with maintaining evidence-based integrity?
• What networks do you have that could help amplify fp21's content, and how would you engage them?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention fp21 or foreign policy reform specifically.
• Neglecting to provide writing samples or failing to demonstrate social media proficiency.
• Ignoring intellectual property considerations or showing a lack of awareness about them.
• Failing to articulate how you would network with academic and government peers.