Three Baruch Students Selected as Presidential Management Fellows
February 23, 2022
Three graduate students from Baruch College’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs successfully passed a rigorous selection process for the Presidential Management Fellows Program’s Class of 2022, which drew applications from more than 8,000 students across the globe. This coveted fellowship will jumpstart their careers in public service.
The Presidential Management Fellows Program is a two-year training and leadership development program at a United States government agency, administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, a PMF finalist “will be challenged with opportunities to flourish into a problem solver, strategic thinker and future leader… and have the opportunity to grow professionally, serve your county, and make a difference!”
The Class of 2022 finalists includes 1,100 winners who represent 299 academic institutions worldwide. Finalists have 12 months to apply for any job opportunities posted by federal agencies.
Meet Baruch’s PMF Class of 2022 Finalists:
Michael Cala: Seeking to Strengthen U.S.-China Relations
Michael Cala (’22), who is pursuing a Master in International Affairs with a concentration in trade policy and economic governance, applied for the PMF program only a few days before the deadline as he sought new career options.
“When I got the PMF e-mail, I was reluctant to read it because I thought I had been denied. I truly am in awe and grateful for this opportunity.”
Cala is most interested in working with the U.S. Department of State due to prior experiences interning or studying with the agency through the Critical Language Scholarship and Virtual Student Federal Service programs. Other agencies of interest include the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Defense since he wants to be part of a workforce that “strengthens U.S. and China relations.”
Jennifer Kundla LeGros: Looking to Make Meaningful Large Scale Impact
Jennifer Kundla Legros (’21), who earned a Master of Public Administration, thought it would have been a “regrettable mistake” to not apply for the PMF program after hearing all the potential it provides.
“Upon receiving the PMF announcement, I was struck with shock and excitement,” Legros recalls. “I’m growing more accustomed to the reality of having been selected as a finalist, but at times, it still can be a bit much to wrap my mind around.”
Legros says a few agencies stand out like the Department of Housing & Urban Devel opment, the National Institute of Health, and Veterans Affairs.
“My drive, in this phase of my career, is to create meaningful impact on a larger scale,” Legros explains. “I can’t think of a better avenue to accomplish this goal than through HUD and NIH, which both speak closely to the hierarchy of needs that impact us all.”
Legros also has a personal connection to working with the Veterans Affairs, as she is a spouse to a combat veteran.
“I know the important role they play in support of veterans and their families, particularly through reintegration from active military to civilian,” she adds.
Erik Markewich: ‘Deeply Believe in the Value of Public Service’
Erik Markewich (’21), who received a Master of International Affairs with a concentration in trade policy and global economic governance, feels “extremely gratified” to become a PMF finalist.
He realized this program was an “excellent opportunity” after attending an information session featuring a panel of Marxe alumni who were in previous PMF cohorts.
Because of his interest in foreign policy and a love for crunching numbers and analyzing data—Markewich was a programmer before attending Baruch—agencies that would be an ideal placement are the State Department, Department of Defense, or the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
“Most of all, I hope to have a positive and meaningful impact and believe these agencies are where I am most likely to achieve that in the long-term,” Markewich adds. “I deeply believe in the value of public service, and it is humbling to have an opportunity like the PMF.”
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