One of the most intimidating aspects of nearing graduation is understanding where to start in determining options and knowing what all the options are. One of the more often overlooked opportunities is a faith-based program called The Fellows Initiative (TFI).

In their own words, “A TFI Fellows program is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life.” (www.thefellowsinitiative.org).

There are more than 30 TFI programs across the country and many Geneva alumni have participated in TFI programs over the years. The experience is a 9-month, faith-based, post-grad program that provides participants with a paid job placement, housing, built-in community, and mentorship/discipleship.

Some of the common reasons students choose to pursue a fellows’ program are because:

• They want to be intentional in becoming involved in their church and community after college.
• They are interested in moving to a new city where they don’t know a lot of people.
• They have decided to pursue something outside of or adjacent to their major and want to get direct experience in that chosen field.
• They are still deciding or have changed their mind about what they want to do after college.
• They desire intentional mentorship and discipleship as they transition into the professional world.

Regardless of the reason, the Geneva alum who have participated in fellows’ programs in the past have often spoken of how these programs changed the course of their lives for the better and taught them how to build and invest in the community around them. If your student is still considering their options for after college, it may be worth mentioning TFI as an option. You can find more information at www.thefellowsinitiative.org.

Check out the graphic below to learn more about the fellows’ programs and the cities that host them.

-Krista Autrey, Director of the Center for Calling & Career