Am I guaranteed a job at my company after my internship through the Fellows?

No, you are not guaranteed a job, but many Fellows are hired by their employers, as they have shown their capabilities throughout the year. Employers are requested in the early spring to inform the Fellows about the possibility of hiring them. The program provides many opportunities for networking, and the Fellows also has a Board of Directors willing to refer and advise you; your mentor will also help you.

Do I decide what ministry I work with at the church?

Yes, you decide the ministry with which you work; you do not decide until the program starts, so you can first better understand the different ministries. Some Fellows choose to work in an area based on their interests, others try something new like singing in a choir for the first time, and others decide their ministry based on time availability.

Will my class credits go toward an MBA?

Some of the credits may transfer over for credits, depending on the school. Currently, Robert Morris University and Eastern University accept all 12 credits, and some schools have found some of the classes to be an equivalent of a course.

How busy will I be during the year?

The program requires about 50 hours a week. While it is understood this is more than a 40-hour work week of a regular adult, this also includes worshipping, service, and fellowship; this is a requirement, but also in preparation for after the program when, ideally, these activities would be participated in voluntarily.

This program sounds great, but I do not live near Pittsburgh. Is there something like this in other cities?

Yes! There are over 20 other Fellows programs in other cities across the United States. However, the Pittsburgh Fellows is the only one to focus solely on working in the business field. To find out if there is a program closer to home or a city you would like to live in, go to The Fellows Initiative.

What does the house set-up look like?

Fellows live in a house or apartment with other Fellows of the same gender. Each Fellow will get his own bedroom (with a twin size bed and some sort of dresser or closet for clothing); there is a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the living room has some sort of furniture. Accepted Fellows may find out during the summer their exact living arrangement and what items they should bring (a television, a desk, etc.).
Also, Fellows are required to take care of basic house upkeep. This includes cutting the grass, raking the leaves, and shoveling the snow.

What breaks do I have during the year?

During the time when classes are being taught, Fellows will have one Friday off altogether, and are allowed only one other absence. Also, the weekends of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, the Fellows are not required to participate in their ministry at St. Stephen’s. Other holidays are determined by their individual employer, as well as the amount of PTO (paid time off) and sick days.