Eight graduates in Vanderbilt Law School’s Class of 2010 were selected as finalists in the Presidential Management Fellowship Program, and four have accepted positions with federal agencies based in Washington, D.C.
Charlene Cho will be working with the Food and Drug Administration, Christina England with the Department of Energy, Renee Gewercman with the Department of Homeland Security, and Greg Pugh with the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Presidential Management Fellowship Program is designed to attract outstanding graduates representing a variety of academic disciplines and career paths, including law, who are interested in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The two-year program, which has been in place since 1977, includes formal classroom training, a four- to six-month developmental assignment, and optional rotations of one to six months in various agency departments. In addition to challenging work assignments, Fellows have a unique opportunity to develop a professional network with other future leaders.
Finalists have an opportunity to apply for Fellowship positions at various federal agencies. Six of Vanderbilt’s finalists were ultimately offered positions, and four accepted. “The Presidential Management Fellowship program is very prestigious, and the fact that eight members of the Class of 2010 were selected as finalists this year makes a strong statement about the quality of Vanderbilt Law Graduates,” said Lisa Doster, who works with Vanderbilt Law students interested in policy making careers with federal agencies. “Designation as a finalist is an honor, and this is the largest number of Vanderbilt Law graduates selected to date. While some finalists inevitably end up taking positions with firms or pursuing clerkships, their selection as a finalist allows them to explore the range of career opportunities available with various federal agencies.”
Once Presidential Management Fellows successfully complete the program, they are eligible for non-competitive appointments to career federal employment.
"This reflects well on the eight graduates who were finalists in this program, and on the support they received from our Career Services staff," said Dean Chris Guthrie. "I’m extremely pleased that four of our 2010 graduates were able to accept positions as Presidential Management Fellows."