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Application Process

The Industry Fellows application is reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority deadlines 6 weeks before each semester. Here's what to expect.

Step 1: Application Submission

Complete our application form covering:

  • Professional background and technical expertise
  • Availability and commitment preferences
  • References and background information

Timeline: Rolling review. Priority deadlines are 6 weeks before each semester.

Step 2: Application Review

Our selection committee evaluates applications based on:

  • Technical Expertise: Relevance and depth of professional experience
  • Mentorship Commitment: Demonstrated interest and availability for student development
  • Program Alignment: Fit with current student project needs and program goals
  • Communication Skills: Ability to effectively guide and support student learning
  • Professional References: Endorsements from colleagues and supervisors

Timeline: Initial review completed within 2 weeks of submission.

Step 3: Pre-evaluation Survey

Selected candidates participate in:

  • Phone/Video Q&A: Optional session for participants to better understand the program's processes, objectives, and expectations
  • Technical Assessment: Pre-evaluation survey enables better matching and provides clear understanding of expertise areas and project experience
  • Mentorship Scenarios: Discussion of hypothetical student situations and guidance approaches
  • Program Fit Evaluation: Assessment of alignment with program culture and goals

Timeline: Completed within 2 weeks of application approval.

Step 4: Background Check

All selected Fellows undergo:

  • Professional reference verification
  • Background screening appropriate for university environment
  • Confirmation of eligibility for university access and privileges

Timeline: Processed concurrently with Step 3, completed within 2 weeks.

Step 5: Onboarding and Training

Accepted Fellows complete:

  • Orientation Session: Program overview, expectations, and resource introduction
  • Mentorship Training: Evidence-based techniques for effective mentoring relationships
  • Campus Integration: University systems training and facility access setup
  • Team Matching: Introduction to matched student teams and project briefings

Timeline: Occurs around the start of each semester.

Program Rhythm​

Fall Semester (August - December)
  • Early August: Fellow onboarding for new participants
  • Late August: Comprehensive training sessions for all Fellows
  • September: Team matching and initial project meetings (on-site event)
  • October/November: Mid-semester mentoring sessions and progress reviews
  • December: End-of-semester presentations (on-site event) and feedback collection
Spring Semester (January - May)
  • Early January: Spring orientation and refresher training
  • Mid-January: New team assignments and project kickoffs
  • February/March: Mid-semester mentoring and progress reviews. Most students are actively job searching during this period.
  • Late April: SSE undergraduate student showcase and project presentations (on-site event)
  • May: Program evaluation and Fellow recognition ceremony (on-site event)
Summer Engagement (June - August)
  • June: Fellow development workshops and training updates (optional)
  • July: Program planning sessions and curriculum development input (optional)
  • August: Preparation activities for fall semester
  • Ongoing: Continued mentoring for summer projects (optional)

See Key Dates for upcoming deadlines and past cohort timelines, or go directly to Apply.