Katie Allen, MSW/MSP student, selected as finalist for PMF Program
Katie Allen, a dual degree Master of Social Work and Master of Social Policy student at the Brown School, has been named a finalist for the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program, the federal government’s premier leadership development program for advanced degree holders.
Directed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the PMF Program aims to develop the next generation of government leaders. Finalists are appointed to a two-year, full-time federal position with salary and benefits.
“I am ecstatic about this opportunity. It is an absolute honor to be selected as a finalist amongst a pool of incredibly smart, talented, and passionate individuals,” she said.
Allen is in the process of applying and interviewing for placement opportunities at various federal agencies. She’s interested in working on federal-level policy and decision-making, particularly in areas related to poverty, welfare, and economic opportunity for children and families.
“I am hoping to gain hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and/or evaluating federal programs and policies and engage in work that promotes equity and social justice on a national level.”
Allen said Amber Brown, manager of Career Services at the Brown School, played a key role in helping Allen discover and apply for the program.
“In chatting with Amber Brown about my general career interests and goals, she mentioned the PMF program to me,” Allen said. “She also connected me with a few Brown School alumni who had previously participated in the program. After talking to them about their experiences and the opportunities that have come their way, I knew I wanted to apply.”
Recent Brown School alum Madelyn Brandt, MSW ’22 was also named as a finalist for the PMF Program. In a post on her LinkedIn page, Brandt wrote: “Huge thanks to my mentors Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis for setting me up for success.”
Of the 10,000 individuals who applied for the program, 850 finalists were chosen for the class of 2023. The program has a high success rate, with on average, 87% of Fellows taking a permanent or term position following completion of the two-year program.