Advice for Fellows (2016 Edition)

Hoping to head to Sacramento?

The Capital Fellows Program, jointly operated by the California State University’s Center for California Studies and the three branches of state government, is an outstanding opportunity to engage in public service and prepare for future careers, while actively contributing to the development and implementation of public policy in California.

I recently asked a number of former Fellows for their advice to applicants who will be having their interviews in the next few weeks. The advice included some obvious points like being on time, as well as encouragement from a former Fellow (who later became Senate Majority Leader) to be “prepared to unlearn everything you were told about how laws are made.”

@AlexCVassar @deanflorez @davidduran @Traveling9to5er Find your breakout moment, study up w/ Rtumble.com, show ur ready to lead!

— Jose Solorio (@JoseSolorio) April 23, 2016

Be prepared. Be yourself. Be honest in your answers & ideological perspectives. https://t.co/5q8405fAl4

— Kristin Olsen (@KristinOlsenCA) April 22, 2016

Question to potential fellows “are you prepared to unlearn everything you were told about how laws are made.” https://t.co/ZKuR5fatBM

— Dean Florez (@deanflorez) April 22, 2016

@AlexCVassar @JoseSolorio @deanflorez @davidduran Be yourself! The Asm was my worst/most nervous intv ever & they could still got to know me

— Megan MacNee (@Traveling9to5er) April 22, 2016

@AlexCVassar @AsmLuisAlejo @KristinOlsenCA @PacoTorresCA Don’t be afraid to stake out an opinion when asked, but defend it with civility.

— Chris Chavez (@el_chaveezy) April 22, 2016

@AlexCVassar @JoseSolorio @deanflorez @Traveling9to5er Make ’em laugh.

— David Duran (@davidduran) April 22, 2016

@AlexCVassar They better make sure they are on time #gametime #CapitolFellows

— Freddie J. Quintana (@fquintana3) April 22, 2016

@AlexCVassar – From Fellows class of 89-90: Have fun w/the intvw, don’t try to come up with “right” answers, show what you care about & how.

— Paul Richman (@PJR100) April 22, 2016

New shoes https://t.co/DKTUrmQOmt

— Chris Tapio (@ctapio) April 22, 2016

My advice is to be honest about your interests, successes and limitations. The selection panel is trying to find people who will be a good fit (who will add to the institution and also thrive in that environment) and giving them a clear understanding of who you are will benefit you both.

Good luck!