Human Resource Fellowship Program

The Information Below is Outdated. Please Check Back Soon for More Information on the 2024-2025 Program.

About the Fellowship

Goal: Provide an introduction to the daily human resources activities of the College of Physicians & Surgeons from the perspective of top management, through the use of mentoring, special projects, and leadership experiences.

The Human Resources Fellowship Program is a full time, 12-month program designed for individuals seeking to prepare for a career in human resources management and to assume leadership positions. The program is open to students who have successfully completed an accredited Master's Program in Human Resources Management, Labor Relations, Industrial/Organizational Psychology or related field within 12 months prior to the program's start date.

A core introduction to the program will focus on process oriented tasks. The fellow will manage transactional activities through all stages of employment relationships; from recruiting to onboarding processes and administrative activities which includes maintaining employee records.

Whenever possible, the fellowship is tailored to the interests and professional needs of the student, taking into account previous experience and areas of interest. It is structured to provide experiential learning in an academic medical center environment within the Office of the Vice Dean of Administration for 12 months.

Objectives

Observe and study the role, function and style of top management individuals.

  • Understand the goals and planning process of the organization and how they are determined, and to understand the priorities of the organization and how and why they were selected.
  • Analyze the decision-making process at different levels of the organization.
  • Recognize the dynamics of relationships between various stakeholders.
  • Obtain an understanding of the operational effectiveness of the organization.
  • Enhance the student's understanding of human resources, the organization's strategy and distinctive competencies.
  • Provide an environment to enhance their understanding of, and the controlled application and testing of, skills, theories and concepts presented during the academic year.
  • Strengthen the student's judgment, decisiveness and related administrative skills.
  • Develop a code of ethics, philosophy, and a dedication to high ideals and standards.
  • Evaluate the student in relation to his/her needs for professional development, and potential for a career in human resources management.

Structure of the Fellowship

1. Orientation

The Human Resources Fellow will begin with a comprehensive orientation to the organization focusing on the vision and strategic goals for the school.

2. Projects

A major component of the fellowship will be assigned projects. The student will be given detailed assignments designed to give practical experience at administrative levels. These activities may include the collection of data to analyze problems of high organizational priority or participation in strategic planning efforts.

3. Involvement

The Human Resources Fellow will have the opportunity to work within the Office of the Vice Dean of Administration and will be involved in:

  • Talent Acquisition
  • Employee/ Labor Relations
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Compliance
  • Performance Management
  • Transaction Processing/Records Management

4. Meetings and Evaluation

Regular meetings will be scheduled with the Department Administrator to discuss independent projects concurrent with above rotations. Fellows will be evaluated periodically to ensure consistent feedback and mentorship.

Financial Arrangements

The Human Resources Fellow will be paid at the minimum rate of the Administrative Officer grade 103 twice monthly, once on the 15th of each month and again on the last day of the month for the duration of the program. In addition to compensation, the Human Resources Fellow will be eligible for a comprehensive benefit package.

The fellowship is expected to run for 12 months from Wednesday, July 5, 2023, through Sunday, June 30, 2024. Arrangements for the yearlong schedule will be developed within the Dean’s Office at the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons.

How to Apply

Individuals who have successfully completed an accredited Master's Program in Human Resource Management, Labor Relations, Industrial/ Organizational Psychology or related field within 12 months prior to the program’s start date are eligible to apply. Candidates should be motivated self-starters and must also possess strong analytic, organization and communication skills.

To apply please complete the following steps:

Complete the NAFCAS Application

Complete Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons Administrative Resident application and upload all supporting materials listed below to the NAFCAS portal:

  1. Upload in the Documents section a one-page Cover Letter describing interest in the residency
  2. Upload in the Documents section a Personal Statement
  3. Upload in the Documents section your Current Resume
  4. Upload in the Documents section a Writing Sample of your choice: 3pg minimum - 4pg maximum (not including citations), in APA format with Times New Roman font
  5. Upload your Undergraduate Transcripts in the Documents section
  6. Request and complete three (3) signed Letters of Recommendation through the NAFCAS portal. One to two letters should be from graduate school professors and at least one from an employer, if possible.

Apply via the NAFCAS Portal

*Please note that the application process for NAFCAS is open from November 21, 2022 to January 30, 2023​. If you try to access the application before this date it will not be available. 

Mail your Transcripts

Have your Official Graduate School Transcripts mailed to NAFCAS.

To be considered, all applicants must apply through both sites. All requirements must be completed/received by Monday, January 30, 2023.​​

Advancement

Decisions will be communicated in February. If you have any questions regarding application requirements please refer to our frequently asked questions and contact information sections below.

FAQ

I am not able to provide one letter of recommendation from an employer, what can I do?

If you are not able to provide one letter of recommendation from an employer, please submit another letter of recommendation from a graduate school professor.

What are the Writing Sample requirements, should it be on any specific topics?

The Writing Sample is required to be 3pg minimum – 4pg maximum, not including citations in APA format with Times New Roman font. The topic or subject of your Writing Sample is of your choice.

How much will I get paid as the Human Resources Fellow?

The Human Resource Fellow will be paid at the minimum rate of the Administrative Officer grade 103. He/she will be paid $2,437.50 twice monthly for the duration of the program.

What if I obtain my Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Human Resources Management and Labor Relations, Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, or related field more than 12 months prior to the program’s start date?

Only applicants who have successfully completed their Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Human Resources Management or Labor Relations, Industrial/Organizational Psychology less than 12 months prior to the program’s start date (July 5th, 2023) are eligible to apply.

I expect to obtain my Master’s degree after the program start date, can I still apply?

Candidates should have completed their Master’s Degree before the programs start date (July 5th, 2023). Individuals who will obtain their degree after the programs start date should apply for the next year’s Human Resource Fellowship.

Where will the fellowship take place? Where is the College of Physicians & Surgeons?

The Human Resources Fellowship Program is part of the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University Medical Center. Although Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital are affiliated they are two separate organizations. The Human Resource Fellow’s involvement will take place within the Office of Vice Dean of Administration.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons is located at the Columbia University Medical Center Campus, at 630 West 168th Street New York, NY 10032.

Are international applicants eligible for consideration?

The College of Physicians & Surgeons will consider complete applications from all qualified applicants. If you are an international applicant, please be aware that it will be your responsibility to complete all required documentation for an international visa if selected for the Fellowship position. Although we are not able to sponsor an employment visa for the fellowship position, candidates who have OPT (Optional Practical Training) are eligible to apply.

What is the work day/week schedule like for the fellowship?

The standard schedule for the Human Resources Fellow is 35 hours a week, Monday- Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.

How can I confirm the delivery of my documents?

The NAFCAS site will notify you when your application has been submitted.

Where can I find the application and upload supporting documentation?

Applicants must complete the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons Human Resource Fellowship application on the NAFCAS portal. 

Contact Information

If you have questions or need more information, please contact us by email at vps.admin.fellow-res@cumc.columbia.edu.