“My experience with the Koch Fellow Program was tremendous. I was able to conduct relevant research and gain valuable experience working with experts in my field. I am a graduate student, and the fellowship was instrumental in my development as a researcher and contributor to the literature in economics.”
—Julia Norgaard, doctoral student in economics, George Mason University
Each semester, students and rising professionals join the Koch Fellow Program: Policy to cultivate professional experience, expand their knowledge of certain policy issues, and accelerate their career development.
For students like Julia, the program’s unique blend of policy lectures and research experience helps them develop as future policy analysts, economists, and professors. Julia, a “budding economist,” explains that “research is extremely important in what I do. The fact that I was able to be a part of a program as well as work with a professor at my university was an awesome opportunity.”
As part of the program, fellows gain experience through internships with state- or DC- based non-profits or universities. Better yet, this experience is paid, and fellows earn a weekly stipend of $450.
In addition, fellows come together once a week—either in-person or online—to listen to lectures from leading policy experts. For Julia, however, one of the best parts of the program was joining her classmates in Washington, DC, at the beginning and end of the program for opening and closing seminars.
During these seminars, fellows hear from policy professionals and gain further career coaching to help them succeed after the program. Julia notes that this “was such an amazing bonding experience for the fellows as well as an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals.” In addition to helping her foster a professional network, these seminars were also an opportunity for Julia to make friends.
