Fellowship selection and success
The Open Access Fellowship program is available to candidates at all stages of their careers, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals. This program is also very selective. For example, Lopez completed her seven college internships in the fields of public policy, economics, and commercial real estate. Thomas has worked in finance for many years, including roles in capital markets at JPMorgan Chase and in affordable housing development in New York City.
But the program was not without its challenges.
“The most challenging part of open access was trying to assimilate the NMTC and LIHTC fields in just 160 hours,” says Lopez. “These are programs that can be a lifelong career. But Open Access provided the right opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the program, and both Genesis LA and Open Access provided the resources and support.”
Although the host organization ultimately chooses the candidate, successful fellows have a few things in common.
“They're go-getters,” Billups said. “They took this opportunity and just did it. They were networking. They were on every event, every conference call. The successful candidates just took the opportunity and made the most of it. Masu.”
Open access fellowships in numbers
3
Year
71
Friends
76%
Fellows placed or promoted into community development finance roles
Gain access and opportunity
Upon completion of their fellowship, 76% of open access fellows went on to work in community development finance. Host organizations often hire former fellows in new roles. Additionally, your host organization may extend your fellowship until a long-term position becomes available. Organizations other than community development may also employ fellows.
Lopez and Thomas were both hired to host. Lopez, who completed his open access fellowship in 2022, is currently an associate at Genesis LA.
“It’s a real pleasure to work for an organization and team that cares deeply about the city,” he said. I felt proud to be able to contribute by working with his CDFI colleagues in the region and his CDE through projects in my own backyard. ”
“During my fellowship with TrueFund Financial Services, I worked closely with the NMTC asset management team,” said Thomas. “Once I completed the program, I was hired full-time to manage our asset management portfolio.” Thomas currently serves as Vice President of Community Climate Finance at TruFund, where he funds energy efficiency and decarbonization projects. Responsible for administering the National Clean Energy Fund. “I credit the open access program for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
