Social Impact Fellow
At Full Circle Strategies, our entry-level fellowship is designed as a structured training ground that bridges the gap between academic experience and real-world professional execution. Many students are trained to complete assignments, but not yet trained to operate as professionals in dynamic, fast-paced environments. This program is intentionally structured to develop that capability. We focus on building the following core competencies:
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Navigating Ambiguity & Working Without Over-Structure
Fellows learn how to operate effectively when directions are not fully defined, thereby building confidence in their decision-making and problem-solving abilities. -
Verbal Communication & Executive Presence
While academic writing is often emphasized, fellows will develop strong business writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with senior leaders, clients, and partners. -
Consulting & Strategic Thinking
Fellows are trained to think and operate as consultants, and to evolve from executing tasks as consultants to becoming strategic advisors (strategists).
This fellowship is designed for current undergraduate and graduate students or individuals transitioning from their degree into the next phase of their academic or professional journey.
The Social Impact Fellow supports consultants across client engagements and internal initiatives in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment. The Social Impact Fellow supports consultants across client engagements and internal initiatives in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment.
At FCS, each client engagement is structured as a client account. Fellows are staffed directly onto these accounts and are expected to contribute meaningfully to the work.
Each fellow is assigned a minimum of 2 client accounts. Fellows may be assigned up to 3 client accounts maximum
What the Role Actually Looks Like:
This is not a traditional internship experience where fellows are completing purely administrative or clerical tasks (e.g., running errands or getting coffee). While operational support is part of any professional environment, fellows at FCS are integrated into the core of client work.
Fellows work in tandem with consultants and strategists, contributing directly to the development of strategy and deliverables. This includes:
- Co-leading meetings with consultants and strategists for clients and partners
- Participating in the development of client strategies and campaign concepts
- Supporting the creation of presentations, briefings, and strategic materials
- Contributing ideas and perspectives during internal discussions
- Assisting in shaping activation concepts and execution plans
Fellows are not passive observers; they are expected to engage, think critically, and contribute. This structure is intentional and designed to provide real exposure to how consulting and strategy work is done in practice.
Responsibilities
Fellows will:
- Support client projects and campaign execution
- Draft, edit, and proofread written materials
- Conduct research to inform strategy
- Monitor media, policy, and industry trends
- Build contact lists and support outreach
- Assist with scheduling internal and client meetings
- Support virtual and in-person activations
Work Structure & Scheduling Expectations
Each fellow receives an individualized schedule created by Fellowship Coordinators, taking into account:
- Class schedules
- Work commitments
- Extracurricular activities
Scheduling Guidelines
- Fellows working before class will be scheduled to end at least 30 minutes before class begins
- Fellows returning after class will resume work no earlier than 30 minutes after class ends
Daily Schedule Variability
Work hours will vary by day based on availability and business needs.
- For example: Monday: 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. EST
- For example: Tuesday: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. EST, then 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. EST
Schedules are intentionally flexible but structured. Fellows will not be scheduled for single-hour work blocks.
Weekly Distribution Expectations
- Fellows must be able to complete the bulk of their hours Monday through Thursday.
- Work is aligned with business needs and client priorities
Time Commitment Requirements
- Minimum: 25 core hours per week
- Additional: Up to 5 floating hours (as needed, during or outside business hours)
- Total: Up to 30 hours per week
This fellowship is not asynchronous. Fellows must actively work during assigned business hours.
Travel Expectations
Fellows are expected to travel if needed, based on client and business needs.
- Estimated travel: 1–3%
- Travel may include client activations or CEO engagements
Work Modality & Eligibility
- Fellowship is primarily remote, with select in-person expectations. Fellows are not expected to work from the FCS D.C. office space.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be able to work the required hours for the fellowship cycle
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
- Must be physically residing in the U.S. for the duration of the fellowship
Compensation
Fellows receive a fixed total stipend of $2,000, distributed in biweekly installments throughout the program.
How to Apply
Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Cover Letter Requirement:
Clearly indicate the cycle you are applying for:
- Summer [Year] Social Impact Fellowship
- Fall [Year] Social Impact Fellowship
- Spring [Year] Social Impact Fellowship
Email Submission:
fellowapplication@thefullcirclestrategy.com
Subject Line Format:
First Name Last Name, [Summer/Fall/Spring] [Year] FCS Social Impact Fellowship Application
Application Deadline:
June 21, 2026
Questions? Contact:
fellowship@thefullcirclestrategy.com