Fastrack Your Career: The enFocus Fellowship
The enFocus Fellowship offers a two-year paid program developing talent through industry and civic projects. Fellows lead 2-3 projects simultaneously, working with sponsors to drive change. They gain hands-on experience in research, development, and entrepreneurship, supported by mentorship and community involvement for an impactful career start.
We Welcome Diverse Backgrounds and Inclusive Talent
enFocus recognizes that talent comes from all backgrounds. We seek individuals with diverse talents, a passion for change, and a drive to learn and innovate. Some Fellows join the team after a recent degree, with several representing master’s and doctoral programs; others come to enFocus as part of a career transition. Open to graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher from any major, our program values leadership, adaptability, and a keen interest in analytics, community development, or technology among other areas.
The Work
Fellows at enFocus drive impactful projects across Civic, Industry, and RDE portfolios, dedicating 70% to Civic or Industry and 30% to RDE work. They lead collaborative initiatives fostering innovation and growth, balancing diverse tasks in project management, stakeholder engagement, research, and development, all while enjoying dynamic roles and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Civic Innovation
Fellows work on projects that enhance public services and community engagement, applying data analysis, policy development, and technology solutions to address civic challenges.
Industry Innovation
In this portfolio, Fellows focus on advancing technological and strategic innovation within companies, from startups to established businesses, through product development, process improvement, and market analysis.
RDE
Fellows dedicate time to research and development projects, often pursuing their own innovative ideas or contributing to ongoing efforts. This includes everything from validating new concepts to developing prototypes and pilot programs.
Beyond the Deliverables
The Fellowship program is more than “a job”, it’s your first entry point to a new field, it’s a time to grow. enFocus strategically implements programming and benefits to provide the resources and foundation necessary for Fellows to launch innovative and meaningful careers.
Mentorship and Exposure
There is a lot of value in having a trustworthy sounding board, especially as you transition to a new region or new line of work. Every position at enFocus, including permanent staff, is able to be paired with a community mentor. These community mentors have been hand-selected by us to represent the forefront of various lines of work. Adding to this connection, we facilitate annual events that introduce our Fellows and their work to the professional community.
Professional Development
Learning is a core value of enFocus and we have developed several ways in which Fellows can continue their learning through professional development. Fellows receive a small stipend to spend on certifications, conferences, or courses to further their personal learning goals. enFocus offers access to resources and training opportunities to develop technical and soft skills. Additionally, enFocus facilitates and provides access to several skills and network development experiences available throughout the region. The combination of practical skills development through your projects and resources to provide personalized education set Fellows up for success after the program.
Connection to the Community
Discovering all this region has to offer is a tall order, but we do our best to make that easier for our Fellows. In the first month of your Fellowship, you can expect a personal tour of our three downtown communities: South Bend, Elkhart, and Niles. Throughout the year we host several group outings, to volunteer, attend community events, or enjoy the recreational amenities of the region.
Careers After the Fellowship
We are proud that 70% of enFocus Fellows start careers in the region with mid-senior level positions, or by running their own company. For many of those not employed in the region long-term, they accept remote consultant/analyst positions or return to academia.
Salary and Benefits
Fellows enjoy comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and a supportive work environment that fosters growth.
Starting salaries range from $47,000 to $50,000 with the potential for increases in the second year.
We offer health, vision, and dental group insurance on the first day
30+ paid vacation, sick, or holidays
A hybrid work environment with the ability to work from home 2 days a week
As a nonprofit, enFocus is designated as an “eligible employer” for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Explore Our Fellows Experiences
Dive into the experiences of our fellows through a digital flipbook, showcasing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Discover the real impact of our work on the region, our team, the enFocus mission, and insights on what it takes to be a fellow.
Join Us
Help support the mission of building stronger communities in the South Bend-Elkhart region by joining our team.