Building a Framework for Professional Develompent
Learning is arguably the most important value at enFocus and is a part of everything we do. From orientation to pre-project learning, through projects, professional development, coaching and mentorship, all our activities are geared towards providing Fellows the opportunity to learn, grow and chart the course of their career. Our Fellows come from all degree backgrounds, and that degree forms the foundation upon which they build their skillset.
Building Your Foundation
The first week at enFocus Fellows are oriented to our history, our mission, and the basics of project management and planning. They learn our systems, our teams, and the tools we have in place to ensure the successful completion of projects.
Building Your Skillset Through Projects
After orientation Fellows are given their first project. While enFocus is a highly collaborative environment, each individual Fellow is given a tremendous amount of ownership over their work and the autonomy to decide how to best tackle the challenges that their project presents. Our project managers and pre-project learning opportunities help ensure that the Fellow is on the right track. This is the first type of learning a Fellow will encounter after orientation. This mix of directed and self-directed work helps the Fellow quickly get to executing on a project. Some Fellows may have all they need from their education. Others may feel they need more time grounding themselves in our project basics. Our pre-project learning helps provide that support.
Once the Fellow has mapped out their execution plan for the project, and has learned what is needed to move forward, the carrying out of the project itself is deeply formational. Our projects provide the opportunity to engage at a level within an organization that is a decade beyond what most graduates will experience in their first job. The projects require helping community leaders chart their future as they together assess business decisions, design programs, and optimize operations.
Building on Your Interests
Each week Fellows are also encouraged to spend time on their own professional development. Perhaps there is an area of growth that they would like to pursue that is not covered by their current project. We encourage and guide Fellows towards determining what that path may be by providing time to work on a certification, read a book, or complete a course of study. We expect learning to be a part of our culture and we provide time and resources to help Fellows make it a weekly priority.
Building Your Future
Lastly, our projects very often turn into job opportunities. But navigating career discernment can be difficult. Every Fellow is provided a mentor that may provide expertise on projects, but can also help Fellows reflect on their unique set of talents and gifts and how to use them.
Throughout the Fellowship, from day one to weekly project check-ins, we challenge our Fellows to engage deeply in developing their skills. The enFocus Fellowship is a tremendous opportunity to put learning into action and discern a career path, all while simultaneously strengthening our region.
Build a Brighter Future Together
Join us as we continue to empower talent and transform communities, building a brighter future for all.