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First of all, well done for taking the step to apply for the Fellowship. You have what it takes so keep believing in yourself as you journey through the different process.
Here are some quick tips to help you as you go through your application.
Tip No. 1 – Start early
Don’t leave your application for the last minute, start now. Take your time to go through each component of the application. There is a word limit to the short essay question responses, therefore, I suggest you draft your responses on a word processing application.
Leave them to marinate for a few days as this will give you a chance to consider other important information you may want to include in your application.
Tip No. 2 – Ideate
By starting early, you have time to put down all the ideas you have in mind for your application. You can then streamline your ideas so you can meet the word limit. This will help you to tell a convincing story.
Tip No. 3 – Validate your story
Use examples to demonstrate your accomplishments and commitment to what you’re doing. You may also add numbers to validate the impact you have made in your community or country.
Consider using the STAR approach when you get to this point so that your examples are in line with your ideas above.
Take note of the STAR approach in answering questions.
S – Situation (describe the situation or context, e.g., you noted that entry level staff in your team struggle with professional writing skills).
T – Task (what needs to be done, e.g., the staff needs to be capacitated with professional report writing skills).
A – Action (explain the action you took, e.g., you searched for an appropriate course, assessed its appropriateness by completing it before recommending it. You also coached each individual through their work product outputs).
R – Results (describe the results or outcome, e.g. turnaround time on reports decreased by 15% as team members were now producing better reports the first time and needed less time to address review notes which resulted in better efficiencies).
The Star approach also works to tell a complete story about your business, career, project or the role you play in your community, organisation or country.
Tip No. 4 – Be realistic
If you’re asked about future plans, be realistic and share goals which are achievable. Remember about SMART goals, your future plans should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound.
Tip No. 5 – Don’t beat about the bush
Keep it simple and straight to the point. If you’re given a 300-word limit and you feel that you have answered the question adequately in 230 words, leave it at that. (Please note that word count used for illustration purposes only).
There’s no requirement to reach the recommended word limit and also you keep yourself safe from waffling.
Tip No. 6 – Be You!
The Mandela Washington Fellowship accommodates young leaders from all backgrounds and sectors. To accommodate everyone there’s three leadership tracks , that is, Business, Civic Engagement, and Public Management. Share what you’re most passionate about and skilled at, and remember, choose the appropriate leadership track.
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth; cultivate introspection, embrace feedback, and strive to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values, paving the way for greater authenticity and fulfillment.
Anon
Tell your story and express your uniqueness.
Bonus tip!
Answer the question. It seems like an obvious one, however, take note of two- or multi-pronged questions. Your 300-word (word count used for illustration purposes only) essay may be asking you to answer two questions. Keep that in mind and plan your essays accordingly.
All the best!
