Southeast Asia (SEA) Future of Work Fellowship Requirements and Role Description

The Southeast Asia (SEA) Future of Work Fellows Institute seeks motivated and creative critical thinkers with a passion for learning and the desire to build a career in the SEA region. The ideal candidate will have a college degree, leadership experience within or beyond the workplace, as well as a tech-curious attitude and openness to the ways technology tools could change how we interact and work. 

Fellowship Description
The Southeast Asia (SEA) Future of Work Fellows Institute is a one-year fellowship program that provides an immersive, hands-on, problem-based, blended learning opportunity that will prepare participants to be highly knowledgeable, adaptive, technology-grounded, strategic problem solvers who can fully execute and persuasively communicate across a range of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) work environments.

• Is the Southeast Asia (SEA) Future of Work Fellowship Right for Me?

  How do I know if the fellowship is right for me? Here are some questions to consider:

  1. Do you enjoy the challenge of wrapping your head around difficult problems?

  2. Do you feel energized by diversity and have faith that inclusion and economic prosperity can grow hand-in-hand?

  3. Do you hail from Southeast Asia and feel optimistic about the future of the region? Are you committed to building your future here?

  4. Are you naturally inquisitive, eager to learn new things, and curious about how innovations and technology can improve our daily lives?

  5. Do you throw yourself into new pursuits with enthusiasm and feel motivated by the chance to work with new people?

  6. Are you ready for a transition in your professional life? Are trusted advisors and mentors encouraging you to make a change? Perhaps you’re returning after a break from the world of work, searching for a catalyst to accelerate your professional growth, or hoping to make a total career change.

  7. Are you excited about the future of work and motivated to develop the versatile skill set and adaptability needed to shape and create opportunities for yourself and your community?

  8. Do you have a couple years of work experience, a bachelor’s degree earned within the last 5 years, own a valid passport, and have you reached a satisfactory level of English language proficiency to take classes in English?

  9. Is the timing right in your personal and professional life for you to invest 10+ months of focus, time, and hard work to transform your future?

  10. Can you realistically manage the logistical and financial demands of the program? The fellowship includes 2 semesters of online learning, 3 week-long residencies, and an 8-week full-time internship. A modest stipend will be provided, since fellows will have less time during the program to earn an income.

Eligibility
The Institute is recruiting a diverse cohort of promising candidates from Southeast Asia who share our passion for creating a more inclusive, increasingly prosperous future for the region (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). Fellows will be at a transition point in their careers looking for a new direction and ready for professional growth, possibly a few years out of college or returning after a hiatus from the workforce. Fellows will be recent college graduates who come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including, but not limited to the arts, business, education, healthcare, technology, nonprofit, and government. Together, they will form a diverse, dynamic and driven group of emerging talent, characterized by their optimism for the future, ability to relate across differences, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to change.

Individuals must apply competitively to the SEA Future of Work Fellows Institute. The program is interdisciplinary and there are no technical requirements. Candidates with nontraditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates with paid or unpaid leadership experience who are currently underemployed, working part-time, or at a low wage job will be considered. 

• Basic Requirements

  • At minimum, a bachelor’s degree earned within 5 years prior to starting the fellowship

  • 2-3 years of work experience

  • English language proficiency (Fellowship instruction is conducted in English)

  • Will not concurrently be enrolled in a degree granting or other educational program

  • Valid passport for the duration of the program & potential for travel (COVID permitting)

  • Able to commit to intensive one-year fellowship, including

    • 3 separate weeks in residence, 

    • 2 semesters of 15-week online curriculum, 

    • 2 months internship (8 weeks)

  • Commitment to work in SEA region for a minimum of two years following the fellowship

  • Candidates should have a connection to one of the ASEAN member countries:

    • Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam

  • Ready for career growth and aspiring to make a meaningful impact

  • Proven track record of leadership in college, community, and/or workplace

  • Self-motivated and able to work both independently and with a team 

  • Access to a laptop computer and reliable wireless internet for online curriculum and video/online meetings

    • If admitted to the program and laptop access will be a problem, please contact the Institute.

• Key Responsibilities

  • Attend 3 one-week Residencies at beginning, middle and end of fellowship period (3 weeks)

  • Fulfill course requirements for 2 semesters of 15-week on-line curriculum (30 weeks), including case studies, group projects and individual assignments, as well as complete pre-work assigned before the start of the program

  • Commit approximately 20 hours per week to coursework and study

  • Work full time for 2-month internship (8 weeks)

  • Participate in video and online conferences/meetings with fellows twice a month

  • Meet with mentor monthly

  • Maintain open communication with Institute team about fellowship experience and progress with course requirements

  • Comply with SEA Future of Work Institute policies and Fellows code of conduct

  • Serve as a mentor to future SEA Future of Work Fellows

Compensation:
Fellows will be paid a small stipend for successful participation in the program. 

Application Process: 
Candidates must submit a complete application, including supporting documents. Applications include the application form and several essay questions, supported by college transcript (plus graduate program transcript, if applicable) and three letters of recommendation. Promising candidates will be invited to an online interview.