What's the Fellowship 411?


With the new 2022-2023 fellowship year underway, we are providing an inside scoop on lessons learned by current and alumni fellows that might help you navigate the MFP while effectively managing your fellowship requirements and practicing self-care. We hope you are able to use these fellowship fundamentals to maximize your MFP experience.

Gary Conachan III, B.S. 2015
He/Him/His. 2021-2022 Master's-MHC Fellow, National Board of Certified Counselors. Pursuing an M.S. in clinical mental health counseling at Portland State University.

  • As a recipient of the fellowship, you get out of it what you put into it. For example, you have to take initiative to find a mentor that best fits you and your needs. Be clear and direct about those things, as this will ensure a greater chance that you get them. On another note, capitalize on the activities and communities you're already a part of it for your fellowship project. The fellowship is meant to enhance your current academic and extracurricular involvement, not take away from it. By using the fellowship and your project to build upon those connections and opportunities, you'll be better able to develop the things that are most meaningful and authentic to you. As far as self-care goes, learn to say no! Sometimes, passing on getting involved in something can mean the difference between sustainable living and total burnout.

Andres Correa, Postdoc 2014, B.S. 2019
He/Him/His. 2022-2023 Master's-MHC Fellow, National Board of Certified Counselors. Pursuing an M.S. in addictions counseling at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

  •  Take your time. I wish I would've appreciated this simple, but meaningful piece of advice sooner. Especially in our field, I think there is a sense of hastiness when it comes to completing requisites, but there is time. Know that where you are now is exactly where you need to be, continue doing the hard work but don't let it overcome you. Additionally, you will often feel alone and alienated in this field, especially if you're a minority, that's the unfortunate truth of the clinician. However, know that there are people you can reach out to! Your program coordinators will always be willing to connect you to others; allow yourself the opportunity to form part of a community.

Miraj Desai, Ph.D. 2013
He/Him/His. 2007-2008 Doctoral Fellow, American Psychological Association. Current institution: Yale University.

  • Pursue your passion. Write early and often. Embrace joy and creativity in your life and work. Help this world.

Candice Hargons, Ph.D. 2015, M.S. 2010
She/Her/Hers. 2013-2014 Doctoral Fellow, American Psychological Association. Current institution: University of Kentucky.

  • Even if you're more introverted, make a concerted effort to get to know and connect with your cohort. Think about questions that are beyond the superficial, consider areas of research or practice overlap where you can collaborate, and lean on each other. These relationships matter.

Wanda Lee, Ph.D. 1979, M.S. 2010
She/Her/Hers. 1978-1979 Doctoral Fellow, American Psychological Association. Current institution: Faculty Emeritus at San Francisco State University.

  • Try to connect with other graduate students of color, if there are few in your department. This is helpful for survival and support. Academia is very siloed. The MFP program can introduce you to or help you identify others on your campus.

Sandra Lorden, B.S. 2020
She/Her/Hers. 2021-2022 Master's-AC Fellow, National Board of Certified Counselors/Association for Addiction Professionals. Pursuing a master's in clinical mental health counseling at Tarleton State University.

  • Write everything down on paper, make lists, and create calendar appointments.

Debbie Manigat, DMFT 2021, LMFT
She/Her/Hers. 2019-2021 Doctoral Fellow, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Doctor of Marriage & Family Therapy Nova Southeastern University | Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine 2021 Master of Science Palm Beach Atlantic University | Counselor Education Concentration 2016, Bachelor of Arts Howard University, Magna Cum Laude | Communications Concentration 2008. Current institution: Protective Factors Group, Inc.

  •  Virginia Satir states that many people are living in an emotional jail without even realizing it. This is why self-care is so important so we can break free of the mundane or burnout to give ourselves the inner work we need. What you practice leads to progress and what you nourish will grow. With a culture of self-care adopted into your practice, you are supporting your reflection skills, effectiveness, compassion, and energy levels. The choice is yours, and you have the power to open the gate of change that can only be opened from the inside. As you navigate academia and/or clinical life determine a routine that refreshes you. Self-care can be viewed in four essential domains: 1.) emotional (journaling, yoga, meditation, positive coping skills, etc.), 2.) relational (reconnecting with loved ones, community service, social support with boundaries, etc.), 3.) physical (balanced diet, sleep, exercise, etc.), 4.) professional (seeking supervision, trainings, professional development, etc.). Determine what's important for you in each domain. Create a compassion fatigue toolkit and start with being kind to yourself! It does not have to be perfect, nor should it be overly expensive to invest in yourself. Think about your capacity and what you can sustain so it can become a normal part of your way of being. You are worth freeing your body, mind, and spirit!

Eva Melendez, B.S. 2020
She/Her/Hers. 2020-2021 Master's-AC Fellow, National Board of Certified Counselors/Association for Addiction Professionals. Pursuing a master's in addictions counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University.

  • Keep track of your own required webinars to show proof they have been completed. Get a lot of your requirements done while you are on breaks from school so you do not fall behind.

Zori Paul, Ph.D. 2022, M.A. 2018, B.A. 2015
She/Her/Hers. 2021-2022 Master's-AC Fellow, National Board of Certified Counselors/Association for Addiction Professionals. Current institution: Marquette University.

  • Mentorship is so important so always look for opportunities, especially through professional organizations where you can be paired with a mentor as a student/new professional. Also, it's okay and even an amazing thing to have more than one mentor so you can have different perspectives and insights.

Latara Williams, B.A. 2019
She/Her/Hers. 2021-2022 Master's-AC Fellow, National Board of Certified Counselors/Association for Addiction Professionals. Pursuing a master's in rehabilitation and counseling at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

  • Remember that if you aren't serious about self-care, you won't be able to provide the best care to others!

Alina Quintana, M.S. 2022, B.A. - LinkedIn
She/Ella. 2020-2021 Master's Fellow, National Board of Certified Counselors/Association for Addiction Professionals. Current Role: California Community College Institutional Effectiveness Analyst and Alina Quintana Career Consulting, founder, assisting BIPOC professionals to elevate their career. .

  • Those of us who apply and are successfully awarded the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) fellowship are without a doubt high achieving and hard working individuals. More importantly, we work toward this degree and engage in this fellowship because we are determined to become counselors. As a graduate student, my goals were to secure work in the counseling field, develop my consulting business, all while aspiring for a decent income. I juggled responsibilities like full time work, full time graduate studies, NBCC fellowship, my relationship, etc. Since, “Hindsight is 20/20,” I share with you some lessons learned and recommendations that helped me successfully accomplish my goals as a recent graduate and fellow of the NBCC Minority Fellowship Program. These are the 10 Tips for Career Alignment as an NBCC Fellow.
    1. Break down and prioritize your personal and NBCC fellowship goals.
      Fellows provide NBCC an overview of their personal and professional goals, which NBCC periodically assesses to measure growth through impact reports. Take the opportunity to deeply consider your goals relative to your personal values. Rank your goals, establish an understanding of what is most valuable to you. I recommend engaging in activities that encourage goal visualization such as mind maps or vision boards. These activities often help us develop clear direction while also serving as visual reminders of our intentions. Reminders are powerful in shaping our thoughts and actions. Consider working with a career counselor at your institution for assistance with goal setting, career development, or decision making should these be areas that require growth.
    2. Journal about your fellowship experience.
      One of the greatest pieces of advice I received, which has helped me better articulate my professional experience, was to document the progression of my work! As such, my advice is to journal about the skills you are developing within your fellowship. Journal about the skills you intend to develop. Journal about your process and progress. If this feels like a big feat, simply bullet point weekly notes of what you have accomplished. At the end of the year, you will have a dense record of the skills you learned, training you attended, and activities you engaged in. You will review your journal as you incorporate your notes into your resume's accomplishment statements. You may even leverage your NBCC fellowship training for salary negotiation. Document, document, DOCUMENT!
    3. Schedule time to reflect and measure progress toward your goals.
      Upon establishing and prioritizing your goals, consider what skills you already possess. NBCC progress reports serve as an opportunity to reflect on our growth. Set a monthly reminder to assess your development. This reminder will help you to be accountable to yourself in order to achieve the goals and fellowship requirements you've set. Take notes or journal about the work you did toward your fellowship or toward your goals. Below are some important questions to consider:
      • What skills am I missing?
      • Where or from whom can I get the help to develop these?
      • What smaller steps do I need to take to obtain the skills that I need?
    4. Prepare for unplanned events by crafting your elevator pitch.
      Luck is No Accident, Making the Most of Happenstance in Your Life and Career by Al S. Levin and John D. Krumboltz encourages us to be prepared for unplanned events. Happenstance theory essentially says that chance often determines life and career choices more than all the careful planning we do. As such, my advice is to prepare an introduction with elements you can use for meetings, college fairs, or LinkedIn. Keep this in your back pocket and be prepared for unplanned events. Consider the following guidance for an authentic, bold, and clear elevator pitch:
      • Your employment history and career aspirations.
      • Your education and work highlights.
      • Your current situation and what you are seeking.
    5. Build your personal and professional network.
      Networking is a cornerstone of career development and a necessary skill for our generation of professionals. The NBCC fellowship offers unique opportunities to establish relationships with emerging and established counselors across the country that you would otherwise not have access to. Maximize the time you spend in 1:1 spaces with your peers, mentor, or with trainers. Connect via LinkedIn and find ways to establish longstanding communication beyond your fellowship. We do not often surround ourselves with individuals from your profession as we do when we attend events like NBCC Symposium. Staying connected will allow you to learn and remain in community beyond isolated opportunities provided by NBCC programming.
    6. Develop your research skills.
      Analytical skills, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and independence are among the abilities developed through engaging in research. Consider bolstering your research efforts by working with mentors, who often have an interest in publishing. For those interested in furthering their education, this advice is for you. Engaging in research projects and contribution to knowledge through publishing is key to demonstrating that you have the skills to succeed in a doctoral program.
    7. Participate in NBCC workshops and webinars.
      You will be extremely spread thin the year of your fellowship. To take advantage of the opportunities coordinated through NBCC, you must plan effectively. Review the list of webinars at the start of the semester and identify a minimum of two sessions most aligned with your gap in skills.
      Commit to being present during the time you are on the webinar. Avoid multitasking, if possible! Maximize interaction during these sessions by introducing yourself and providing your elevator pitch (even if you are the only one to do this). Connect with presenters by asking questions, taking notes, and providing thorough impressions, when appropriate. Stay connected with speakers and with your peers attending these webinars. Presenters often offer their contact information. If they don't offer, ask. Subject matter experts enjoy connecting with individuals interested in their field and rarely decline to share their contact information. Connect with presenters on LinkedIn and become part of their network. Remember, on LinkedIn their network becomes your own. Connecting with other counselors is a great way to remain informed about the counseling field.
    8. Utilize scholarships to cover the cost of subscriptions to associations.
      Students receive discounted rates to become a member in professional associations. Associations offer access to job search resources, networks, professional development, journals, conference participation, leadership opportunities, mentorship, publishing, and advocacy to name a few! You will not regret joining a professional association. For job search, paid membership enhances your credibility demonstrating active engagement or participation in a field.
    9. Present or discuss your NBCC research or projects to captive audiences.
      We were selected to be NBCC fellows because we posed great promise to become counselors committed to helping underserved communities. We must take pride in being selected and find ways to amplify the work that we are doing in our respective communities. I encourage you all to be attentive to calls for participation in panels for graduate student experiences and public speaking engagements. Encourage other individuals to apply to this scholarship! Do not be afraid to showcase your work. If public speaking is terrifying for you, find ways to amplify your message by sharing your work with your LinkedIn network.
    10. Purchase a LinkedIn Premium subscription.
      The world of work and job search is concentrated online. LinkedIn is one of the greatest platforms worldwide for job search and networking with more than 875 million users in more than 200 countries. While you are building your career or seeking work be sure to utilize this platform for search and engage with the counseling community online.

      11. Pro tip: You have the skills you need, and through your institutions’ career center you likely have a team of individuals who are ready to assist you with landing that dream job! Your career center will house experts that can help you articulate your knowledge and experiences through your LinkedIn profile. While job search can feel lonely, you are supported.