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Calling all poli-sci majors, aspiring diplomats, and curious world travelers. Have you heard of the Council of Foreign Relations (CFR)? They’re some of the country’s top leaders in innovative policies, work, and intentions that benefit the global community.
They offer fellowships to bright young academics, host think tank sessions to solve global issues, work to actively educate the public on foreign affairs, and work with US government officials and CEOs. To even be considered for a membership you have to be pretty accomplished.
But if you’re a young person just starting out in the world, no need to fear. The Stephen M. Kellen Term Member Program is a perfect stepping stone for bright young leaders to receive the mentorship needed to take the world by storm.
The term membership program is a regular CFR membership designed for people from 30 to 36 years of age. If you’re still in your early 20s that might seem ages away, but it’s something to start considering and working towards now.
Any sort of CFR membership requires hard work, networking, and a lot of accomplishments already under your belt. Here are five reasons you should add becoming a CFR term member to your ten year plan.
Term members get to attend all of the regular CFR member events, but they also get a variety of their own special activities. As a Term member you’ll meet the world’s top foreign policy makers and other accomplished people. It’s a great opportunity to get your work noticed and to build connections.
You’ll be able to work with and learn under many accomplished leaders and innovators. Imagine working with the former deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asia or the former director for human rights and gender on the White House National Security Council.
Those are both real live women who work on the CFR think tank. You could have the chance to meet them or people like them and work and learn under them.
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a diplomat? You’ll get great experience at the CFR, meet diplomats, and learn about the work they do. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to join the CIA. Last year term members got to visit the CIA, along with Federal Reserve, Google Ideas, Silicon Valley and more.
Being a young member of the CFR will look great on literally any job application, when they ask if you have any leadership skills you can always say, “Yeah, you know, I was a part of this group full of global leaders and I worked with government officials on issues that impact the entire world.” Nailed it!
Almost everyone has a dream of traveling the world, but it doesn’t always happen when adult life bogs you down. In this program there are week-long study abroad adventures every two years. You will learn about foreign cultures, but also satisfy your travel bug.
Applying to the CFR Term Member program is just like applying to be an individual CFR member except you must apply by January 3 and be between the ages of 30 and 36 by January 1 of your application year, and if you don’t make two consecutive application rounds your application is held for only one year rather than two.
