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In January 2025, Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and John Cabot University signed a partnership to create an innovative fellowship program that aims to provide JCU students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in impactful economic development projects, while gaining valuable professional experience. The Fairfax City Economic Development Fellowship is a unique program designed to provide students with hands-on experience in economic development initiatives. Through this partnership, students will work on real-world projects, gain professional insights, and contribute to the growth and innovation of Fairfax City.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for three selected JCU students to engage in a four-month program focused on:
The fellows’ work will culminate in a visit to Fairfax City in May 2025, where they will present their findings and strategic plan to key stakeholders, including city officials, the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, and local business leaders. The week-long immersive experience will also include networking opportunities, business site visits, and cultural exchanges.
This fellowship reflects JCU’s commitment to providing real-world opportunities for students to thrive. We encourage all eligible students to apply and explore this transformative experience.
For more information, please consult the Fairfax City Fellowship Job Description at the bottom of the page.
Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at www.gofairfaxcity.com.
The application process is divided into three phases:
All applications must go through the Center for Career Services. Should the student apply directly to the partner company/organization, JCU will not be able to take care of the necessary paperwork and insurance activation.
Program Application Opens: October 10
Application Deadline: November 10
Fellowship Start Date: Spring semester, week 1
Fellowship End Date: Spring semester, week 14
Note: The program is offered in Spring only.
Program Duration: The program will last 14 weeks in the Spring semester at JCU, plus one week in Summer in Fairfax City, VA, USA.
Program Structure: Students will work on projects defined by Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and collaborate with local stakeholders.
Students can choose to participate for academic credit if in compliance with the university Requirements for For Credit Internships, or as a non-credit professional experience. The for-credit internship will be attributed to the fields of business, entrepreneurship, management or marketing, depending on the specific focus of the project, which may vary from year to year.
With regards to the field trip in Virginia, USA, the following will apply:
Covered by FCED:
Covered by Students:
Any additional travel outside of program activities.
The three selected students who will participate in this pioneering fellowship in Spring 2025 are:
Who is eligible to apply?
All JCU undergraduate students in their second year or higher with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible.
Can I participate without taking the fellowship for credit?
Yes, students can participate either for academic credit (depending on eligibility) or as a non-credit professional experience.
Why might an applicant be rejected?
Applications are evaluated on academic performance, the quality of the personal statement, and alignment with the fellowship’s goals. Feedback will be provided to all applicants.
Will there be another chance to apply if I am not selected?
This fellowship runs annually. Students who are not selected may apply for the next edition.
Are meals included in the program?
No, students are responsible for their meals, though some meals will be part of the program activities.
The Center for Career Services and the Frank J. Guarini School of Business will host a dedicated information session in the Fall. The precise date will be found in the university's official calendar.
For further questions, please contact the director of the Frank J. Guarini School of Business at [email protected].
Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is focused on strengthening economic growth in Fairfax City, Virginia, through initiatives that attract international businesses. Known for its innovative business incubator, FCED supports international business recruitment and offers a collaborative environment for new ventures.
The FCED Fellowship offers JCU students a unique, immersive experience in economic development. Fellows will work closely with FCED staff on international outreach initiatives, focusing on market research for and promotion of Fairfax City as an attractive U.S. base for Italian businesses looking to expand into the US market. This role offers a blend of research, marketing, client engagement, and strategic planning responsibilities, aiming to support FCED’s objectives in Italy and increase the Fellow’s real-world business acumen.
Selected candidates that successfully complete the for-credit internship will qualify for the week-long immersive Fairfax City Study Trip, 10 to 17 May, 2025.
The application should be sent to [email protected]. Only applications from a johncabot.edu account will be considered.
