Are you interested in hosting a young African professional in your workplace?

Professional Development Experiences (PDEs) offer enriching opportunities for U.S. organizations and communities to participate in a collaborative exchange for up to six weeks by hosting young African professionals for substantive work experiences that explore issues and workplace culture from U.S. and African perspectives. Both Fellows and Hosts benefit from discussing shared issues and challenges in their sectors, broadening their perspectives, and positioning U.S. organizations for international engagement. 

The Fellows are established leaders in their communities who are motivated to take their careers and positive impact to the next level and bring fresh knowledge and unique global perspectives to American workplaces.  They have several years of experience in a variety of sectors and have brought a great deal of value to their Hosts.

The Fellowship Team works with both the Host and the Fellow through an intensive and personalized placement process to ensure that the Fellow’s experience and skills can bring benefit to the organization’s mission and goals.

As a Fellowship PDE host, you will:

  • Benefit from having an African professional contribute to your organization with all expenses covered by the Fellowship.
  • Collaborate with the Fellowship Team in selecting a Fellow who is well suited for your needs and interests.
  • Develop your employees’ professional capacities by mentoring, supervising, or working with a leader from Africa.
  • Learn from the Fellow’s unique perspective on your industry in their home country.
  • Grow your network by connecting with other Host Organizations in your city and sector.
  • Build long-term professional relationships that may lead to future professional collaborations in Africa.
  • Gain unique insight into other opportunities offered by the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, including Reciprocal Exchanges offered to American professionals.

Learn more about PDEs.

Would you like to learn more about PDEs and how they will benefit you and your colleagues?  Please contact the Mandela Washington Fellowship Team at MWFalumni@irex.org.