Call for Applications: 2025 #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellows Cohort

The #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship provides mid-career cybersecurity professionals from diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to conduct independent policy research and analysis, find solutions for critical cybersecurity issues, and explore questions of diversity and the human side of cybersecurity.

The 2025 #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellows will serve for one calendar year (January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025). Each Fellow will receive a stipend, opportunities to access mentorship, and have access to professional development and networking opportunities. They will also have opportunities to leverage New America and #ShareTheMicInCyber’s platforms to promote their work.

Anyone is encouraged to apply. We particularly encourage those who face under-representation in the cybersecurity profession, including but not limited to individuals who identify as Black and or of color, LGBTQIA+, on the gender spectrum, or neurodiverse. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply.

How To Apply

The application is available online on SurveyMonkey Apply. Please be prepared the share the following:

• One resume or CV that is no more than 3 pages long;
• Two essay questions:
  • A 1,000 word (or less) project proposal, and
  • A 500-word personal statement of interest;
• One recommender’s name and email who will serve as a reference if you advance to the interview round; and
• Optional work samples, up to three (3).

Applications must be submitted through SurveyMonkey Apply.

You will be asked to create a SurveyMonkey Apply account (look for an email from “fellowships@newamerica.org” in the email you register with). The first time you log in, you will be asked to select which Fellowship application you would like to complete. Please select “#ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship” and then “Save my profile” button to be directed to the #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship application.

If you require accommodations to access the application, please contact sharethemic@newamerica.org.

Application Timeline

We are accepting applications from August 15, 2024 to September 30, 2024 at 11:59PM Eastern Time. Applications will be reviewed throughout the fall, and finalists will be asked to join a 30-minute interview with program staff in early November. Decisions will be made in mid-November 2024. Fellows will be publicly announced in January 2025.

If you require accommodations during the application process, or if you have any questions, contact the STMIC Fellowship at sharethemic@newamerica.org.

Resources

If you have any questions about the program, please see our Program Overview on our website.

If you have any questions about the application platform SurveyMonkey Apply, please consult the SurveyMonkey FAQ provided by SurveyMonkey.

If you would like to see the work of our previous #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellows, please seeour Publications.

Tips for Success

We want to know your professional background, but also what new ideas and perspectives you will bring to cybersecurity and technology policy! As you apply, we encourage you to keep the following guidance.

• Leverage your unique perspective: The purpose of the fellowship is to encourage diversity of thought and perspective, and provide you the skills to share your perspective widely. Do not be afraid to highlight why you are uniquely positioned to do that project you propose, and what new or alternative ideas you bring to the current discourse. We're looking for individuals who want to add nuance in cybersecurity and technology policy, and want to grow their ability to share this with the public.
• Be future-forward: As a next generation leader, think about next generation issues. Is the research topic you are proposing going to be relevant in 2-5 years? How may your topic intersect with other issues of the future, like artificial intelligence, climate change or supply chain? We're looking for research topics that demonstrate that you understand the biggest questions in cybersecurity and technology policy, and that you are passionate about finding solutions.
• Prepare now: The application includes two essay questions: a 1,000 word or less project proposal, and a 500-word personal statement of interest. When you start your application, we provide you the exact formula to follow for both of these responses. Responding to the essay questions will take the bulk of your time, and receive the most weight during our review.

If you require accommodations during the application process, or if you have any questions, contact the STMIC Fellowship at sharethemic@newamerica.org.