Fellowship season is officially creeping up, and you may be asking yourself:
"What should I be doing right now?"
Honestly? You're in a weird in-between stage.
Applications aren't open yet, most fellowship webinars haven't started, and Midyear still feels far away. It's easy to feel like you're supposed to be doing something without knowing exactly what that something is.
Our advice? Start networking now.
Reach out to current fellows, former fellows, and industry professionals whose experiences interest you. Ask questions, learn about different functional areas, and gain insight into programs you're considering. These conversations can be incredibly valuable and may even help shape your fellowship goals.
That said, here's a friendly reminder: treat every networking conversation like a mini first interview.
You don't need to have all the answers, but you should come prepared. Do your research, have thoughtful questions ready, be professional, and make a positive impression. The fellowship world is smaller than you might think, and building genuine connections early can go a long way.
Another productive way to spend this time is by getting your application materials in shape:
Update and refine your CV
Start drafting your Letter of Intent (LOI)
Identify potential letter of recommendation writers
Reflect on experiences you'd like to highlight during interviews
Future-you will be very grateful when application season arrives and you're not scrambling to do everything at once.
For now, take advantage of the quieter months. Build relationships, polish your materials, and remember that fellowship preparation is a marathon, not a sprint.
You've got time. Use it wisely. 😉