FAQs

The prestigious Tennessee Governor’s Veteran Fellowship is a one-year fellowship awarded to exceptional applicants who wish to serve and learn with Tennessee State Government’s top executive leaders. This nonpartisan program offers a competitive salary and is open to eligible transitioning military service members with a genuine passion for serving their community, remarkable character, and leadership abilities.

The Governor’s Veteran Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for our nation’s veterans to rapidly transition into state government leaders following military service. This fellowship attracts transitioning military service members to work in Tennessee State Government and alongside the state’s top executive leaders. Veteran Fellows will gain project management experience and directly contribute to the continued improvement of state government.

The application period begins in August of each year, and the selection process includes multiple in-person interviews. Final offers are extended to a maximum of six individuals in October. The program is 12 months, conducted from January through December.

August 1, 2024 - September 6, 2024, at 6:00 PM EST: Application Period – Application becomes available on August 1, 2024, and will remain open until September 6, 2024, at 6:00 PM EST. All components of the application must be submitted by this time for applications to be considered.

Mid-September: In-person interview offers extended and conducted.

Late September: Final interviews of finalists conducted by the hiring committee.

October: Final offers are extended to a maximum of six individuals.

January 2025: Fellowship begins.

*Schedule is subject to change.

The Governor’s Veteran Fellowship Program progresses through three four-month phases.

During Phase One, the Veteran Fellows work with Customer Focused Government, conduct project-based work with a host state department, and meet with senior leadership of all 23 cabinet-level state departments.  During this time, Veteran Fellows will identify opportunities to work on impactful projects within state departments.

During Phase Two, Veteran Fellows will conduct project-based work to make significant contributions to impactful projects within multiple cabinet-level departments. These department project assignments are conducted through a proposal and mutual selection process and are based on the personal interests and skills of the Veteran Fellow. As this phase nears completion, Veteran Fellows and host departments discuss the potential for future work and available positions within the department to determine placement for the final phase of the program.

During Phase Three, Veteran Fellows take a more leading role in one of their Phase Two projects and begin the application process with that state department to pursue and secure full-time employment.

There are six Veteran Fellows in each class.

Yes. Once on terminal leave from the military, Veteran Fellows are considered full-time state employees and will receive a $75,000 base salary (Pay for Performance eligible) and benefits. 

No. Fellows are responsible for their housing.

No, there are no age restrictions for the fellowship. However, to be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must be receiving an honorable discharge from the military and be eligible for a SkillBridge or individual Career Skills Program. Individual questions on eligibility can be directed to veteran.fellowship@tn.gov.

No. Fellowships are awarded on a nonpartisan basis. The hiring committee will reward the best and brightest candidates, regardless of their political affiliation.

Applications will be made available beginning August 1, 2024, and can be accessed online by selecting “Apply Now” on the fellowship’s home page. The online application requires a resume, a copy of your record brief, and an endorsement from the first O-6 in your chain of command. Please upload these documents as PDF files. 

Veteran Fellows conduct a two-week onboarding process.  During this time, Veteran Fellows will also be issued a state computer and cell phone, an access badge to required state facilities, business cards, and will take an official headshot for use in program communications products.

Veteran Fellows are oriented to state government during the first few months of the fellowship. Orientation includes a "crash course" in state government composition and management, an overview of the governor’s priorities and those of each department, an introduction to the governor, his staff, and all cabinet members, an exposure to both statewide and department-specific initiatives, and individual projects. 

Veteran Fellows are initially hosted in one of Tennessee’s 23 cabinet-level departments based on both the preferences of the Veteran Fellow and the needs of each department. During Phase Two of the fellowship, Veteran Fellows will participate in project-based work with multiple departments.

Yes. The goal of the program is full-time employment within Tennessee State Government. However, a job offer is not guaranteed at the end of the fellowship. Historically, 88 percent of Veteran Fellows have secured full-time employment within Tennessee State Government with an average starting salary of $89,000.