You will use these answers on your call with Professor Koester to help you identify or solidify your project, specific topic or area, etc. (Note: Don't worry if you don't have a clear picture of the project or topic yet as most students do NOT have a clear idea before our workshops).  There will be four PEP Tracks for the fall:
1. Creative Author Program.  For individuals who would like to produce a first draft of a novel, collection of short stories or poetry anthology.  You'll work with other creative authors and have the option to have dedicated editorial support.  You'll finish a first draft of your work by the end of February 2021, and we have a publishing partner who participants may be eligible to work with.  
2. Nonfiction Author Program.  For individuals interested in producing a nonfiction book that explores an area of interest (often times this could be an extension of a course you enjoyed, a long paper you created, a dissertation or thesis).  You'll finish a first draft of your work by the end of February 2021, and we have a publishing partner who participants may be eligible to work with.  
3. Audio/Podcast Creator Program.  For individuals interested in producing a scripted audio experience -- in the form of an album and releasing the content as a podcast.  This program will help you capture audio content from interviews, conversations and other sources to produce a season or series of episodes to be produced and released in 2021.  
4. Video Course Program.  For individuals interested in producing a script and and filming an online course (to be made accessible on platforms like Coursea or Udemy).  You'll work to develop the content, the organization and create raw content to be produced into a high quality course to be released in 2021.

To learn more about the program, watch the overview -->
https://youtu.be/sg1REJ6mnUM

The Portfolio Expansion Project (PEP) Fellowship is designed for ambitious individuals looking for a structured way to add something substantive, personal and unique to their resumes and portfolios in Fall 2020.  It's open to current college students and recent graduates who would like a structured program to provide accountability and community support to tackle a challenging project to create a book, an audio show/podcast or a video course.  These projects will be tied to a personal topic/interest to allow each fellow to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to future employers, partners and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I do the PEP Fellowship and another internship, job or classes?  
Absolutely.  The program is designed to enable you to do the fellowship and activities like an internship, job or classes.  Most participants will spend 4-6 hours a week in the fellowship including a weekly session, a weekly call with your accountability partner and work sessions throughout the week.  Most participants will view the fellowship as a complement to their other fall semester activities.  
2. How long is the fellowship?
We've designed the syllabus to last 20 weeks (5 months), which means you'll begin the program in October 2020 and will complete a first draft of your project by the end of February 2021.  From there, you'll have support and opportunities to publish, launch or promote your project, book or course.  We've set this up to enable you to not only create a key element for your portfolio, but have it produced in a high quality manner.
3. What if I can't make the weekly sessions?
We'll try to offer you multiple times per week to meet with your fellows, and each session will be recorded.  The program is designed to offer a great deal of flexibility, but to also ensure you are able to successful complete your project.  
4. Is this a paid fellowship?  Are there any costs for the fellowship?  
This is not a paid program -- Professor Koester will volunteer his time for weekly sessions and coaching throughout.  There are no costs to participate, but you'll be responsible for any of your own out-of-pocket costs including editorial support, recording/filming equipment, etc., but there are not required costs to participate as a fellow.  It's a community-based program designed to help you create something with the support of a program, a professor and mentorship.  Your expectation is to participate as a fellow, support other fellows and commit to put in weekly time on your project.
5. How do I find my idea for the project?
You'll participate in a webinar series to help you fill out a PEP plan -- and will have support from Professor Koester to design your project.  The projects are designed in a way that the first 4 weeks are scoping, interviewing, researching and collaborating with others to clarify your direction, so don't be surprised if the topic or approach evolves greatly.  You'll have extensive support along the way.  
6. Is there a way to get college credit for the fellowship?  
Yes.  In the past participants have been able to take the work during this fellowship and work with a college professor from their home college/university to make this project an independent study.  If you're interested in this opportunity for the Fall 2020 semester, please let Professor Koester or his teaching assistant know and they can provide you details on the best approaches for this.  
7. How will my project get published, produced or launched?
The fellowship is designed to help you create a 'first draft' of your project -- a first draft video course, first draft audio show/podcast season, or a first draft manuscript.  Following successful completion of this 'first draft', you'll be given additional resources and support to produce a finished and published work. Depending on the project you select, the program will set you up with options and resources that will be discussed in the opening sessions.  But each participant will help mentorship and support to ensure their work is produced in a professional manner to stand out in future interviews and career opportunities.  
8. What are the key project types for the fellowship?  
There will be four PEP Tracks for the fall 2020 fellowship:
-- Creative Author Program.  For individuals who would like to produce a first draft of a novel, collection of short stories or poetry anthology.  You'll work with other creative authors and have the option to have dedicated editorial support.  You'll finish a first draft of your work by the end of February 2021, and we have a publishing partner who participants may be eligible to work with.  
-- Nonfiction Author Program.  For individuals interested in producing a nonfiction book that explores an area of interest (often times this could be an extension of a course you enjoyed, a long paper you created, a dissertation or thesis).  You'll finish a first draft of your work by the end of February 2021, and we have a publishing partner who participants may be eligible to work with.  
-- Audio/Podcast Creator Program.  For individuals interested in producing a scripted audio experience -- in the form of an album and releasing the content as a podcast.  This program will help you capture audio content from interviews, conversations and other sources to produce a season or series of episodes to be produced and released in l2021.  
-- Video Course Program.  For individuals interested in producing a script for and then and filming an online course (to be made accessible on platforms like Coursea or Udemy).  You'll work to develop the content, the organization and create raw content to be produced into a high quality course to be released in 2021.
9. Do I have to be in a particular location or place for the fellowship?
The fellowship is designed to work whether fellows are working/living -- the weekly sessions will take place on Zoom, and we'll select times that enable people across time zones (even outside of the US) to participate.  We will use Zoom, Quip and several other tools to help support the community and help you succeed in your project.  
10. Who developed and is behind the PEP Fellowship?
This project was conceived by a group of students from Stanford, Berkeley, MIT and Georgetown who have collaborated with Professor Koester to offer a unique fellowship program for individuals looking for an alternative fall opportunity that can offer a substantive project for their resume and portfolio.  It's an independent project supported by volunteers and a gracious donor has offered to sponsor some of the teaching assistant support for the program. This is an independent, volunteer-driven program.  Our first class of PEP fellows represented more than 200 of the highest potential students from around the globe coming from more than 60 colleges and universities.  
11. Who is Professor Eric Koester?
Eric Koester is a Georgetown University Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the founder of the Creator Institute and was named the 2020 USASBE National Entrepreneurship Professor of the Year for his work in helping more than of his college and graduate students become published authors, podcast hosts and course creators.  The curriculum for the PEP Fellowship is based on his courses at Georgetown University and through the Creator Institute, and more than 1,200 students have participated in his open community courses. Professor Koester's work includes research into more than 5,000 of the Forbes 30 under 30 to understand how exceptional young graduates stand out in today's world.  He's the author of four books, a podcast host and the creator of a video series that garnered more than 1 million views in its first year. You can learn more about Professor Koester at www.EricKoester.com or www.Creator.Institute.