Fellows are given the opportunity to express their preferences for working in particular areas of the government, and every effort is made to accommodate these preferences. Unlike some fellowship programs in which fellows work in one agency or department throughout their tenure, Capital City Fellows work in four different agencies over the course of the two years. As a result, Fellows have the opportunity to see many facets of the city government. Also, Fellows do not need to undergo interviews in addition to the application process in order to secure their first placement. Instead, the Office of Personnel coordinates the placements.
Fellows participate in regular required and optional development activities.
Development activities cover areas such as budgeting, procurement, and human resources, and expose the Fellows to government initiatives and processes outside of their placements. Fellows are also assigned a city official as a mentor who will serve as a source of support and guidance throughout the fellowship. As long as Fellows receive satisfactory performance evaluations, they are guaranteed placements throughout the two years. Fellows are subject to performance evaluations at the end of each six-month placement. Assuming that the Fellows complete their two-year commitment, receive favorable performance evaluations, and want to continue working for the city, every effort will be made by DC Office of Personnel staff, agency staff and the Fellows themselves to find appropriate positions at the end of the fellowships.