Can I apply even if I have less than three years of work experience?
We have found that those with less than three years of full-time work experience often do not have the skills and experience required to handle the demands of early-stage startups.
Will part-time or internship experience count towards work experience?
While we value such experience, part time work or internships will count only once you clear the minimum requirement of three years full-time work experience that we look for.
Are you looking for individuals only with those specific functional areas mentioned on the selection page?
We are looking for skilled and committed individuals with strong business experience. The areas we have mentioned under our criteria such as, operations, finance, marketing, sales, HR, and design are functional areas that an enterprise typically requires support in. However, if you have substantive experience in other areas, please do not hesitate to apply. If your skills and interests match what one of our enterprises or programs need, we would be happy to accept you.
Is the program open to only Indian citizens or do you welcome foreign applicants?
Villgro seeks Fellows who will bring diverse backgrounds and experience to create a dynamic team environment. While our preference is for Indian applicants and applicants of Indian origin, in keeping with the mission of the fellowship program, we welcome applicants of other nationalities. We are prepared to do what is possible and reasonable, within the guidelines of Indian law, to address Fellows' visa and immigration needs in order to ensure that we include the most promising future leaders. Villgro Fellows must, however, be reasonably fluent in English.
Is this a good way to gain a first immersion abroad?
The most successful Villgro Fellows have already spent a certain amount of time abroad in developing or emerging economies when they begin their fellowship. As this is a deep immersion experience, cultural comfort and adaptability are key to a fellow's positive experience. Prior experience generally leads to a fellow having an easier time adjusting to cultural differences and diving right into the work. For first-hand accounts of life in the field, the Fellows blog would be a good place to start.
Is there an age or education requirement for the program?
There is no specific age or degree requirement for the program. However, we typically seek individuals with 3-7 years of work experience.
Will the stipend be sufficient to cover accommodation and expenses?
Villgro provides Fellows with a stipend that covers reasonable monthly living costs for the duration of the year- long program. The stipend is designed to cover only the costs typically associated with, and incurred during, the program. You should not expect to save any money during this year or to have money left over to cover previous expenses (e.g. repay student loans). During the induction program in Chennai, Fellows will be provided with housing. Stipend amounts are designed to cover the basic costs associated with safe yet frugal living.
Can I participate for fewer than 12 months?
No. Both Villgro and its incubatees feel strongly that an assignment of at least 10 months is required for both the Fellow and the enterprise to have a substantive engagement.
What is the mission of the Villgro Fellowship?
The mission of the Villgro Fellowship is to build a pipeline of leaders for the social enterprise sector in India. We expect our Fellows to combine their skills with their passion and commitment to create solutions to poverty while filling a critical talent gap in young social enterprises in India.
How is the Fellowship program structured?
Villgro's year-long fellowship will begin in mid-June with four weeks of intensive multidisciplinary induction and training, both online and at our Chennai headquarters. This will serve as an orientaion into social enterprise as a concept and expose you to business models in the sector. Training will explore issues related to our investment sectors and target demographics. Following induction, Fellows begin their 11-month field placements with our incubatee companies. Each Fellow is assigned to a role where they support senior management in tackling critical business issues — market expansion, business plan refinement, supply chain improvements, or even leading a new business initiative. Over the months, Fellows learn and apply skills while enjoying an unusual level of responsibility. Fellows also convene for two Leadership Development workshops, a week-long each, to reconnect, share lessons, and support each other in navigating challenges in the field. At the end of field assignment, the Fellows return to Chennai for a week in July for an off-boarding program to share experiences and lessons learned, and to focus on their next steps.
I have limited access to the Internet. Can you mail me an application or can I download a copy off your website? Instead of using your format, may I mail you my own format?
No, you must submit your application using our online application form. You can save the application form at every stage; this will allow you the flexibility to prepare your answers and fill them out carefully. We will not accept or review any other documents in lieu of the online application.
