NYCEDC Fellowship Program FAQs

General 
Eligibility 
Application Process 
Program Experience

General

Are the FIRE Fellows provided compensation and benefits during the program?       
Yes. Fellows receive an annual salary of $70,000 and benefits including a company-paid 401(a) defined contribution plan; 457(b) tax-advantaged retirement savings plans; medical, dental and vision benefits; paid time off; and other perks.

What are the date and time requirements for this program?       
The Fellowship runs from September 15, 2025 until January 15, 2027. Fellows are expected to work full-time Monday through Friday, i.e., 35 hours a week.

Do I need to have a real estate degree or experience in real estate to apply?       
No. All majors and backgrounds are welcome to apply to this fellowship, however, degrees related to the following areas are preferred: Asset Management, Real Estate Development, Economics, Public Policy, Economic Development, Architecture, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Business Administration, and/or Finance.

What is the FIRE Fellowship Program looking for in applicants?       
Apart from general eligibility, we are looking for:

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for the mission of NYCEDC and interest in a real estate development related career path
• Familiarity in topics related to NYCEDC’s business, including real estate development, urban planning, economic development, infrastructure, the built environment, government relations, public service, New York City’s people and neighborhoods.
• Proven ability in using database and presentation tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Demonstrated interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills
• Detail-oriented, organized and proactive, with the ability to handle competing priorities and manage deadlines
• Proven ability to work in collaborative, cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated quantitative skills and experience developing economic models in Microsoft Excel is preferred
• Proficiency in real estate financial analysis, alternatives analysis and other forms of quantitative decision-making is a plus
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus

What work will the Fellows do?  
Due to the rotational structure of this program, your work will vary from department to department.

In Asset Management you’ll observe the planning, leasing, and management of our various property types (including industrial, commercial, and waterfront assets) by supporting lease administration, tenant relations, property management, and business development initiatives.

In Neighborhood Strategies you’ll work alongside our internal teams and external local stakeholders to ensure that our place-based projects respond to community needs.

In Real Estate Transactional Services, you’ll help execute complex real estate transactions by conducting financial and feasibility analyses, drafting proposal requests, and witnessing the negotiation process.

Is there a housing stipend?       
No. We do not offer a housing stipend.

Eligibility

What are the eligibility requirements for fellows?  
Applicants must be recent graduates (within 1-2 years) of a CUNY or SUNY undergraduate program and have 1-2 years of professional work experience. That work experience can consist of internships and/or full-time positions. Applicants must also be able to work full-time (35 hours per week) at NYCEDC’s offices for the entirety of the 16-month program.

If I’m an alumnus from a CUNY or SUNY associate’s program and am currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, can I be eligible?  
Yes. We will accept applications from candidates who completed an associate’s program. However, you must be enrolled or have completed your additional bachelor’s degree at a CUNY or SUNY university.

If I’m an alumnus of a CUNY or SUNY undergraduate program but am currently enrolled in a master's program (at a CUNY/SUNY school or elsewhere), am I still eligible?     
Yes, we will be accepting applications from candidates who have completed or are pursuing a master’s degree – so long as they completed their bachelor’s degree at a CUNY or SUNY school.

Are international applicants eligible to apply?     
The program requires that you are either a US citizen, a permanent resident (i.e., holder of a green card), a DACA recipient, have TPS, or have a visa that allows you to complete the fellowship without sponsorship.

Are current NYCEDC employees eligible for the FIRE Fellowship?     
No. We are not accepting applications from current NYCEDC employees at this time.

Application Process

What application materials are required?    
A complete application consists of:

• Resume
• Cover letter

For your cover letter, be sure to answer the following questions:

• What about NYCEDC’s mission excites you the most?
• Why do you think the FIRE Fellowship Program is the best next step for your career?
• What past experiences would set you apart from other candidates?
• What impact would you be looking to make for New York City?

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Who will review applications and interview candidates?    
Applications will be reviewed by an internal selection committee consisting of representatives from the Talent Acquisition team and the participating departments.

What is the FIRE Fellowship program selection timeline?

• May 5, 2025: Applications open
• June 2, 2025: Applications close
• June 2025: Preliminary interviews
• July-August 2025: Department interviews + decisions
• September 15, 2025: Program starts

Note: this timeline is subject to change.

Are applicants required to undergo a background check?    
Yes. Accepted candidates need to pass a background check prior to starting the fellowship program.

How many fellows are selected for the program each year?    
For the 2025-2027 program, there will be a total of four fellows selected.

Program Experience

What is the FIRE Fellowship educational component?    
FIRE Fellows will participate in robust educational and professional development programs, including speaker series, industry events, capstone projects, and more! Specifically, Fellows will be enrolled in select courses through the Urban Land Institute. Through that curriculum,  fellows will be introduced to topics covering business, real estate, and leadership fundamentals, while enhancing their experience with NYCEDC and the broader NYC real estate community. The specific programming calendar will be shared with Fellows upon start.

Can fellows expect to convert to a full-time position at NYCEDC following the program?    
While full-time placements at NYCEDC are not guaranteed upon program completion, we will work with each fellow at the 15-month mark to determine individual career goals and initiate the interview process for relevant NYCEDC openings at that time.

Where can I direct additional questions?    
Please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] with additional questions. We will do our best to answer each inquiry within one week.