Fairfax City Economic Development Fellowship
About the Fellowship
In January 2025, Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and John Cabot University signed a partnership to create an innovative fellowship program that aims to provide JCU students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in impactful economic development projects, while gaining valuable professional experience. The Fairfax City Economic Development Fellowship is a unique program designed to provide students with hands-on experience in economic development initiatives. Through this partnership, students will work on real-world projects, gain professional insights, and contribute to the growth and innovation of Fairfax City.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for three selected JCU students to engage in a four-month program focused on:
- Performing market analyses to identify Italian businesses ready for U.S. expansion;
- Developing tailored marketing strategies to promote Fairfax City’s business-friendly environment;
- Collaborating with Italian business associations to strengthen relationships and expand FCED’s Italian network.
The fellows’ work will culminate in a visit to Fairfax City in May 2025, where they
will present their findings and strategic plan to key stakeholders, including city
officials, the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, and local business leaders.
The week-long immersive experience will also include networking opportunities, business
site visits, and cultural exchanges.
This fellowship reflects JCU’s commitment to providing real-world opportunities for
students to thrive. We encourage all eligible students to apply and explore this transformative
experience.
For more information, please consult the Fairfax City Fellowship Job Description.
For-Credit Internship Position with Fairfax City Economic Development office (FDEC) - 2025
Job Title
Fairfax City Economic Development Fellow
About the Host Organization
Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is focused on strengthening economic growth
in Fairfax City, Virginia, through initiatives that attract international businesses.
Known for its innovative business incubator, FCED supports international business
recruitment and offers a collaborative environment for new ventures.
Fellowship Summary
The FCED Fellowship offers JCU students a unique, immersive experience in economic
development. Fellows will work closely with FCED staff on international outreach initiatives,
focusing on market research for and promotion of Fairfax City as an attractive U.S.
base for Italian businesses looking to expand into the US market. This role offers
a blend of research, marketing, client engagement, and strategic planning responsibilities,
aiming to support FCED’s objectives in Italy and increase the Fellow’s real-world
business acumen.
Key Responsibilities
- Research & Strategy: Conduct research to identify Italian companies interested in U.S. market expansion;
- Develop a database of potential business partners and create tailored outreach strategies;
- Marketing & Brand Promotion: Contribute to the creation of a marketing strategy for FCED, specifically targeting Italian businesses. Develop promotional materials and draft collateral for Italian audiences;
- Client Engagement: Act as a point of contact between Italian businesses and FCED. Conduct initial outreach and foster relationships with Italian business communities to promote FCED services;
- Program Collaboration: Participate in weekly virtual meetings with FCED’s business investment team and contribute to brainstorming sessions. Work collaboratively with team members on strategic goals and deliverables.
Requirements
- Education: Must be a current JCU student, ideally in business, marketing, economics, or a related field;
- Skills: Strong research, communication, and organizational skills. Comfort with client engagement and the ability to work independently;
- Experience: Prior experience in business research or marketing is a plus. Interest in international business, economic development, or U.S.-Italy relations preferred;
- Status: Junior or Senior standing preferred.
Qualifications
- Minimum GPA of 3.00;
- Familiarity with the Italian business landscape and an interest in economic development;
- Bilingual in Italian and English is an advantage.
Professional Development Opportunities
- Hands-on Experience: Fellows will gain practical skills in research, client engagement, and strategic marketing;
- Networking: Exposure to international business professionals and policymakers;
- Career Pathways: This fellowship builds a strong foundation for careers in economic development, international business, and government relations.
Unique Program Benefits
Selected candidates that successfully complete the for-credit internship will qualify
for the week-long immersive Fairfax City Study Trip, 10 to 17 May, 2025.
- Experiential Learning:
- Students will meet in teams with FCED staff to observe portfolio functions, present Italy-based work
- Attend a City Council meeting and meet with the Mayor
- Participate in business investment meetings on-site or at FCED with city- and regional-companies.
- Attend facilitated lunch-and-learn meetings with regional partners or businesses.
- Travel & Accommodations: FCED covers airfare, accommodation, and transportation during the U.S. site visit.
- Conference Access: Fellows will attend the SelectUSA conference with FCED, offering networking with U.S. commercial officers and potential employers.
- Cultural Activities: Organized visits to significant cultural and business sites in the D.C. metro area.
Application Process
The application should be sent to [email protected]. Only applications from a johncabot.edu account will be considered.
About Fairfax City Economic Development
Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at www.gofairfaxcity.com.
Program Details
Program Application Opens: October 10
Application Deadline: November 10
Fellowship Start Date: Spring semester, week 1
Fellowship End Date: Spring semester, week 14
NOTE: The program is offered in Spring only.
Eligibility
- Open to JCU undergraduate students in their sophomore year or higher;
- Students from all majors are encouraged to apply;
- Minimum GPA: 3.0;
- Demonstrated interest in economic development, public policy, or related fields.
Program Format
Program Duration
The program will last 14 weeks in the Spring semester at JCU, plus one week in Summer
in Fairfax City, VA, USA.
Program Structure
Students will work on projects defined by Fairfax City Economic Development Authority
(FCEDA) and collaborate with local stakeholders.
Credit and Non-Credit Options
Students can choose to participate for academic credit if in compliance with the university Requirements for For Credit Internships, or as a non-credit professional experience. The for-credit internship will be attributed to the fields of business, entrepreneurship, management or marketing, depending on the specific focus of the project, which may vary from year to year.
Financial Information
With regards to the field trip in Virginia, USA, the following will apply:
Covered by FCED:
- Round-trip airfare and land transportation to Fairfax City;
- Housing accommodation for the duration of the visit;
- Participation in program activities.
Covered by Students:
- ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization or Visa cost;
- Travel insurance (mandatory);
- Meals and personal expenses;
- Any additional travel outside of program activities.
Application Process
The application process is divided into three phases:
- Online Application — Submit your CV, transcript, and a personal statement outlining your interest and qualifications, to [email protected], with Fairfax City Fellowship Application in the Subject field. Only applications from a johncabot.edu account will be considered.
- Interview — Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- Selection — All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application by the beginning of the Spring semester at the latest.
All applications must go through the Center for Career Services. Should the student apply directly to the partner company/organization, JCU will not be able to take care of the necessary paperwork and insurance activation.
Meet the Fellows
The three selected students who will participate in this pioneering fellowship in Spring 2025 are:
- Nina Lange: junior majoring in communications and minoring in entrepreneurship;
- Samuele Nusca-Dagon: sophomore majoring in psychology and marketing;
- Mario Dinicola: junior majoring in economics and finance, minoring in mathematics and computer science.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
All JCU undergraduate students in their second year or higher with a minimum GPA of
3.0 are eligible.
Can I participate without taking the fellowship for credit?
Yes, students can participate either for academic credit (depending on eligibility)
or as a non-credit professional experience.
Why might an applicant be rejected?
Applications are evaluated on academic performance, the quality of the personal statement,
and alignment with the fellowship’s goals. Feedback will be provided to all applicants.
Will there be another chance to apply if I am not selected?
This fellowship runs annually. Students who are not selected may apply for the next
edition.
Are meals included in the program?
No, students are responsible for their meals, though some meals will be part of the
program activities.
Info Session
The Center for Career Services and the Frank J. Guarini School of Business will host a dedicated information session in the Fall. The precise date will be found in the university's official calendar.
Contact Information
For further questions, please contact the director of the Frank J. Guarini School of Business at [email protected].