Frequently Asked Questions

Question #1: If I submit one resume to CDC representatives at the PMF Job Fair, am I applying for every position offered at the CDC?

Answer: No. Each individual office handles the hiring process differently. You should contact EACH office that you are interested in prior to the PMF Job Fair to be sure that you receive full consideration from each office hiring PMFs at the CDC.

Questions #2: Who is my point of contact during the application process?

Answer: You actually have several points of contact that you should stay in touch with during the application process. The first contact is the office that you will be working for. It is important to maintain contact with them because they can assist you with getting the details of your PMF position finalized. The second contact is the personnel generalist who actually extended the job offer to you. They will be able to assist you in selecting a starting date and getting the appropriate paperwork completed as well as answering questions about salary and benefits. The third contact is the PMF Coordinator. Karen Scarlett-Adams (770 488-1942) is the CDC PMF Coordinator and can assist you with any questions that you have about the PMF Program at CDC. Your fourth contact is current and former PMFs. These individuals know what you are going through and would be glad to talk with you about any questions or concerns that you have. Current and former PMFs are listed on the following page.Current and Former PMIs

Question #3: Are there any current or former PMFs who could speak to me about the PMF process and the PMF Program in general?

Answer: Yes, there are currently over 90 current PMFs and alumni at the CDC who are available to talk to PMFs applying to the CDC. Please see the following page for the names and numbers of these PMFs. Current and Former PMIs

Question #4: What is unique about working for the CDC?

Answer: CDC is recognized as the lead Federal Agency for protecting the health and safety of people - at home and abroad, providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States. The CDC is also unique in that it is one of the only Federal Agencies headquartered outside of Washington, D.C.

Question #5: What types of career development experiences are available to PMFs at the CDC?

Answer: As a CDC PMF, you will have opportunities to participate in many unique training experiences specifically held for PMFs. In recent years, CDC PMFs have combined leadership training courses with ropes courses. CDC PMFs also have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Congressional Operations Seminar held by the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University. Other career development activities include special tours of the CDC laboratories, rotations to other parts of CDC, and rotations to Capitol Hill and other government agencies.

Question #6: What types of social activities are available to PMFs at the CDC?

Answer: PMFs at the CDC have many opportunities to network and meet other PMFs at the CDC and in the Atlanta region. CDC PMFs hold monthly PMF lunches at area restaurants as well as other social outings such as Happy Hours, movie nights, ice-skating at Centennial Park and theater nights. PMFs also have the opportunity to participate in social events with other area PMFs through their Career Development Group (CDG).

Question #7: What types of training are available?

Answer: The CDC offers its PMF employees many unique training experiences. The CDC is home to one of the country’s leading corporate universities and has a strong belief in assisting and training each employee to develop the skills necessary to perform their job at the highest level of competence. In addition to courses through the CDC Corporate University, training opportunities are also available through OPM, other Federal Agencies and commercial vendors.

Question #8: Will I have to develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) when I join the CDC?

Answer: Yes. The IDP is viewed as a roadmap to the entire internship. We suggest that PMFs work with their supervisors on developing their IDPs as soon as they begin work and have them completed within two to three months. You will receive more information on IDPs at the CDC PMF Orientation and at the OPM PMF Orientation.

Question #9: Will I have a chance to travel?

Answer: Although travel opportunities vary by position, many CDC PMFs get opportunities to travel to Washington, D.C. and other CDC field offices as a part of their job. In addition, past PMFs have also had select opportunities to travel internationally.

Question #10: What has been the career progression of PMFs at the CDC?

Answer: The CDC strongly supports career development of its PMFs. Former PMFs have already achieved management positions both within the CDC and at other government agencies.