I’ve often heard of academics heading off to do an academic fellowship. Several, upon return, have commented on how the fellowship helped them connect with urgent issues, charge their batteries, and get ideas and resources for research.

Fellowship opportunities are diverse in their functions and duration. Firms, standard setters, enforcement agencies, etc. are often interested in the perspective an academic can bring to the table. Fellowships usually last 1-3 years. The PCAOB recently announced that they are going to begin such a program to help in their Office of Research and Analysis.