Graduates explore alternatives to entering challenging job market

A lagging job market and President Bush's call to volunteer service during the State of the Union address has made volunteer service an attractive alternative to traditional employment for graduating students. More and more IU grads are finding their way to the Peace Corps and other service oriented job opportunities.\nPeace Corps and other volunteer organizations emphasize the skills students will achieve by donating their time and effort, including improved leadership skills and a sense of accomplishment.\nThe Teach for America Web site gives prospective teachers the testimonials of several past and current teachers. Teach for America involves a two-year commitment to teach in an underprivileged classroom. Applicants of any major are encouraged to apply, and have the opportunity to become certified as teachers at the end of their commitment.\n"There is not another job that would bring me back to work excited day in and day out as teaching does," said Jonas Chartock, a graduate of Cornell University and member of Teach for America Corps. "I enjoy my life as the 23-year-old chief executive officer of the non-profit organization known as Room 104B. I have a responsibility matched by few. The potential for 'growth' and 'increasing share-holder value' and 'opening new markets' in my industry cannot be quantified."\nThe Peace Corps also offers unique opportunities for graduates. \nScot Roskelley, public affairs specialist for the Chicago regional office, said volunteers are sent all over the world to assist people with developing businesses, agriculture and educational programs. \n"The Peace Corps is a 27 month commitment," he said. "And they are compensated. Peace Corps volunteers receive a monthly living stipend in the local currency. It is enough money to pay rent, buy food and take care of incidentals. The amount varies from country to country -- depending upon the economy in that country. In addition, volunteers are covered by health insurance. They earn vacation days. And at the end of the 27 month period, they are given a little over $6,000 which can be used to live off of while re-establishing residence in the U.S or to travel after their service."\nRoskelley said any major is accepted, but the Corps are looking for people with education, agriculture, forestry and environmental training. He said people who have taken at least one year of French are also in need because many of the Caribbean nations served speak predominantly French.\nAccording to a press release IU currently has 50 alumni serving in the Peace Corps, placing the campus tenth among universities nationwide. Only two Big Ten universities, Wisconsin and Michigan, have more alumni serving the Peace Corps.\n"The Peace Corps looks for people with very broad human resource skills," Randall Baker, director of international programs for SPEA, said in a press release. "They look for people who think outside of the box, people who can be leaders, people who show steadiness and self-discipline. As a university, we have had a high percentage of the people who apply for the Peace Corps earn acceptance, which certainly speaks well for them as individuals and also speaks well for the university."\nFor more information on how to become involved with these programs go to www.peacecorps.org or www.teachforamerica.org .