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I've been looking at information about AmeriCorps, but I still don't quite get the different programs and what volunteers do. You were in it for a year after college, right? Can you explain? -Jana
Yes! Well...sort of. It's confusing, trust me -- and I even lived it for a year. Think of AmeriCorps as the umbrella. You can't just serve in AmeriCorps; you have to be in a specific program that falls under it. Read about AC State and National, NCCC and VISTA and see which seems to fit you best. There are even some super-specific sub-programs such as Promise Fellows (focuses on youth) that you might come across.
I did the VISTA program, which for the most part places volunteers in fulltime, year-long positions with community nonprofit organizations whose work helps alleviate poverty. The positions are designed to build organizational capacity, not provide direct service to clients. Buuut the rules aren't solid: Programs can be indirectly related to poverty reduction and may have direct service components.
Here are some from-experience tips for getting started on the AmeriCorps search:
- The position search on their website sucks. Use it anyway, but search expired positions for ideas and contact organizations directly. They post new positions really late sometimes, but often if there is a volunteer in a specific position right now, there will be another one in the future.
- Don't just search AmeriCorps for positions, search positions for AmeriCorps. Poetic, I know, but really. Want to work for a specific organization or type of organization? Go to their website and look for evidence of AmeriCorps involvement, or contact them directly and ask whether they host volunteers and/or know any other organizations in their field that do.
- Remember it's a real job. Don't get cocky -- just because there's not much money involved doesn't mean AmeriCorps positions aren't competitive. I was part of the hiring process for my VISTA replacement, and we got a ton of applications, several from people with advanced degrees, many years of experience and a heck of a lot more to offer than I did. As the job market shrinks, I think the demand for these positions -- which are guaranteed for a year and come with benefits -- will grow, so it might even get more "real." Anyway, take it seriously. Proofread everything. Practice for your interview.
I graduate in May, and the job market obviously sucks. Should I just plan on moving back in with my parents and doing nothing for a while? -Nate
It does suck. But it doesn't mean you have to become one with the couch by mid-summer. First, let me just say that you might get a job. Don't give up before you even start. People are still retiring and getting promoted and making horizontal moves -- so positions are still opening up.
But if it doesn't go well...
It's the perfect time to travel if you've always wanted to backpack Europe or car-trip the U.S. (you don't get graduation money for nothing!). And yes, maybe a good time to think about crashing with the family. But even if you can't quite afford your own place and the job thing's not looking good, you can still get a lot of great experience. I think the best thing you can do is get an internship or volunteer opportunity at a place you'd love to work in the future. Even if they can't pay you, you'll be valuable -- especially when many places are forced to do layoffs and are probably dealing with the same workload but fewer workers. How could they say no? And when the economy recovers, you're going to be in a great position to get hired.
Another thing to think about is school. Might you want to do more in a year or two? It might be worth doing it now. Enrollment in colleges and universities is going up as the economy goes down because, hey, if you can't get a job anyway, at least you'll be more marketable -- and worth more financially -- in a couple years when you finish and the job situation is better. I didn't decide to go to grad school because of the economy, but now that I'm here, I'm very glad I did.
I look at job postings all the time but is it too early to actually apply for a job when I don't graduate for three more months? -Meghan
Maybe, but that shouldn't stop you. Unfortunately because, as stated above, The Economy Sucks, employers can be extremely picky. If they want someone to start in two weeks, they can easily narrow down the pool to only those who can start in two weeks -- and still have plenty of people to choose from.
So while employers are probably not currently posting positions they want filled in June, it's always worth getting your name in someone's head. Just don't lead them to believe you can start next Monday if you can't do it. Be clear in your cover letter: Even if they can't wait, they may keep you in mind for another position in the future if they like your application.
I even sent in a letter for a job that started months to early and, instead of saying "I'd like to apply for the blah blah position..." I basically said, I know it's too early but I think this job is perfect for me. Please let me know if anything like it comes up this summer. I didn't end up going to work there but made a great contact.
Need some get-hired tips, for now or in the future? Check out some healthcare-specific tips from Experience. Keywords: volunteer, train and diversify.
Burningkarma, thanks for the photo!
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