|
job search strategies
<< back to Job Search Strategies 1. About Job Searches 2. The Right Job Search Attitude 3. Know Your Needs 4. Evaluating An Offer 5. Networking 6. Resumes 7. Non-Profit Salaries 8. About Volunteer and Service Programs > volunteer and service programs This section originally appeared in E-Venture, Venture's former on-line newsletter, and was written by Emily Brueckner, former Venture Consortium Program Coordinator. This feature gives you the inside scoop on Volunteer Programs and highlights some of the things you can expect from a year of service. Click on any of the questions below to learn more about the exciting opportunities in the world of socially-conscious non-profits available for soon-to-be and recent college graduates. questions
1. Why would I want to participate in a Volunteer Service Program? 2. What compensation and benefits will I receive as a volunteer? 3. What will my living situation be like? 4. I haven't done this type of work before. Am I qualified for the available positions? 5. Will I receive any support? Who will help me if I have a problem while I am in the program? 6. What will happen to my student loans if I volunteer? 7. If I decide to join a program, how long will I be committed to volunteering? 8. What will I do when the program is over? 9. What are some examples of a volunteer placement? Go to College. Graduate. Get a job- any job, as long as it pays the bills - and stick with it until you find something that interests you and for which you're qualified. Or go to graduate school and delay the first option. For many college seniors and recent graduates these may seem like the only two possible paths that post-college-graduation life can take, but the good news is that there are literally hundreds of opportunities for recent graduates to do meaningful, creative, challenging work in the non-profit sector. Joining an established volunteer program or participating in a funded fellowship or training opportunity can be a financially feasible way for recent graduates to gain valuable work experience, explore socially-minded career options, and take some chances on a profession they might otherwise ignore. (back to top) To state the obvious, joining a volunteer program isn't going to earn you enough money to retire at the end of the year (or two or three). But many programs are structured to cover your living expenses while you volunteer, so although you probably won't make any extra cash, careful budgeting will enable you to not lose money or wind up with more debt than when you started. The manner in which volunteers are compensated can vary greatly between programs, but the vast majority of volunteers can expect to receive the basics: food and shelter (or a stipend to cover these costs). In many instances, compensation can also come in the form of health insurance or a given number of days off from work throughout the year. Additionally, some programs provide transportation for participants, or cover the volunteer'stransportation costs. This can mean travel costs to relocate before the job begins, or it can refer to the daily task of getting to and from work. Be aware that a few programs require that YOU pay THEM for the experience, but even these for-cost programs sometimes offer financial assistance in the from of scholarships or fundraising opportunities. (back to top) The vast number of program choices makes it impossible to describe the "typical" living situation that a volunteer might encounter, but it also means that potential volunteers can probably find a program to match their interests. Opportunities exist within the United States and internationally, and housing ranges from sharing an apartment with other volunteers to living with a local family to inhabiting a room owned by a host agency. Regardless of where a volunteer ends up living, participants may find comfort in knowing that the program staff and affiliates serve as a support system and act as a resource should the volunteer encounter any problems. Be aware, however, that all programs are structured differently, and some programs offer more support than others. (back to top) Volunteer programs accept, recruit, and are often geared toward young adults and recent college graduates, so employers who host and sponsor volunteers recognize that program participants will probably arrive for the first day of work without extensive training or years of professional experience. Many agencies are interested in the educational background as well as the creativity, dedication, and motivation volunteers possess, and employers are willing to provide job-specific training when a volunteer arrives. While some placements do look for specific skills- such as the ability to speak another language- a volunteer can expect training to occur at the beginning of the job and to be ongoing throughout the year. Most program applications outline any specific qualifications that volunteers need for the job. In order to aid volunteers in the transition to their new jobs and, in some cases, new cities and countries, many programs begin with an orientation session. Topics covered at orientation can range from the customs of the host country to the current welfare system, but everything is designed to equip the volunteer to make the most out of their year of service. Additionally, joining a program often includes growth and support activities outside of work, such as seminars or retreats, so that volunteers can reflect on and share their experiences, and can strive to understand the meaning of their work in a larger social context.. These various training and orientation opportunities can provide a rich experience that might not be matched by a "traditional" entry-level position for a young adult directly out of college. By the end of the year, a volunteer can expect to leave a program with resume-worthy job experience, and depending upon the organization, a deeper understanding social justice professions in the non-profit sector. (back to top) Finding yourself in a new and unfamiliar city or country is certainly exciting, but it can also be a little bit intimidating. One of the benefits of participating in a structured program is that paid staff and administrators are available to help you, so you're not completely on your own. They act as a resource to prepare you for your move, and can be called upon for support if you are unable to handle a situation by yourself. Additionally, some programs identify community members who are designated as local sources of support. Their tasks can include giving tours of the city to new volunteers and putting volunteers in contact with local social justice groups. Some volunteers may prefer to figure these things out on their own, and consider this to be part of the learning esperience; different programs have varying levels of support, so keep this in mind when you are exploring your options. (back to top) Repaying student loans involves a lot of paper work; requesting to defer or cancel student loans requires even more paperwork. But despite the fact that it can be time consuming to defer or apply for cancellation of your loans, doing so can make it financially possible to balance debt with lack of income for a year. Many individuals find temporary – and in some cases permanent – financial relief from their loans if they participate in a volunteer or service program. This section exists only to highlight some general facts about loans, and in no way replaces the information from lending institutions. It is important to carefully understand the terms of your loan to make sure that you will be eligible for deferment, and possibly cancellation. Contact your lending institution if you have any questions or need any forms. Click here for useful links to various loan websites. If you are not willing or able to defer your loan(s), keep in mind that many loans have a grace period, meaning that there is a set amount of time (six months, for example) between when you graduate and when your first loan payment is due. If you are considering a shorter term of service (like something under six months) and know that you will be able to make payments when you are done volunteering, you may not need to defer your loans. AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Created in 1993, AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and provides trained, dedicated people to help nonprofits accomplish more and make more effective use of volunteers. Members serve full or part time over a 10- to 12-month period, and full-time members receive an education award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back student loans. Members who serve part-time receive a partial education award. AmeriCorps Education Awards are available to individuals who participate in a number of volunteer programs, ranging from the Jesuit Volunteer Corps to Habitat for Humanity to the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, although volunteers need to make sure that their activities within these programs qualify. For example, a volunteer teaching at a Catholic elementary school would not be able to count religion classes as qualified service, but would be able to include subjects like math or social studies when calculating the hours to apply toward a service award. Specific programs know which placements qualify for AmeriCorps Education Awards so be sure to contact them if you are uncertain about whether a potential placement is eligible for this financial benefit. Peace Corps: Individuals who choose to participate in the Peace Corps may apply to have many types of loans deferred, and may be eligible for partial cancellation of a Perkins Loan. Click here for more information. (back to top) When you sign up for a volunteer or service program, the dates of employment are often predetermined. Long term projects can range from six months to two or more years, although the majority of domestic programs are a one year commitment. If you are looking for a new experience, wanting to do socially-conscious work, or are interested in taking a chance on a potential career, having an end-date in place may make it easier to commit to the job. That way, when the date arrives, you will not be "letting the agency down" if you choose to move on to a new job or return to school. (back to top) Volunteering will provide you with a new set of skills; what you choose to do with these skills after your term of service ends is up to you. Some volunteers return to school to pursue an advanced degree. Depending upon your aspirations, you may want to pursue a degree in law, medicine, business, social work, or public policy to prepare for a career in public interest work. Other volunteers take this work experience with them to a new job, either in a position similar to their volunteer placement or in a new field. On the other hand, if you have enjoyed your experience, volunteering is a way to "get your foot in the door," and you may be offered full-time employment at the agency where you volunteered. These possibilities allow you to view your service as a stepping stone rather than a commitment to a particular career. It can be a way for you, as a volunteer, to gain legitimate work experience while exploring the world of non-profit organizations. (back to top) View a list of numerous other volunteer programs. ArtCorps Area of Focus: Art Location: Guatemala Job description as listed on ArtCorps website: ArtCorps® was created in April 1999 by New England Biolabs Foundation as a pilot project. This project uses volunteer artists to fill the communication gap between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their constituencies, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their messages. Artists are asked to stay with the project for 9-12 months. We chose to stay in Guatemala for the time being because we have a Guatemalan coordinator and we know many NGOs in that country. As a communications medium, artists can convey any message on health, protection of the environment, sustainable agriculture, etc. by using their individual art discipline as the tool. The idea is to have volunteer artists work with a NGO in a developing country to help that NGO deliver their message more effectively. The artist will involve local residents with the art project. For example, a performing artist volunteer could guide children to create skits about health issues, a visual artist could help women design embroidered cloths with environmental themes, etc. Benefits: The artists will be volunteering their time for a period of not less than 9 months; ArtCorps® will provide travel expenses (up to $1,000) and an allowance for art materials; The host organization is responsible for providing food and housing for the volunteer; Volunteers are expected to do their own fundraising to cover incidental living expenses and health or travel insurance. Artists staying for 9 months or longer will receive health insurance from ArtCorps. (back to top) PeaceCorps Area of Focus: Environmental Issues Location: Worldwide Position description as listed on PeaceCorps website: Most general environment Volunteers have a bachelor's degree (which can be in any discipline) and a strong interest in the environment. All general environment Volunteers possess problem-solving and organizational skills, as well as leadership, enthusiasm, self-motivation, and a strong commitment to the environment. These Volunteers assist communities where environmental issues are in conflict with basic needs for farming and income generation. They sometimes work with a community to determine its needs related to environmental issues and start projects based on those needs. Volunteers work on a wide range of activities, limited only by the creativity of the community and the Volunteer. Activities can include: teaching in elementary and secondary schools; working with youth groups and others outside school settings; organizational development of environmental interest groups, often in newly emerging democracies; promoting income-generating activities, such as eco-tourism projects for communities located near protected areas; establishing small, perhaps school-based, tree nurseries and planting tree seedlings; establishing projects to control erosion and prevent the contamination of water supplies; and sanitation management in urban areas. (back to top) Jesuit Volunteer Corps Position: Case Developer/Sentencing Advocate Area of Focus: Legal Location: San Francisco, CA Position description as listed on JVC website: The mission of this non-profit organization is to reduce society's reliance on the use of incarceration as a solution to social problems. The JV works with clients (both juvenile and adult), their families and attorneys to develop alternative sentencing and pre-trial plans designed to eliminate or mitigate the use of incarceration as an element of their sentence. Plans are written and developed to meet both the goals of the court, i.e., deterrence, public safety, and, in the case of juveniles, rehabilitation, as well as the personal goals of the client through creative alternatives. The JV will participate in organizational efforts towards building public awareness of the need for systemic change in the juvenile and criminal justice process through writing/researching/editing studies on various aspects of the criminal justice system. Qualifications: Good writing and communication skills; an interest in criminal justice issues such as law, prison overcrowding, drugs, violent crime, etc.; an open mind to progressive and unconventional alternatives to jail/prison for offenders is highly recommended; typing and Macintosh skills are helpful but not necessary. Multilingual skills helpful, but not required. (back to top) << back to Job Search Strategies |
| ||