In The News: Volunteering Up Among College Grads

With the job market continuing to tank, a growing number of recent college graduates are looking to volunteer opportunities rather than paid employment.

Especially popular are overseas volunteer opportunities.

According to this article from the Lexington Herald Leader, the Peace Corps has received 16 percent more applications this year than last year. Americans are also doubling up on their application to Canada’s largest volunteer international development group, CUSO-Voluntary Service Overseas.

The article points out that volunteering at home is also up. Teach for America, the national program that sends college graduates to teach in rural and urban under-funded school districts, saw a 50 percent increase in applications last year.

In addition to being a wonderful opportunity to practice a little altruism, volunteering is great way to earn some invaluable experience and keep your resume current. If you are interested in learning more, check out JobMonkey’s extensive section on overseas volunteer jobs.