College is over. You’ve completed your undergraduate degree and now you have no idea what to do. Your parents are telling you to go to grad school, and your wallet is telling you to find a career. But your heart may be telling you to explore, volunteer, travel the world, or maybe it’s telling you that you need to take a break.
What are some alternatives to obtaining a traditional job after graduation? And why should I do it?
Some people take time for self exploration, cognitive development, worldly experience, and gain a new outlook on life that may very well influence what they want to do in the future.
Deciding what opportunity is right for you.
It’s been decided. You’re going to take a year off. You’ve earned a break from school. But now what? Here are a few tips to get your adventure started.
• Start planning a year in advance –
This way you’ll be ready to leave as soon as you graduate and be completely prepared for what is in store for you.
• Do some self-assessment –
Ask yourself questions such as “What issues are important to me?”, and “What places do I want to travel to?” Before you figure out how to embark on your adventure you need to know why you are doing it. You need to discover your own motivations for wanting to do this.
• Start Researching! –
The more research you do the more prepared you will be when your experience finally comes to fruition. Prepare a budget; know the funds at your disposal. While some programs may pay you to take part, there are others that require you to pay for your own travel expenses, or require you to pay for other various amenities.
• Pick the right program –
There are many opportunities out there and most likely there is one that suits you! There will be very tightly planned experiences and other experiences that give you more freedom. Ultimately it is up to you to make sure you know what you want out of the experience. That will make all of the difference.
Alternative Employment Resources
www.idealist.org
http://www.gapyear.com
http://www.wwoofusa.org - Organic farm opportunities, local and abroad!
Service/Volunteering Resources
http://www.americorps.gov/
www.publicallies.org
www.teachforamerica.org
http://www.peacecorps.gov/
www.cityyear.org
www.redcross.org
www.gooverseas.com
http://www.kayavolunteer.com/
Fellowships and Internships
http://scholarships.fatomei.com
http://us.fulbrightonline.org/
https://carnegieendowment.org/about/jr-fellows/
