Service-oriented jobs, in light of nationwide economic downturn, considered a 'wise career move' for Loyola graduates
Jacqueline Lovdahl
Issue date: 10/13/09 Section: News
Post-college service also provides alumni with several tangible benefits. Many organizations offer student loan deferment, educational grants, higher education opportunities (for instance, obtaining a masters degree), health insurance and financial accommodations (transportation, stipends and housing).
Tina Esser, '12, an elementary education major, said, "This option is attractive because it gives me the opportunity to give back to the community while also developing my place in the education community. With the amazing education program here at Loyola, I'm not worried about finding a job after I graduate - I'm more concerned about finding the time and financial means to go back to school and get my masters degree."
Malia Lien, CCSJ program coordinator and coordinator of the nonprofit and community service career fair, believes that "working with a nonprofit organization for a year can help students to discern what they want to do in the future. For example, law students can seek service opportunities working as a legal aide, which then gives students the opportunity to obtain professional experience before committing to the occupation. You get a taste of what you may want to pursue."
Many people may have the misconception that working for a nonprofit organization after graduation is equivalent to taking a year off, which will then set alumni back in the "real world." As a whole, employers prefer candidates who are well-rounded and who are experienced. Whether students participate in short term (3-6 months) or long-term (1-2 years) service after graduation, their resume will stand out from other candidates when seeking a job.
Alumna Maura Toomb, '08, who recently returned from her year of service, notes that it was not the state of the economy that drew her to this career decision, but it was more of the values and life experience that she was attracted to.
"My year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps was absolutely a wise career move. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience - I learned about myself, the way I relate to the world and to other people. I also gained valuable, real-life work experience working at the Public Defender Agency in Bethel, Alaska. I am very interested in going to law school in the next few years, and working in a law office helped me to cement that decision" said Toomb
Several companies are flexible when offering a candidate a job when they know that this candidate wants to pursue work with a specific service organization.
"I know students who have actually deferred job offers in order to do a year of service, and employers are very welcoming to this move," said Rowley.
A growing number of companies possess community-service related organizations within the company, so to have a candidate participate in a year of service and then return to their standing job offer with even more experience makes this candidate increasingly valuable within the company.
Said Rowley, "Employers know how the Jesuit mission has impacted students and how being able to continue this service is important."
Tina Esser, '12, an elementary education major, said, "This option is attractive because it gives me the opportunity to give back to the community while also developing my place in the education community. With the amazing education program here at Loyola, I'm not worried about finding a job after I graduate - I'm more concerned about finding the time and financial means to go back to school and get my masters degree."
Malia Lien, CCSJ program coordinator and coordinator of the nonprofit and community service career fair, believes that "working with a nonprofit organization for a year can help students to discern what they want to do in the future. For example, law students can seek service opportunities working as a legal aide, which then gives students the opportunity to obtain professional experience before committing to the occupation. You get a taste of what you may want to pursue."
Many people may have the misconception that working for a nonprofit organization after graduation is equivalent to taking a year off, which will then set alumni back in the "real world." As a whole, employers prefer candidates who are well-rounded and who are experienced. Whether students participate in short term (3-6 months) or long-term (1-2 years) service after graduation, their resume will stand out from other candidates when seeking a job.
Alumna Maura Toomb, '08, who recently returned from her year of service, notes that it was not the state of the economy that drew her to this career decision, but it was more of the values and life experience that she was attracted to.
"My year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps was absolutely a wise career move. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience - I learned about myself, the way I relate to the world and to other people. I also gained valuable, real-life work experience working at the Public Defender Agency in Bethel, Alaska. I am very interested in going to law school in the next few years, and working in a law office helped me to cement that decision" said Toomb
Several companies are flexible when offering a candidate a job when they know that this candidate wants to pursue work with a specific service organization.
"I know students who have actually deferred job offers in order to do a year of service, and employers are very welcoming to this move," said Rowley.
A growing number of companies possess community-service related organizations within the company, so to have a candidate participate in a year of service and then return to their standing job offer with even more experience makes this candidate increasingly valuable within the company.
Said Rowley, "Employers know how the Jesuit mission has impacted students and how being able to continue this service is important."
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