Volunteering After Graduation
Is volunteering after graduation right for me?
Many full-time volunteer organizations offer invaluable experiences, whether it is abroad or domestic. These are experiences that you won't get if you start a career or go to grad school right after graduation. Also, you will most likely build long-lasting and invaluable relationships with the people you work with and serve.
Reflection Questions:
- What is my motivation for seeking a volunteer opportunity?
- How will volunteering affect my career plans or goals?
- What’s the application process and timeline for a full-time service position?
- Does volunteering fit with your lifestyle goals post-graduation?
- What are the financial resources available (i.e., stipend, scholarship, loan deferment, an education grant, health insurance, etc.)?
- Can the organization provide you with names of former volunteers for you to contact and talk about their experiences?
- What are the safety concerns regarding the area in which you will be working, traveling through and living?
Research Volunteer Programs
Search Engines:
Highlighted Programs:
- Amate House
- Americorps
- Ampact (formerly MN Reading Corps)
- Benedictine Volunteer Corps (for SJU only)
- College Possible
- Jesuit Volunteer Corp
- Mercy Volunteer Corps
- Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)
- Peace Corps
- St. Joseph Workers (for CSB only)
- Teach for America
- Vincentian Mission Corps
- World Teach