MNN - Mother Nature Network

If you are a recent college graduate or you're expecting to graduate this May, the last career fair affiliated with the University of Alabama occurred Monday, March 29. The fair lasted from 12-3 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Ferguson Center, and welcomed all who were interested. 

 

Although this specific fair targeted jobs within government, military and public and social services, there were some opportunities for everyone. In case you missed the career fair, there's no need to worry. Several organizations were represented, but a few particularly stuck out to those without government or business-oriented degrees and can help anyone gain work and community experience.

 

 

The American Red Cross. This well-known organization aims to benefit people all over the world. If you live or are planning to live in the Alabama region, this organization has a few job openings that may be of interest to you. 

 

 

If you want to apply to any of these positions with the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross, you can download the application to fax your resume with salary requirements to (205) 458-8284 or email it to bacstaffing@birminghamredcross.org. No phone calls or agencies, please. 

 

The Peace Corps. This independent U.S. government agency has been providing volunteers to numerous countries requesting assistance throughout the globe for nearly 50 years. If accepted, the program lasts a little over two years. Since the organization is so well known, it is a very competitive application process. Of the average 12,000 applications received, only 3,600 are selected. Visit the organization's website on all the requirements needed of its volunteers, or call 800-424-8580 to speak with a recruiter near you for more information on becoming a part of the organization. The application process can take up to one year, but will be well worth the wait.

 

Teach For America. This two-year paid program has a simple goal of ending education inequity in the United States public school systems with recent college graduates selected to work in the 35 different regions sponsored throughout the country. Teach For America provides the proper training, so you don't have to be an education major to join. Upon completion of the program, alumni wishing to go to graduate school may also affiliate with the many graduate school partnerships tied within the organization for their benefit. Visit the organization's website to see what is required of its prospective employees. Although the deadline for 2010 applications was in February, you can apply for 2011 online that will be followed with a 30-minute interview with a Teach For America representative in the coming months. The most promising will be invited back for a final, daylong interview. Applications are non-binding.

 

Times are tough for those recently graduated or planning to graduate from college and participate in the job search, so every opportunity should be approached. If the organizations mentioned aren't for you, take some time to look at the others represented at Monday's career fair. You may stumble upon some pleasant job surprises and open up your future to numerous possibilities.