Graduating seniors generally face great career uncertainty when they finish college. Now with the economic recession, more questions are arising as to what opportunities exist in the job market now and in ones that will exist in the future.
Just a years ago, there were jobs with banks that paid handsomely and required 100-hour work weeks. Now, however, these jobs are not on the market and students are looking to pursue different avenues. That may turn out to be a good thing for public service, according to this Boston Globe article.
“There’s always that push to make money and be comfortable, but the financial crisis made me think that there’s a lot more in life than going to get that corporate job,” said Matthew Clair, a Harvard government major who will spend the next two years teaching at an Atlanta primary school. “It gave me a good excuse to take some more time off to do what I’m really passionate about.”
Statistics from the National Association from Colleges and Employers show that the anticipated hiring rate for the 2009 graduating class will drop over 21% from 2008. Statistics also show that there is an anticipated increase in Teach for America applicants. One can imagine the applicants for the City Year program will see an increase as well. So, while there is a deepening economic recession, there appears to be an increasing appeal to the idea of committing to public service.