Volunteering after graduation can help liberal arts students gain valuable experience that can help their career prospects while at the same time allowing them to contribute to valuable social programs. With the tightening economy making the job market increasingly competitive, many graduates in areas such as humanities and languages are putting their skills to use in volunteer schemes at home and abroad, the Star Ledger said. One such scheme, Teach For America, which places college graduates in under-performing schools nationwide, has seen applications increase 36% this year to around 25,000. Meanwhile, the Peace Corps, which sends individuals to live and work in developing countries across the globe - 95% of whom have a undergraduate qualification - has seen a 14 per cent rise in applicants this year. The programs say the surge is partly down to more graduates wanting to help out in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Katrina. But there can also be career benefits, as volunteer work can enhance a resume or give graduates time to assess the job market.  |