CAREER SERVICES AT ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | SANTA FE | MARCH 2012
Inside You’ll Find
Panels and Presentations
Graduate Programs
April 3 – Enterprise Recruitment 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Peterson Student Center Hallway Enterprise Holdings, the largest rental car company in America, is looking for businessminded individuals to join their world-class team. They will be staffing a table with information about jobs and internships available with Enterprise.
Tips on Moving Big Scholarships Volunteer Opportunities
Career Services Office Contact: Career Services 505-984-6066 Fax 505-984-6167 Web address: www.stjohnscollege.edu/ admin/SF/career.shtml AGORA: www.myinterfase.com/sjcsf/student Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjcsf careerservices Email: careerservices@sjcsf.edu Office located in the basement of Weigle Hall, room 13 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment Career Services Staff: Margaret Odell Director
Barbara Lucero Sand Assistant Director Terrance Manning Internship Coordinator Jillian Burgie Publications Editor Melissa Latham-Stevens Art Director
Summer Scholarships This year, three of our seniors applied to prestigious scholarship programs – Aparna Ravilochan and Julia Coursey to Fulbright, and Rhett Forman to Rhodes. “I don’t know what to do for grad school,” says Aparna Ravilochan. Not wanting to specialize just yet, Ravilochan applied for a Fulbright scholarship. “Fulbright seemed like an ideal opportunity for growth, and teaching without deciding a specialty,” she says, “Going abroad is also a valuable way to spend a year before I settle.” Ravilochan applied to Fulbright’s teaching abroad program, and if selected, will spend a year in Malaysia teaching English in intimate community settings. In addition to teaching positions, Fulbright offers research grants. Julia Coursey applied for funding for research in Finland. She designed a project translating the Kalevala, a Finnish national epic poem, and exploring the poem’s discussion of astrological phenomena and man’s relationship to time. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, which is why I created a project to help figure it out. [This project] would be preparation for grad school, but would let me get a feel for it first.” Rhett Forman applied to the Rhodes program for graduate study at Oxford University. The Rhodes scholarships are fiercely competitive, and Forman admits that at one point he nearly terminated his application, thinking it was hopeless. But he continued. “You won’t know until you try,” he says, “If you get it it’ll change your life. If you don’t, it was a long shot anyway, but I don’t think it was completely useless [to apply].” continued on page 2
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April 4 – National and International Scholarships Presentation 3:15 – 4:30 pm, Senior Common Room If you are thinking about more education after St. John’s, come and learn about ways to finance that study through national and international scholarship competitions and schoolspecific financial aid options. April 10 - Career Panel with Alumni 6 – 8 pm, Junior Common Room Hear from alumni how they found and pursued career paths after graduation from SJC. You might be surprised what jobs they tried first and how those experiences led to unexpected, rewarding, and multiple careers. April 11 - National College of Naturopathic Medicine 3:15 – 5 pm, Senior Common Room Come learn about the programs offered. Our own Internship Coordinator, Terry Manning, has just been accepted to NCNM to begin in the Fall. April 17 - Graduate School Panel 12:15 – 1:30 pm, Senior Common Room Tutors will share their experiences with choosing and applying for various graduate schools and what they actually experienced once they matriculated. Topics will include finding the best graduate school for your needs and interests, entrance exams, scholarships and other financial aid sources, how graduate classes are similar to and different from St. John’s. Great event for anyone beginning to think seriously about graduate or professional school or for those not yet sure of their next step
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Applications for each of these programs were rigorous. Fulbright scholarships require a statement of purpose, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, interviews, and extensive application forms. The Rhodes application requires between five and eight letters of recommendation, in addition to an extended resume, personal statements, transcripts, etc. Between collecting official transcripts, writing statements, and asking for letters of recommendation, these seniors had their hands full. Writing the essays, however, was one of the most challenging parts of each application. “It’s hard to write a one-page essay - so much to put in!” says Ravilochan. “I had dozens of drafts. Thankfully I did it over summer.” “The personal statement is difficult,” says Coursey. “There’s a bunch of things you need to express and need to make sure you’re not repeating yourself. In the personal statement you have to discuss what project you’re doing, why you are uniquely suited to it, how you’re going to spend the money…” She reports that the hardest part of the statement was explaining unique qualifications. “Part of the problem going to St. John’s is that you’re overqualified in a lot of ways, but under-qualified in others.” Forman, too, found the essays difficult, because of the thinking and preparation that went into them, “The hardest part is figuring out what you want to do,” says Forman, “There’s a lot of soul searching, especially since as Johnnies we’re interested in everything and second guess ourselves all the time.” Despite the difficulties, these seniors each completed their applications, and admit that though it was intense, the application process was ultimately instructive. Forman reports that putting together his Rhodes application helped with his other graduate school applications. “With Rhodes you have to know exactly what you want to do, you have to lay out your direction. THAT made the other applications a ton easier just to figure out what you want and to be able to say it clearly.” The process was informative for Ravilochan as well. “Writing essays was rewarding because it made me assess my priorities and motivations.” In addition to uncovering her aspirations and direction, Ravilochan had to learn to express these discoveries eloquently. “It’s been a challenge to put together TWO pieces of writing that concise and polished.” Overall, these three seniors have learned a great deal about themselves and solidified their plans for the future in applying to these prestigious programs. They encourage other students to apply as well. “More people at this school should go for [Rhodes]” says Forman. “St. John’s has only had like 7 Rhodes scholars, and Rhodes has been around since the early 1900s. That’s ridiculous. We need to encourage people. The more people apply, the more the Rhodes committee will start to recognize St. John’s.” Ravilochan also encourages students to apply for Fulbrights, or at least for teaching abroad programs. “There are lots of opportunities, even if you don’t do Fulbright. There are lots of teaching abroad organizations, especially for Johnnies who don’t have much direction.” Coursey recommends Fulbright, and especially their established but lesser known grants in archeology and creative writing, for students interested in these fields. Fulbright’s program in Athens provides students the opportunity to attend archaeological digs and perform research for professional publication, and support endeavors in the creative arts as well. “If [students] are planning to apply for an MFA program and have portfolios, they should submit to Fulbright,” she says. What advice do these applicants have for students considering prestigious scholarships? “Definitely start over the summer,” says Forman. 2
“If you want to do it, work over the summer,” says Ravilochan. “It would be good to start out in the summer,” agrees Coursey. “I could’ve written earlier and not been so stressed.” There are lots of opportunities for students to study or teach around the country and world, and it just takes a little courage and planning to make a start. As Ravilochan says of her possible Malaysia trip, “It will be challenging and an adventure. A totally new experience.”
What are the Top Law Programs for Public Service? Public Service is a broad category, and it can be hard to determine which schools are best for specific kinds of public service. The National Jurist magazine recently recognized sixtyone law schools in five different categories as the best in preparing students for public service. The magazine looked at employment data, curricula, and standard of living to determine which schools would be honored. If you’re interested in public service, check out their results at www.nationaljurist.com/content/ best-schools-public-service
Graduate Programs Arts and Media The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies – The Salt Institute is dedicated to educating storytellers and teaching the skills to make jaw-dropping documentaries. The 15-week program, located in Maine, focuses on radio, writing, photography, or multimedia. Application deadline is May 24, 2012 for Fall 2012 semester. For more information visit www.salt.edu/about/
The SJC lab program introduces students to the sciences necessary for medical study with biology, physics, genetics, and –yes – dissections! These Post-Bac programs provide a more in-depth knowledge of the sciences to prepare students for medical school.
There are some great graduate programs to prepare you for careers in arts and media, whether it is painting, photography, film, documentary, design, or graphic/video design.
University of Baltimore, MA in Publications Design – The University of Baltimore offers a Master’s in Publications Design in a convenient weekend format. The master’s program combines theory and practice while exploring writing, graphic design, audio/video/multimedia production and media analysis through both traditional and new media. Students come to the program from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds, and while many already have experience as writers or designers, it is not a requirement. The program’s faculty includes innovative, respected professionals in communications, writing and publishing from throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but don’t wait! For more information visit www.ubalt.edu/ academics/graduate.cfm
University of Rochester, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program – The University of Rochester’s Post-Bac Pre-Med Program offers students the opportunity to complete the pre-requisites needed for medical, dental, and veterinary school in a supportive, intellectually challenging program. The University of Rochester is a highly selective university renowned for its innovative faculty and world-class learning environment in science, engineering, and medicine. As one of the smallest of the nation’s finest research universities, students can count on a remarkably personal and rigorous pre-medical education. Rochester also has a long history of assisting graduates in getting into medical school. Application deadline for Fall semester is April 1, 2012. For more information visit http://rochester.edu/college/premed Bennington College, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program – Bennington’s Post-Bac Pre-Med is one of the oldest in the country, and designed as a small, interactive, rigorous program for students who want to pursue a career in medicine but have few or no science prerequisites. It is a one-year intensive program comprised of seminar-style discussions, student projects, immersion in research literature, and vast opportunities for volunteering, work, and research. Graduates of Bennington’s post-bac pre-med program have gone on to medical school at Dartmouth, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NYU, Northwestern, UC-San Francisco, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Vermont, and Yale. Application deadline is April 1, 2012. For more information visit www.bennington.edu/Academics/GraduateCertificatePrograms/Postbac.aspx Regis University, MS in Biomedical Sciences – Located in Denver, CO, Regis University offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. The 9-month graduate program is limited to 24 students. It prepares students for medical, health or scientific careers, and provides students with a strong background in the biomedical sciences. The curriculum includes graduate natural-science courses in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology, and Epidemiology. Recommended application deadline is May 1, 2012. For more information visit www.regis.edu/regis.asp?sctn=rcmsbs continued on page 4
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Internships Graduate Programs continued from page 3
Saybrook University College of Mind, MS and PhD Programs in Mind-Body Medicine – Transform healthcare in the 21st century with an accredited graduate degree in mind-body medicine. Located in San Francisco, Saybrook’s Mind-Body Medicine program trains students with the belief that “treating the body doesn’t treat the whole person.” Students study nutrition and health; psychophysiology; movement, exercise, and health; spiritual practice, ceremony, and ritual; guided imagery; applied hypnosis; biofeedback, and more. In addition, students are connected one-on-one with talented faculty, and have opportunities for research and clinical experience. Priority application deadline is May 1, 2012. For more information visit www.saybrook.edu/mbm Doctors Without Borders Internships – Interns gain practical work experience in a variety of Doctors Without Borders departments in the New York City office, in addition to a basic introduction to the field of international medical humanitarian aid and advocacy. Each internship position supports the work of a specific department, such as editorial and multimedia, HIV/AIDS access, human resources, marketing, medical editing, public events, and web upkeep. These internships are paid $10/hr and require a 10- to 12- week commitment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 13, 2012. For more information visit www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/office/internships.cfm Institute for Humane Studies Journalism Internship Program – The IHS places talented writers and communicators who support individual liberty, free markets, and peace, at media companies and non-profit newsrooms. The IHS supports interns in an eight-week internship at a newspaper, radio station, new media company, or non-profit newsroom, and provides mentoring and job-placement help, as well as a weeklong seminar featuring lectures by top journalists and scholars. Application deadline for fall internships is July 1, 2012. For more information visit www.theihs.org/ihs-journalism-internship-program Wheatland Vegetable Farms – Interns work on a 20-acre vegetable farm growing, picking, and selling vegetables, melons, and small fruits at farmers’ markets in the Washington, DC area. Wheatland Farms seeks workers throughout the season, with the greatest need beginning in May and continuing through mid-September. Work includes seeding, transplanting, mulching, irrigating, picking, packing, loading, and selling vegetables. Workers work six days a week for approximately 48-55 hours a week. Interns are paid $6.50 - $7.00/ hour and room and substantial board are included. Internships are a minimum of ten weeks. Applications are accepted continuously. For more information visit attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/internships/ 4
Summer Opportunities & Plans Albert Einstein College of Medicine Summer Institute in Global Health – Einstein College’s three-credit course begins with classes in New York in June/July, followed by a two-to-four-week trip to Hyderabad and Mumbai, India where students will participate in seminars on global health and workshops on the interactions between cultural/social systems and health, along with hands-on research activities. The course will use India as a unique example that poses a daunting public health challenge to the world as a developing country, which is also an emerging economic and political power. Tuition costs are listed on the website. Application deadline is April 1, 2012. For more information visit www.einstein.yu.edu/centers/public-health-sciences/summerinstitute.aspx Oxfam America CHANGE Initiative – Oxfam America is seeking applicants for its CHANGE Training. CHANGE is Oxfam’s national student leadership program for rising sophomores and juniors. The CHANGE Initiative provides leadership and advocacy training and prepares students to promote social change locally and globally. CHANGE Leaders: have access to expert skills-based training, resources, materials and year-round support from Oxfam staff; establish connections and share knowledge with college students from the US and beyond; form positive attitudes and establish connections between their local and global communities; recognize their own leadership identity; develop confidence and the skills to effect positive, lasting social change, and are part of an active and growing global network of peers and alumni working on social justice issues. Selected students participate in a week-long training in Boston, July 21-27, 2012, which is organized and paid for by Oxfam. Applications deadline is April 2, 2012. For more information and to apply, visit www.oxfamamerica.org/change. Flathead Lake Field Experience in Ecology – Flathead Lake Biological Station on Flathead Lake, Montana is offering summer programs in Ecology. They offer handson learning in a backcountry setting, with small class sizes. Students can choose either 4-week courses in field ecology or rocky mountain ecosystems, or 2-week courses in conservation, landscape, lake, alpine, stream, or forest and grassland ecology. Courses run from June 18 to August 10, 2012. Application deadline is May 30, 2012. Scholarship materials are due on April 2, 2012. For more details, such as program costs and scholarship information, visit www.umt.edu/flbs/Education/SummerSession.aspx Brooklyn College Latin/Greek Institute – Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York are sponsoring the Latin/Greek Institute from June 11-August 21, 2012. Students can choose basic Greek, basic Latin, or upper level Latin. The basic program enables students with no previous training to cover the material normally included in four to six semesters of college-level Latin or Greek in ten weeks of instruction. In each program students will translate ancient texts and examine the syntax, style and rhetoric of various works. Tuition for the basic level is $2,580 for New York residents, and $5,520 for non-residents. Housing is not included in the cost of tuition. Application deadline for financial aid is April 13, 2012. General application deadline is April 27, 2012. For more information visit http://web.gc.cuny.edu/lginst/ 5
Great Websites for the Job Hunter www.aftercollege.com a website that connects recent college graduates with employers www.careerbliss.com a career resource website that provides company reviews by real employees, and helps people find happier jobs www.careerrookie.com listing of internships, entry-level positions, and part-time jobs www.glassdoor.com a look at salaries, reviews, and interview questions to help you prepare for employment www.idealist.org listing of opportunities to volunteer, work, intern, organize, hire, and connect www.indeed.com all jobs, all the time; search job listings all over the country www.jobsradar.com job listings as well as career management and resume help www.opportunityknocks.org a comprehensive listing of non-profit jobs www.saludos.com website specifically geared toward the Hispanic professional seeking employment www.usajobs.com job listings for Federal Government positions www.writerswrite.com a resource for writing and publishing professionals
Greek is known to us here, but if you’d like to explore it further, or learn Latin, the Brooklyn Latin/Greek Institute is the place for you this summer.
Southern Methodist University Cox Summer Business Institute – The SMU Cox Summer Business Institute is a four-week, non-credit business certificate program that provides students, especially current college students and non-business majors, with a solid background in business basics. During the program, students learn from the expert faculty of SMU’s Cox School of Business about financial statements, management control systems, capital budgeting, branding, investments, accounting, marketing, and finance. The program takes place on SMU’s campus just north of downtown Dallas, TX and runs from June 4 – 29, 2012. Program costs $7495 and includes tuition, course materials, housing, and a meal plan. Application deadline is May 1, 2012. For more information and to apply visit http://exed.cox.smu.edu/sbi The Language House TEFL Training Program – The Language House offers a 4-week teacher training course, located in Prague, that will equip students with the training and qualifications needed to teach English worldwide. The Language House program offers a highly-intensive TEFL certificate which meets international standards, a highly supportive community of trainers and graduates, a unique teacher-mentor program, and lifetime job assistance. Course dates during the summer are May 28-June 22, July 2-July 27, and August 6-August 31. Tuition for course only is $1720; tuition with housing is $2000. Applications are accepted year-round. For more information visit www.thelanguagehouse.net Gregorian Chant Workshops – The Saint Vincent Archabbey and Saint Vincent College team up to bring you intensive Gregorian Chant workshops in Latrobe, PA. The program believes that with chant, “something embedded deep in our history becomes audible.” Through historical, theoretical, and practical study, the workshops provide a foundation for a historically-informed reading of the Gregorian Chant repertoire. The workshops provide two course levels; Level One runs from May 21-25 and Level Two from May 28-June 1. Tuition is $300 for one course, $450 for both, with an additional $320 per week for room and board. Scholarships are available. Register online. For more information and to register visit www.stvincent.edu/sacredmusic
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Moving for School or Work? Statistics and Advice to Help You Know What to Expect and What to Do in Your Relocation. EMPLOYMENT Research. If you’re planning on moving to another city and need a job, there are lots of resources available to connect you with employers. First, the internet is full of job-postings websites. Try Craigslist, the site for the local newspaper, or the state’s Department of Labor. The sidebar on page 5 also has a list of helpful nationwide job sites – check them out! Network. Tell your family and friends where you’ll be relocating, and that you are looking for a job. Many just-out-of-college jobs are secured through connections and networking. Career Services can also help put you in touch with fellow Johnnies in the area to which you are moving. Be prepared. Most importantly, have a resume in good shape and ready to go. Come by Career Services for information and help with your resume. We also have information on cover letters and interviewing tips that can help give you the edge you need. Get out there. In your new city, post your resume on local job boards and online, and register with the local employment agencies. There is no charge to job seekers and these companies know which companies are hiring. Keep checking job websites, and applying. Also, look into internships. Even if you didn’t apply for ARIEL, getting an internship is a great way to gain professional experience and get your foot in the door for jobs.
APARTMENTS Apartment Basics Although the relationship between landlords and tenants typically varies a bit from state to state, there are some basics. You’ll have to sign a lease, and probably obtain renters’ insurance when you find your new apartment. Knowing the landlord/tenant laws in the state you will be living in is an important thing to research before securing an apartment, especially if this will be your first rental. Landlords will often protect their rights by doing things such as credit checks and contacting former landlords or references. This can help them make sure you will be a responsible tenant. When you find a potential apartment, carefully evaluate the lease agreement to make sure you understand what will be expected, and that you can fulfill those obligations. Don’t sign the lease if you don’t understand what you’re signing. Ask the landlord for clarification or take the lease to someone you trust to help you make sense of the specific details. Apartment Hunting Give yourself plenty of time to find your apartment. Don’t convince yourself that you can find one in a week. Sometimes it takes quite a bit of time. Most leases have a time commitment, and you’re stuck in that apartment for the agreed amount of time. Make sure it’s a place you’ll want to be in the whole time. Don’t feel pressured into taking an apartment right away, even if the landlord mentions that “other people are interested” or “it’s in a hot area.” And always listen to your gut feeling. If something 7
about the landlord bothers you, or the apartment has some weird smell you’re uncomfortable with, there may be a reason you are feeling the way you are. Listen to that. Finding the perfect apartment takes time and effort. Knowing what you want in an apartment makes hunting a lot easier. Develop a checklist of things you want to make sure to have in your rental property, such as location, safety considerations, laundry facilities, proximity to stores and schools, parking and transportation, storage, cleanliness, and pet policy. Bring the checklist with you to prospective apartments so you can compare them later to narrow down the choices. Finding your apartment might be the trickiest part. Searching on the Internet is a great way to get going, and is easy and convenient, especially if you are apartment-hunting long-distance. Let friends and co-workers know that you are looking for a place. Many times you will find a great referral this way, or at least a good lead. Some towns have apartment hunting services that match people with places that are available in the area. If your town doesn’t, try checking the local newspaper. College towns may have apartments for rent posted on bulletin boards. continued on page 8
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Financing your Apartment Financing your new apartment means saving money, knowing your credit report status, and other details. Getting your finances squared away is a must at the beginning of any move. One of the first steps is having a credit check done. If you find something on the report that you don’t like, there are ways to clean it up. Here are some things that can help get started, and keep you from making the situation worse in the meantime. Firstly, find out exactly what is on your credit report to see what you are dealing with. Keep from making any new marks on your score. Pay your bills on time – missed payments can really have a negative impact on your report. Avoid adding to your credit card load. Try to catch up a bit rather than charging more on cards. Try to pay down those debts. If you need some outside assistance, consider credit counseling. It can help get you set up with some information and format a solid plan for your situation. Another important factor in financing an apartment is saving money. When you sign the lease, you’ll usually owe a security
deposit, an application fee, and the first and last month’s rent right away. The total cost of this can vary, but it’s usually a good chunk of money – save up for it! These are some great sites for apartment listings around the country: www.apartments.com http://myapartmentmap.com www.ApartmentGuide.com www.Rent.com www.ApartmentFinder.com
TIPS WHEN MOVING Do your research. Get quotes from movers and calculate the difference in cost of living between here and your destination. See what average apartment rent, gas prices, and utility rates are in your new city. How do these items compare to costs in your current location? Consider scouting out good neighborhoods – perhaps ones that are close to many of your prospective jobs, or have plenty of necessary shops nearby. If you’re moving to a big, expensive city, check out suburbs – see how far away, and how much cheaper they are, and consider if it is worth it to rent an apartment there.
Make a plan. Moving can be hectic, and having a plan in place will help when the stress and disorder strike. Have a list of companies and phone numbers to call to cancel services in your old home, and to start services in your new one. Know what moving company you want to use, or be prepared to rent a U-haul. Check out self-storage companies in your new city. Make a budget for the next few months or even set deadlines to have things packed and moved out. Make a thorough plan and try to stick to it, but be prepared for unexpected complications! Keep records. There is always a risk that things get lost in the mail or moving truck. Keep important paperwork and records with you. Things like birth certificates, passports, social security cards, visas, medical records, loan documentation, resumes, portfolios, phone numbers, photographs, etc. are either difficult or impossible to replace. Purge! Moving is an opportunity to de-clutter by donating, recycling, or disposing of the things you don’t need. This is a great resource for relocating. Check it out! www.forrent.com/apartment-tips.php
Cost of Living Index by State The Census Bureau’s cost of living index measures overall cost of living, but keep in mind that the data doesn’t factor in inflation. The national average is 100; states with an index higher than 100 are more expensive than average, those with a lower index are cheaper. Below is the cost of living index by state, based on data from 2010. Finally, remember that cost of living doesn’t guarantee quality of living! ALABAMA – 92.6 ALASKA – 126.4 ARIZONA – 104.6 ARKANSAS – 90.8 CALIFORNIA – 135.1 COLORADO – 102.8 CONNECTICUT – 125.3 DELAWARE – 101.4 FLORIDA – 101.1 GEORGIA – 90.9 HAWAII – 164.9 IDAHO – 92.2 ILLINOIS – 96.2 INDIANA – 92.4 IOWA – 93.5 KANSAS – 91.7 KENTUCKY – 90.4 LOUISIANA – 95.9 MAINE – 114.9
MARYLAND – 125.8 MASSACHUSETTS – 123.3 MICHIGAN – 96.0 MINNESOTA – 102.8 MISSISSIPPI – 92.5 MISSOURI – 91.1 MONTANA – 102.6 NEBRASKA – 90.9 NEVADA – 105.1 NEW HAMPSHIRE – 117.4 NEW JERSEY – 126.5 NEW MEXICO – 100.0 NEW YORK – 125.2 NORTH CAROLINA – 96.4 NORTH DAKOTA. – 95.1 OHIO – 92.8 OKLAHOMA – 88.1 OREGON – 116.1 PENNSYLVANIA – 102.4
RHODE ISLAND – 119 SOUTH CAROLINA – 97.5 SOUTH DAKOTA – 91.3 TENNESSEE – 88.9. TEXAS – 90.5 UTAH – 96.3 VERMONT – 119.9 VIRGINIA – 99.3 WASHINGTON – 104.5 WEST VIRGINIA – 94.0 WISCONSIN – 95.7 WYOMING – 100.4 Information from www.costoflivingbystate.org/
National Average Apartment Rents: One Bedroom $789 Two Bedroom $973 Studio $732 8
Do your research! Get information on cost of living in areas you are thinking of moving to: www.costoflivingbystate.org/ www.relocationessentials.com/ aff/www/tools/salary/col.aspx www.bestplaces.net/col/ Information from: Consumables from the Economic Research Center www.erieri.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=CareerPlanning.StudentCOL&firstl etter=S#appstart Rent from www.rentvine.com/tools/averagerent/ and www.rentrange.com/rentalrates/apartments/
Scholarships, Awards, & Fellowships
Photo by Michael Gallacher/Missoulian
The James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship - The James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund is an essay contest having to do with cancer and is open to all college students. The scholarships are $5,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, $1,000 for third place, $500 fourth place, $100 fifth place, and a number of honorable mentions. Essays must contain a discussion of what the writer thinks should be done to reduce the number of cancer cases and improve survival rates, some introductory information about Rhio and the cancer called mesothelioma, and may contain discussions of whether we are making progress in curing cancer, why incidence rates have continued to increase, why cancer is the leading cause of death by disease, or what should be done to improve progress in curing or preventing cancer. Essays must be between 700 and 1500 words in length, and be posted on a website, blog, or .edu site with a link. Application deadline for posting on websites/blogs is April 21, 2012. Deadline for posting on .edu site is May 25, 2012. For more information please visit www.cancermonthly.com/scholarship.asp or stop by Career Services. Environment America Fellowships – Environment America is a national federation of state-based organizations that work to protect air, water, and open spaces. Each year, Environment America hires passionate, talented and committed college graduates to join the two-year Fellowship Program. Fellows learn to plan and run state and national campaigns, Zoee Turrill is in Missoula as part of the Environment America identify effective solutions to fellowship program, which aims to shape future leaders of the critical environmental problems, environmental movement. organize public support for campaigns, write opinion pieces, set up and speak at news conferences, and much more. The fellowship positions are for all over the country, including regional openings in Arizona and a federal position located in Albuquerque. Application requires online application form, a cover letter, a resume, and two references. For more information visit http://jobs.environmentamerica.org/programs/amr/fellowship-program The following prestigious scholarships have deadlines early in the Fall. Students interested in these opportunities should start thinking about applications now. Marshall Scholarship – Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. By financing these students, Marshall hopes to contribute to the knowledge of science, technology, the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts, as well as to motivate scholars to act as ambassadors from the USA to the UK. Applicants must be US citizens, have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.7, and not have studied for degree-equivalent
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It’s time to be
thinking of your Baird Prize entry.
Attenti Senior on s!
The Baird prize is a $500 check awarded to a senior on each campus who has demonstrated achievement in the arts, literature, mathematics, or the sciences. Examples: the performance of a musical composition, completion of an oil painting or watercolor, writing an outstanding original paper, story, or drama, solving a special problem in mathematics or the sciences... Please note that only one prize is awarded, so each category competes against all others. A judge is chosen for each category, and the judge will detail the strengths and weaknesses of an entry to the judges in the other categories. Together, the judges will determine a single winner. The quality of your entry must reflect your best work, with care given to the finished product’s presentation and overall completeness. Each entry must be a single work or series of works that form a coherent unit. Writing and musical scores should be submitted in four copies; musical compositions should be accompanied by a CD (also four copies). Please submit a brief description of your entry to the Dean’s Office by Friday, April 13. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 20, 2012. Please contact the Dean’s Office with questions. Local artists, writers, and scientists not associated with the College will serve as judges and expect to see work of a high level.
Photo from U.S. Department of State Fulbright Web page
Ireland and its people. Open to students who will have a bachelor’s degree by the beginning of their study in Ireland. Application requires five letters of recommendation, proof of US citizenship, academic transcripts, completed online application, a well-written 1000-word personal essay, and nomination by St. John’s College Fellowship Committee. On-campus application deadline is September 4, 2012. For more information visit www.us-irelandalliance.org
Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in front of the One-pillar Pagoda, Hanoi, Vietnam.
qualification from a British University. Scholars are chosen based on potential to excel as scholars, academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. Applicants must be nominated by the St. John’s College Fellowship Committee. On-campus application deadline is September 4, 2012 More information will be available in late spring. For more information visit www.marshallscholarship.org Rhodes Scholarships – The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Rhodes scholars are chosen not only for outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. Rhodes offers funding for 32 US scholars to complete 1-2 years of graduate study at Oxford University. Applicants must have strong evidence of leadership, academic excellence, community service, participation in sports/physical activities, and have a bachelor’s degree by October 1 of the year in which their study is to commence. Application requires at least five letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a list of principal activities, an official transcript, a photograph, proof of citizenship, attendance at a reception, a personal interview, and nomination by the St. John’s College Fellowship Committee. On-campus application deadline is September 4, 2012. The online application for 2013 will be available no later than mid-July 2012. For more information visit www.rhodesscholar.org Mitchell Scholarships – Mitchell Scholarships offer funding for 1 year of graduate study in Ireland. Applicants must have exceptional grades, evidence of leadership, and sustained commitment to service and community. Scholarships are intended to familiarize and connect the next generation of American leadership with the island of
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Fulbright Full Grants and Teaching Opportunities – Fulbright is the largest US international program and offers 1 year of study, research, or teaching abroad in any of 155 countries. Grants are offered in almost all academic disciplines, including fine arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural and physical sciences. Applicants must have a clear, specific proposal and show how the project is related to previous education and future career. The ideal candidate is a graduating senior or recent graduate with a BA/BS and no previous overseas experience. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required, though selection is not based solely on academic record. This application requires an endorsement by St. John’s College Fellowship Committee. On-campus application deadline is September 17, 2012. For more information visit www.us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html or www.cies.org/us_scholars/us_awards/
Gates-Cambridge Scholarships – The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship offers funding for 1-2 years of graduate study in any subject at Cambridge University to outstanding applicants from outside the UK. The program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Candidates must also be aware of the responsibilities that being awarded a prestigious, full-cost scholarship to one of the world’s leading universities brings – there is an expectation that Gates Scholars will use the education they gain at Cambridge to become leaders in their field and give back to society in ways that they are best placed to do so. Applicants must apply simultaneously to the University of Cambridge and to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Application requires application form, academic transcripts, references, and other specific documents for admission, such as research proposal or writing sample. The application does not require a nomination by St. John’s, but the Fellowship Committee is available to help students evaluate and edit the content of their applications. National application deadline is October 15, 2012. For more information visit www.gatesscholar.org Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship – The Barry M. Goldwater Foundation aims to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding merit-based scholarships to students who will be juniors or seniors in the 2012-13 academic year. Goldwater scholars demonstrate outstanding potential to pursue careers in math, science, or engineering. This scholarship requires a nomination from the College, so stop by Career Services soon if interested. On-campus deadline is November 30, 2012. For more information visit www.act.org/goldwater
It’s not unusual to see St. John’s students tutoring local middle and high school students. With the Santa Fe Alliance for Science, students can reach out and help encourage excitement about math and science.
Volunteering OPPORTUNITIES IN SANTA FE Big Brothers Big Sisters – Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children realize their potential and build their futures by pairing a child with a role model. This quickly becomes a one-on-one relationship built on trust and friendship that has unlimited potential for the future. Research shows that after spending 18 months with their Big Brother or Sister, children are far less likely to begin using drugs and alcohol, skip school, or get into fights, in addition to being more confident in their performance at school. Each pair builds their own relationship, and meet at least once a week when the pair decides. Getting together doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities either—it can be a few hours playing catch, reading books, going to a museum, or just talking. If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Sister and changing a child’s life, visit www.bbbs.org or www.bbbsnorthernnm.org Santa Fe Alliance for Science Tutoring Positions – Santa Fe Alliance for Science seeks to “make a marriage” between students and teachers in local schools and the scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematical community to improve science education. Volunteers have a variety of options, from extensive tutoring and mentoring at high schools to judging science fairs, to classroom presentations or the “Math Blitz” program to boost math appreciation and skill for middle schoolers. Last year, Alliance volunteers contributed over 3000 hours to these activities and impacted more than 3000 students. For more information visit www.sfafs.org/about.asp Santa Fe Children’s Museum – The Santa Fe Children’s Museum accepts volunteers on an on-going basis and provides training for all volunteer opportunities.Volunteers can choose to work in the outdoor learning environment, the museum shop, on the floor helping visitors make the most of each exhibit, at the climbing wall, or in the greenhouse. For more information visit www.santafechildrensmuseum.org
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Santa Fe students incorporated used adobe bricks from the greenhouse into building a protected retrreat for students on college land.
If you are eager to volunteer, but don’t know how to find the program or opportunity that’s right for you, check out these online recruitment systems to connect with nonprofits and national service organizations:
www.volunteermatch.org http://servenet.org www.idealist.org www.1-800volunteer.org
Citizen Schools Teaching Apprenticeships – Volunteering with Citizen Schools does not require any teaching experience, and offers teaching apprenticeships on almost any topic. If you’re passionate about it, they’ll help you teach it. All Citizen School volunteers receive intensive training and are supported and coached throughout the apprenticeship. Volunteers teach weekly 90minute classes on either Mondays or Wednesdays from 3:45 to 5:15pm at DeVargas Middle School. Sign up and begin your journey at www.citizenschools.org/volunteer. Kitchen Angels – Kitchen Angels is an organization dedicated to providing nutritious, prepared meals to home-bound individuals living with challenging conditions. The Kitchen Angels work force is primarily volunteer-based. Each volunteer commits to serve one shift, one day a week. There are three types of shift: Kitchen Duty, in which volunteers prepare, cook, and package meals; Delivery Duty, in which volunteers will pick up and deliver meals; and Special Events Duty, such as preparing mailings, staffing information tables, assembling gift baskets, hosting special events, and more. For more information or to get involved, visit http://kitchenangels.org Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families – Esperanza empowers people to live violence-free lives through protection, prevention, awareness, and education. The philosophy of Esperanza is to empower all clients to consistently experience safety, respect, equality, self-determination and compassion. Volunteers can help by getting 12
involved in the Outreach and Education Program, shelter services, or administrative tasks. Esperanza provides volunteer training 2-3 times a year, offering valuable information about domestic violence and how best to support clients, the agency, and the greater community. For more information and to get involved, visit www.esperanzashelter.org United Way – United Way seeks “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.” To do this, United Way has initiated programs to improve education, help people achieve financial stability, and promote healthy lives. Volunteers are especially needed to mentor and tutor children. Your simple gesture of showing up each week to read to a child can make a huge positive impact. For more information and to get involved, visit http://liveunited.org, or for the local Santa Fe chapter, www.uwsfc.org/resource/2011/volunteer-opportunities Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival – The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival is recruiting volunteers for the summer concert series. Volunteers are a crucial addition to the summer program staff, especially individuals who are capable of assisting patrons and performing specific jobs: program stuffing, ticket taking, and greeting and seating guests. Each volunteer is issued a free ticket for the concert that she/he works. For further information about the concert program for this summer go to: santafechambermusic.com, or contact Ms. Jessalyn Kilgour directly: gmlff27jl@yahoo.com or 845-853-3009
Institute for Spanish Arts Volunteers – The Institute for Spanish Arts needs volunteers for updating contact lists, online marketing, summer youth workshop registration, press, setting up, etc, and general office work. This is a great opportunity for students who would like to start building their experience and get involved with the Santa Fe community. To learn more about the Institute, visit www.mariabenitez.com or 505-467-3773.
U.S. AND ABROAD Peace Corps – Live, learn, and work with a community overseas. Launched in 1961, the Peace Corps has aimed to promote world peace and friendship by helping interested countries meet their need for trained men and women, promoting a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served, and promoting a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Nearly 200,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, about 8,000 of whom are currently placed in over 75 countries. They work in education, youth and community development, health, HIV/AIDS, environment, agriculture, business development and information and communication technology. A Peace Corps recruiter will be on campus April 12 in Peterson Student Center. For more information visit www.peacecorps.gov WWOOF-USA – WWOOF-USA facilitates worldwide volunteer opportunities on organic farms. The program is available to anyone over 18 years of age: urbanites, professionals, students, families, farmers, gardeners, or people who have never touched soil in their lives. Volunteers generally work for half-days, participating in farm work and projects as needed. In exchange, farmers provide volunteers with meals and accommodations. There are more than 300 host farms in the WWOOF-USA Directory of Organic Farms, located throughout the US, including Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands, there are even farms here in New Mexico! Membership ($25) is required in order to access the database. For more information visit www.wwoofusa.org South African Education & Environment Project (SAEP) – SAEP has, from its foundation in 1994, worked to develop environmental awareness in South Africa. They seek to help youth and their communities address the issues of environmental degradation in the urban environment and the natural environment. In addition, SAEP currently operates four major educational programs in the Cape Flats townships of Cape Town, involving early childhood development, high school support and enrichment and a youth development program for promising township high school students. Historically, SAEP has relied almost exclusively on volunteers from South Africa and abroad to implement their programs. For more information visit http://saep.org/ Volunteers for Peace (VFP) – Volunteers for Peace helps make a real difference in small communities around the world, offering more than 3,000 local service projects in over 100 countries. Immerse yourself in local culture and work with volunteers from at least four other nations. It is more than a simple trip – it’s a life-changing experience. Most projects are 2-3 weeks long and fulfill a need in the local community. You could help build a heath center, teach English, plant trees, preserve historic areas, create art and more. Current top destinations include Iceland, France, India, Vietnam, Kenya, Mexico and Germany. To volunteer you must be 18+ years old and the cost is $300 per project which includes food, accommodations and work materials. Some projects in the continued on page 14
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If you are interested in making a difference abroad, these organizations are tried-and-true opportunities to be part of something important.
JOBS!
Great Hearts Academies is a network of K-12 schools in Arizona that specialize in classical education – this means running classes Socratically, having a small student-to-faculty ratio, and seeking Photo Credit: Volunteers for Peace Website.
to graduate students with a life-long commitment to truth, goodness, and beauty. Many Johnnies have started their careers teaching at a Great Hearts School. This Fall, Great Hearts will be opening THREE new schools in the Arizona area. To staff these
J. Kashou—2011 Volunteer for Peace Scholarship recipient to Belgium.
new schools, they are looking for Volunteering continued from page 13
capable, motivated teachers. Certification is not required for Great Hearts; the vast majority of their faculty holds degrees in the subjects they teach. With the new openings, and openings at existing academies, Great Hearts expects to hire 120 new teachers for this coming academic year. Openings are available in Math, Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Foreign Languages, as well as for Kindergarten and Special Education
developing world (Asia, Africa, Central and South America) may require an extra fee of $300-$500. Air travel and other transportation to and from the project location is arranged and paid for by the volunteer. VFP offers 5-10 scholarships per year to make volunteering a possibility for people of all backgrounds. For more information visit www.vfp.org Azafady, Pioneer Madagascar Program – Azafady, a registered UK charity and Malagasy NGO, offers a number of challenging internship and volunteer placements in Madagascar. In the Pioneer program, volunteers work alongside village communites with an international team of experienced project leaders on a range of construction work, conservation research, and educational activities in the traditional fishing and farming region of Anosy in southeast Madagascar. The cost of the program is about $3000. For more information visit www.azafadyusa.org
Teachers. Students interested in teaching at Great Hearts must apply online.
For more information and to apply visit www.greatheartsaz.org
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ENDNOTES We’re on Facebook!! Look us up – www.facebook.com/sjcsfcareerservices – and stay updated on important dates and opportunities! What do you want to see? International opportunities? Graduate schools? Jobs? Tell us what you want to know, and we’ll put it in Odyssey Bound. Stop by Career Services or send us an email: careerservices@sjcsf.edu Check us out online! Previous and current issues of Odyssey Bound (including the new high-tech online magazine format!) can be found online at www.stjohnscollege.edu/ admin/SF/career_newsletter.shtml or in the Agora Resource Library.
St. John’s College Community Day 2011
Disclaimer: The St. John’s College Career Services Office produces
Odyssey Bound as a service to St. John’s College students and community members for their career development and educational and life planning. Any jobs or other opportunities listed herein do not indicate an endorsement or recommendation from St. John’s College or the Career Services Office. Students and individuals from the St. John’s College community are responsible for all necessary precautions when interviewing for or accepting these positions or awards. They are also responsible for checking the credentials and integrity of all employers or organizations. St. John’s College and the Career Services Office assume no liability for acts or omissions by third parties or for material supplied by them. The St. John’s College Career Services Office is not responsible for anything that happens at a given job site. The presence of an employment listing in Odyssey Bound does not guarantee any given employer’s compliance with legal behavior. If a student or individual experiences discrimination or sexual harassment on the job or in a job interview, he or she is encouraged to call the Department of Fair Employment in the state in which the violation occurred.
Additional information and/or printed materials on all opportunities and programs listed in Odyssey Bound are kept in the Career Services Office. The office is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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