Like some college seniors (but not most, as is often the case), I have a strong idea of what I want to do and where I want to be in the not-so-distant future. This future doesn’t involve being a teacher — it’s just not in the cards for me. But, interestingly enough, a recent meeting with a Teach For America recruiter turned my attention to the program and the benefits it can offer even for those who have no interest in teaching. 
If you’re not familiar with it, Teach For America (TFA) is a non-profit organization that aspires to end educational inequality. TFA recruits recent college graduates and professionals to teach for two years to help children growing up in poverty have access to a quality education. Definitely a worthwhile cause!
I was contacted by a TFA recruiter last week and sat down for a brief meeting with her. I was familiar with the organization but wasn’t sure how I felt about this meeting, since I have no interest in teaching. What the recruiter told me, however, completely changed my view. Here were some of my concerns:
What if I don’t want to teach?
Nichole, the recruiter, told me something that shocked me: like me, she wasn’t interested in being a teacher. Yet, her experience with TFA was, she said, an amazing learning experience.
“It’s more than teaching,” she said, describing a leadership experience that at the same time benefits the community.
I don’t want to be at behind in my field after two years of doing unrelated teaching work.
TFA may not give you direct experience in your particular field, but it gives you something invaluable — leadership experience, Nichole said. Having such significant and notable leadership experience at such a young age can put you at the top of an employer’s list and can give you necessary skills for the workplace. Also, lots of TFA members continue to network with people in their desired field during their two-year commitment.
How will I get a job after TFA?
TFA has partnerships with many employers, such as Deloitte, GE, Google, Goldman Sachs, and many more (to see the full list and the descriptions of the partnerships, see here). TFA also has similar partnerships with grad schools, if you choose to pursue further education.
“As a Teach For America alumni, you’re essentially already pre-screened,” Nichole said. “You’re miles ahead of other candidates.” Employers will know that, having completed Teach For America, you have already demonstrated honesty, integrity, leadership, and other desirable employee traits. Plus, other TFA alumni are now your part of your network! TFA alumni like to help out other TFA alumni, Nichole said.
Nichole did a great job of alleviating many of my concerns. While I’m still not sure if TFA is the right post-grad choice for me, it’s on my list of possibilities and I’m planning on applying (the next application deadline is October 26). Nichole even provided some tips for applying, just for Come Recommended readers:
- Learn about our mission and reflect on how this aligns to your interests.
- Start the application by reviewing the questions. Knowing what is required will help you allot enough time to complete the entire application.
- Outline your response to the letter of intent before beginning to write. This will ensure that you’ve answered the question thoroughly and that you’ve structured your response logically.
- Complete your application carefully and avoid typos and other errors.
- Before submitting your application, review it against our writing proficiency standards. Applications that contain multiple typographical, grammatical or other errors may be rejected on this basis.
Are you interested in Teach For America? Did you have any similar concerns? Tell us about them below!
