Many Ohio State graduates choose to make an impact in the community; growing personally and professionally by joining a service organization such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorp or Teach for America. As you explore the Service Post-Graduation Pathway, use the 5Cs to refine your decisions. Calibration serves as a check-in point after each phase, allowing you to assess and adjust your goals at every step. This process helps you gain more insight into what's important to you, enabling you to confidently create a plan for moving forward after Ohio State.
Service Pathway
Curiosity
Identify your goals and take your first steps.
Understand post-graduation service
There are local, national and international options for community engagement and giving back. You’ll want to explore what option aligns most with your goals and interests.
- Check out Exploration’s Exploring You prompts to answer eight questions that can guide your direction.
- Ask yourself:
- Is post-graduate service aligned with my long-term goals?
- How does it compare to other options (working at a non-profit)?
- What type of program interests me — part-time or full-time? Domestic or international?
- What type of volunteer projects interest you?
- How do you want to grow and develop through a service opportunity?
Register for service-aligned academic coursework
Ohio State offers numerous opportunities for service-learning.
- Share your service-learning interests with your academic advisor to determine how to incorporate it into your academic plan.
- Review the learning-service courses.
Explore short-term service opportunities
Build your resume and interest by completing short-term service projects.
Explore service projects through:
Calibration
Did exploring service opportunities adjust your post-graduation plans? That’s OK! Changes happen all the time when making decisions — especially big ones. You can explore another pathway or discuss your uncertainty with a career advisor.
Connection
Engage with resources and build your network as you refine your options.
Engaging in networking
Faculty, current supervisors and mentors can provide advice about the benefits and opportunities of service. Some service programs require letters of recommendation. Connect now to build relationships.
- Get involved with the Leadership and Community Engagement Office.
- Conduct Informational Interviews. Career Services can offer referrals.
- Build your LinkedIn network with faculty, classmates, your family, and future employers. Update your profile regularly.
- Grow your network through participation in student organizations.
Research service opportunities
As you explore options, there are additional questions to ask yourself — and to ask programs. Contact representatives to learn more.
While there are many service programs, some larger programs include:
Questions to consider/ask:
- What is the time commitment?
- What type of service will I complete?
- Is room and board or a stipend included?
- Is there a post-service education benefit?
- Is health insurance included?
- What support system is included or available?
- What is the application process?
Financial planning
The service location and stipend may determine which programs are the best fit for you.
- As you research, include questions about stipends, cost-of-living and moving.
- Review iGrad’s article, “Creating a financial plan for your priorities and goals."
Let's calibrate
As you’ve researched opportunities, has your timeline changed? Have you narrowed your area of interest? Adjust your plan based on new information.
Commitment
Focus your efforts. Gather, prepare and submit materials.
Narrow programs
Determine which programs are right for you.
- Create an application tracker to account for deadlines and application materials. Include: application fee amounts, location, deadlines, background check requirement, housing options and program length.
Create and collect your application materials
Each program may require different materials. Some may include an interview, reference letters or a personal statement.
Ohio State’s Career Services offices and the Writing Center offer:
Budget
A budget can help you anticipate and prepare for the expense of applying to a program and making a transition.
- Use the iGrad’s budgeting module. Your budget may include application fees, attire, portfolio or materials, and interview travel.
- Visit Ohio State’s Career Closet for free, gently used professional clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Submit!
You're ready to apply.
- Review deadlines and submit your complete application prior.
- If you need recommendation letters, request the person help you prior to the application deadline. Provide your resume and personal statement to each potentiall recommender.
Time to calibrate
After working on your application and submitting materials, take a moment to reassess your goals. Is there anything you want to adjust as you gain more clarity and insight into what excites and motivates you?
Conviction
Consider your options, make decisions and transition to a "Buckeye for life."
Weight offers and make decisions
Sometimes there’s no “right” decision. Review your academic and career goals, and your financial planning to help direct you.
- Congratulations — you got accepted! Share the good news with your family, friends and those who helped you.
- For offer clarification and decision-making support, consult a career counselor, family member or mentor.
Make a transition plan
Once you’ve decided on a program, review your budget, timeline and steps needed for a smooth transition.
Include all steps in your transition plan:
- Onboarding: completing necessary steps like background check, physical, tax forms and banking information.
- Relocation: calculate moving cost and where you will live.
- Attire: do you need to update your wardrobe?
Budget for your move
Even if you are staying in Ohio, you’ll need to consider a housing move.
These iGrad articles and courses to help you create a moving plan checklist:
Join the Alumni Association
Ohio State offers alumni networking and engagement opportunities as well as ways to give back to students.
- Join the Alumni Association to stay connected with Ohio State news, events and opportunities to connect.
- Contributing to Ohio State's scholarship fund is an excellent way to give to current Buckeyes.