AmeriCorps Alums and the MSW@USC: Continuing to Make a Difference
 AmeriCorps Alums is excited to announce a new $5000 scholarship for AmeriCorps alumni at the University of Southern California top-ranked online Masters in Social Work degree program. Read below about an alum who’ll be completing the program this spring and to learn more about how you can be part of the MSW program.
After two AmeriCorps tours working with adolescents and their families in the juvenile justice system, earning a master’s degree in social work was the natural next step for Jennifer Martin. The AmeriCorps alumna wanted to expand her expertise and continue making an immediate difference in her community. The University of Southern California’s web-based MSW@USC is allowing her to do just that — without having to relocate to the West Coast.
"I’m expanding my previous knowledge working with adolescents and their families by incorporating specific theories and interventions. During my concentration year placement I was placed within a residential treatment facility, where I was able to continue to grow professionally - working with girls who have experienced extreme trauma in their lives and with the families to make structural changes within the home,” she said.
Continue Jennifer's story here
|
Expanding Career Skills Through Chapter Leadership
The AmeriCorps Alums Chapter Network offers a unique opportunity for alumni to build and develop leadership and career skills by serving in a chapter leadership position. But rather than just tell you about it ourselves, we wanted you to hear how the opportunity has benefited our alumni straight from their own mouths.
Below are the stories of two AmeriCorps Alums chapter leaders, Dhri Pandya of the North Texas Chapter and Pedro Barrientos of the Los Angeles Chapter.
Dhri Pandya, co-president, North Texas Chapter
 My AmeriCorps experience really changed the direction of my life—I think, for the better. It helped me discover a passion for education and nonprofits that has informed my current work as the Senior Development Manager for Junior Achievement of Dallas. After my AmeriCorps service, I wanted a way to continue to engage with national service programs and alumni.
Continue Dhri's story here
Pedro Barrientos, co-chair, Los Angeles Chapter
 I once dreamed of a career in film production. As I pursued my dream, however, I realized I just love watching movies. I found myself wondering, "now what?” AmeriCorps redirected me onto a career path in service and helped unveil my true passion: serving my community. The fundamental skills I learned during my term of service developed into best practices I still rely on today as Volunteer Supervisor for CoachArt.
During a casual conversation with friends a few years ago—colleagues from the Los Angeles service sector—I learned about the local AmeriCorps Alums chapter and was invited to join the board. I had no idea what to expect.
Continue Pedro's story here
|
Ask the AmeriCorps Alums Career Coach
We are launching a new series this month in our career service program called "Ask the Career Coach”. The monthly Career Coach Column will take questions through the AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Discussion Group. Our AmeriCorps Alums Career Coach, an AmeriCorps Alum herself with 20 years of experience in professional development, training, and career counseling, will select and answer 1-2 questions each month to be featured in both the newsletter and the Career Coach Column on our blog.
Submit your career and professional development questions here. |
|
| This issue sponsored by
In this issue
USC School of Social Work
Chapter Leader Profile
Ask the Career Coach
May Career Webinar: Career Panel |
May '13 Career Panel Webinar This month's career webinar, The AmeriCorps Alums Career Panel, will provide unique perspectives from five alumni on how they leveraged AmeriCorps as part of their career. You will be introduced to a diverse set of career opportunities illustrating how your AmeriCorps experience can be tapped as part of your career choice/path. Sign up today.
|
|
|
