FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, July 10, 2009

Peace Corps Ranked as a Top Ideal Employer by College Students in 2009 Universum Survey

The agency remains the highest ranked service organization, and #7 overall

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10, 2009 - The Peace Corps has been formally recognized by undergraduate college students as the #7 Most Ideal Employer to meet their career goals. The 2009 results are based upon a survey conducted by UNIVERSUM Communications, which gathered students perceptions of companies and expectations. More than 60,000 undergraduates and 6,000 MBAs participated in the Universum Student Survey 2009, representing more than 400 universities.

Citing what the study calls the current substance over style trend, the Peace Corps appeals to students whose goals include wanting to contribute to society, maintain a career/life balance, and pursue higher education. In the surveys national rankings, Peace Corps was #1 in its Ethical ranking, and #5 overall among undergraduates in Humanities/Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences fields.

Acting Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen said, The Peace Corps continues to capture the imagination of young Americans and stands ready to accept and support a new generation of Volunteers committed to public service abroad.

Through their Peace Corps service overseas, often carried out under difficult conditions, Volunteers gain valuable leadership skills, and cultural perspectives that can open up doors to new life and career paths after service. Olsen continued, In addition to helping interested countries meet their needs for trained men and women, Volunteers community projects help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. Many Volunteers return to the States and utilize their experiences abroad to pursue careers in education, health and government.

Peace Corps has a competitive application process and is always looking for quality candidates interested in working and serving abroad. Applicants currently in high demand include candidates with skills and experience in Agriculture, Environment and Education, as well as those with a proficiency in French, Spanish or other Romance languages.

ABOUT PEACE CORPS

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

IDEAL UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYERS IDENTIFIED IN 2009 UNIVERSUM SURVEY

Overall Employer Ranking of Top 25:

1.Google
2.Walt Disney
3.Apple Computer
4.U.S. Department of State
5.FBI
6.Ernst & Young
7.Peace Corps
8.NASA
9.PricewaterhouseCoopers
10.Teach for America
11.Central Intelligence Agency
12.Deloitte
13.Microsoft
14.American Cancer Society
15.Nike
16.Johnson & Johnson
17.Major League Baseball
18.KPMG
19.J.P. Morgan
20.Mayo Clinic
21.Goldman Sachs
22.U.S. Department of Energy
23.Coca-Cola
24.Centers for Disease Control
25.Procter & Gamble

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