Peace Corps Remains Highest Ranking Service Organization at #8

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Peace Corps has been formally recognized by undergraduate college students as the #8 Most Ideal Employer to meet their career goals. The 2008 results are based upon a survey conducted by UNIVERSUM Communications, which gathered student’s perceptions of companies and expectations upon entering the working world. The feedback from 44,064 U.S. undergraduates was recently published in BusinessWeek. Peace Corps ranked #8, just behind Google, Disney, Apple and U.S. Department of State.

The Peace Corps was also ranked #13 as an overall ideal employer among the minority student population.

The study found that the Peace Corps appeals to students whose goals include wanting to contribute to society, find a balance between their personal life and their careers, and pursue further education.

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter said, "The Peace Corps is the gold standard for national service, and continues to attract the best and brightest of America. This great news demonstrates that the Peace Corps' mission still appeals to young Americans, who are applying to the Peace Corps in record numbers, continuing to answer the call to service issued in our founding by President Kennedy in 1961."

Many students are making the commitment to make a difference through public service as a Volunteer in the Peace Corps. Peace Corps Volunteers are also among the best employment candidates for future corporate and development positions as they bring skills and a unique cultural awareness from their international experience.

Selection as number eight overall on the survey, out of the many prominent companies listed, (see full listing below) is recognition of the continued appeal of the Peace Corps mission of promoting peace and friendship worldwide, as well as a testimony to the agency’s active presence on college campuses around the U.S. The rankings recently published in BusinessWeek place the Peace Corps in the top ten Ideal Employers for the second year in a row.

The Peace Corps also increased dramatically in the rankings over the last few years, moving all the way from #138 in 2006 to #5 in 2007.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 47-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Currently there are more than 8,000 Volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. 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 for 2008 - Overall Employer Ranking:

1. GOOGLE
2. WALT DISNEY
3. APPLE COMPUTER
4. ERNST & YOUNG
5. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
6. GOLDMAN SACHS
7. DELOITTE
8. PEACE CORPS
9. NASA
10. PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
11. TEACH FOR AMERICA
12. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
13. MICROSOFT
14. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
15. JPMORGAN
16. KPMG
17. NIKE
18. JOHNSON & JOHNSON
19. MERRILL LYNCH
20. MAYO CLINIC

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