Unemployed recent GWU graduate has a world of options

Regarding the Nov. 22 front-page article "In recession, one road led back home":

I sympathize greatly with anyone hunting for a job in this economy, but I was struck that Melissa Meyer had applied for 30 jobs upon graduating from George Washington University and that during the summer she "applied for at least one position every day." According to the story, she looked in four cities.

She needs to work harder. When the economy was booming in January 2001, I was in the hunt. I applied for at least five jobs every day. I had four résumés stressing different skill sets. I'd sent out more than 100 résumés to about 20 states (by old-fashioned U.S. mail, no less!) before getting three interviews. After two months, I had two job offers. I considered myself lucky to get a job though it required me to move from my home state where I'd lived my entire life and where my family and friends lived. I'm glad that I did.

Douglas Johnston, Ewing Township, N.J.

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It is interesting that high-achiever Melissa Meyer appears to have considered only one public-sector option -- teaching -- where she lacks credentials and interest. She could explore other public options, several that could lead her back to Washington and to power positions in the future.

Highly educated and athletic, she could consider becoming an officer in one of the five military services, as well as the FBI, Customs, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secret Service and the State Department's Foreign Service. Additional career opportunities are available in a number of state and city public safety agencies, including law enforcement and fire and rescue. Almost all of these sectors are actively recruiting women.

Why haven't this young woman and her circle of friends and family considered the great opportunities available for career development, personal satisfaction and the satisfaction of working to make a difference in this world? It is a loss for her and also our country.

Betty K. Hart, Arlington

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Perhaps Melissa Meyer should consider becoming a Peace Corps volunteer. The entire world is open to her talents and energy. She may learn that giving back is essential to a meaningful adult life, and the experience could give her a new approach to life. When she returns, the job market will probably be stronger, and many government agencies often offer employment to returning Peace Corps volunteers.

Or, if she does not want to give the amount of time required by the Peace Corps, perhaps she would be interested in Global Volunteers -- a 25-year-old company offering opportunities all over the world for shorter periods. I have participated in two of these programs, enjoyed them and met some wonderful people.

Time to think outside the box!

Amy Ferguson, Chestertown