Options abound after graduation

In these times of economic uncertainty, college students need to establish a backup plan long before graduation. If one is not implemented, the alternative could be working at a drive-thru, asking customers if they'd like fries with their burger.

Or even worse, college graduates may have to deal with not having a job at all.

The thought process of the average college student probably goes in the order of attending a higher institution for four or more years to receive an education, working hard for a diploma and ending it all by receiving the dream job immediately after graduation.

Graduating from college does not guarantee a top job afterward. In fact, it promises nothing.

Many undergraduates look toward continuing higher education in graduate schools as an alternative. It may not be the first option, but it does offer financial benefits to keep students afloat when job opportunities are low.

According to Workforce Central Florida, the unemployment rate in the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area stands at 9.9 percent. This has more than doubled since 2008, when unemployment in the area was at 4.7 percent.

With degree in hand, the college graduate is left to their own devices. If they haven't grown up yet, facing the prospect of unemployment may leave graduates in a necessary state of culture shock.

So what other choices exist besides the 9 to 5 work grind? Plenty, if students only take the time to look around to find what's best for them.

Graduate schools are providing fellowships, teaching assistantships and waivers to some students who are accepted into their program.

This could be a financial relief to debt-ridden students who did not have aid available to them as undergraduates.

A selection of funds provides graduate students with paid tuition and others give enough assistance for them to live on while attending college.

UCF offers fellowships with the added bonus of health insurance benefits, a benefit that isn't always promised to those with full-time jobs.

Graduate school may be the best option. It guarantees stability, and students know what to expect.  Reading textbooks and writing papers is something that never changes.

If continuing the college road leaves a bitter aftertaste, government programs stand as alternatives.

Why not take advantage of a government program that can offer assistance during times of a slow hiring job market?

Joining the military is one choice, but there are other less permanent career paths such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, too.

Choosing these as options not only allows graduates to serve and give back to others, but both also provide benefits that could help recent grads.

AmeriCorps exists as a government organization, allowing participants to provide a service nationally.

Service actions can include helping victims of Hurricane Katrina or going into poor communities to help enhance literacy.

What are the other benefits to AmeriCorps? Try a modest living allowance to go along with the work. Some people even receive housing.

After 10-to-12 months of completed service, the person receives $4725 to pay for college, student loans or graduate school.

The Peace Corps, another governmental organization, takes service to a global level. Time required of participants runs longer than AmeriCorps, up to two years, but the potential benefits are also greater.

It offers the opportunity to travel to other countries, which may not have been financially possible for college graduates before.

A living allowance is also given to match the community.

Student loans can be deferred, and in some cases canceled, while in thePeace Corps.

The Peace Corps also allots $6000 to use after returning to the states.

Although college students may be adults, graduating in a time when uncertain employment lingers around the corner truly tests one's maturity level.

Opportunities do exist for college graduates besides standing in long job fair lines hoping for a position. Plan ahead. It could help in not being labeled as another unemployed statistic.