For the second year in a row, I was invited to speak to the graduating class of students in a technical field at a large state university. Three years ago, every graduate had a job already lined up following graduation. However, the past two years have been unique: not a single student had a job offer. And, believe me, they were depressed.

So, that’s what the students wanted to talk to me about – how to find a job? Who will give them a chance? How can you have experience if nobody will give you a job? All are good questions. Technically, I was invited there to discuss quality management practices but, honestly, that subject is boring and it was great that the students spoke up and told me what they really wanted to talk about. That was impressive to me.

It’s time for some out of the box thinking. I’ve been mulling this over for several weeks and this article will share my thoughts.

Internships. (aka Volunteers)

I actually told the graduates to walk into the company of their choice and offer to work for free!

It seems like a win – win scenario to me. The typical college graduate has now gone back home to live with his or her parents because job opportunities are just not out there. Rather than sit around and become depressed about economic conditions they can do nothing about, I told the group they might as well be proving themselves in whatever work setting they feel is their Dream Job. If they offer to work for a certain period of time for free, and assuming their work is better than average (maybe even excellent) – along with the proper attitude, communication, and teamwork skills – it seems to me that it would only be a matter of time before the company moves them from an Intern to an Employee.

I am aware of Foundations that provide funds for internships. During the initial “sitting at home period” – you know, the one immediately following the big graduation festivities (okay, after getting back from the graduation trip to the beach or wherever), the prospective intern could check out Foundations that support internships. With a paid internship in hand, it seems to me that it would be even easier to get a chance at that Dream Job since there is no cost to the company AND a foundation interested in the mission of the charitable organization.

For those students that are entering college (or have several semesters remaining), I would highly encourage an internship (it used to be called “co-op”) experience. Some quick research has shown me that there are many companies still offering these programs. Work a semester, go to school a semester; upon graduation there is a job available where the internship has paved the way. But, this line of reasoning is a bit off the intended subject, so let’s get back to Non-Profits.

As I have preached for years in various articles, via The Center for Ethics, Governance, and Accountability (which I founded to support the not-for-profit sector), I believe that a non-profit organization (NPO) – actually, the entire Sector of NPOs – holds the greatest promise for helping our country solve its many challenges. And, the non-profits need to attract young, bright, and energetic college graduates to their organizations.

What better way than to advertise for interns? Perhaps the NPO will offer a small stipend from within its own budget, or find a donor who will sponsor interns for a certain amount of money. The options are virtually unlimited. Just climb outside of the box.

I suspect, however, the graduates are probably a bit too timid to take the bold steps that I recommended when I spoke to that group (which is not such a bad thing). So, the non-profit sector needs to take the leadership role and announce its desire for interns. The NPO could even recruit interns from board member referrals or another method. The point is that there is no reason why the organization cannot attract the “best and brightest” using this “internship scenario” in these uncertain economic times.

Try it. Let me know how it works for you. After all, there is nothing to lose and a lot to be gained, both for your non-profit organization, the community of stakeholders it serves, and the graduate who wants and needs to get out of their parents’ house.