Why is TFA prestigious?

Career Opportunities & Internships
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<p>I am not trolling -- this is a legitimate question.</p>

<p>I have seen classmates constantly brag about TFA as though they have been granted one of the top jobs in America. I simply do not understand why the organization is perceived as the epitome of prestige for so many college graduates. It's my understanding, some of the teaching community views TFA as college students who are looking for a temporary ride while they sort out their life, but they are not truly dedicated to the teaching profession. In reality, this probably applies to over half of those people accepted by TFA. I recognize the altruistic purpose of the organization, but I will never associate TFA with the most prestigious finance, consulting, etc jobs that undergraduates land each year. </p>

<p>I think some of my belief comes from my own personal experiences with TFA recruitment. I was literally begged and borderline harassed by TFA recruiters to apply. I finally obliged to listen to a call with a representative, but I was told that "TFA just wants to tell you their message...it won't be about recruiting." I was 'ok' with this because I had already accepted a job and the TFA recruiters knew this. </p>

<p>When I finally get on the call, it is me and a guy from UCLA that had already been accepted and decided to go to Medical School. In short, TFA was seeking out two students that had already decided what they wanted to do -- and TFA was not a part of their plans -- yet they still wanted to give us a pitch on why we should join TFA. What. the. hell. </p>

<p>My experience completely discounted the 'prestige' of TFA and I have a hard time recognizing the prestige that so many undergrads brag about when they are finally accepted. I didn't even try nor did I want to be recruited by TFA, yet the organization refused to stop contacting me -- that isn't the trait of a prestigious organization, IMO.</p>

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<p>It’s fairly competitive. That’s why.</p>

<p>And yes, it does have a negative view among some educators, BUT many “career teachers” (aka the “dedicated” ones) only end up teaching for 5 years or less also.</p>

<p>Many jobs after graduation are a short time while people figure out what they want to do with their life. There is nothing wrong with that. Many people change career fields multiple times.</p>

<p>That said, if you already had something you wanted to do, then tell TFA (just like any other prospective employer) that you aren’t interested. Instead, you got on the phone with them.</p>

<p>People who brag about any job they get are probably just *******s.</p>

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<p>Is it really that competitive? What are the applications/offers/acceptance stats? Most people I know that applied for TFA have gotten it. I only know of one person of probably 15 that have not been offered.</p>

<p>In my own case, I told TFA time-and-time again that I had already accepted a job…but they still asked for me to talk to a rep. I wasn’t expecting a sales pitch, but that is what I got.</p>

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<p>It’s somewhere around 11 percent. </p>

<p>Prestige is relative and ultimately meaningless.</p>