Monster's In-School Presentations Reach the 5 Millionth Student Milestone

MAYNARD, Mass., Oct 23, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nationwide Making it Count programs provide a career and life "toolkit" to high school and college students

The transition from the classroom to college and beyond is a daunting thought for millions of teenagers across the country today, as few resources are dedicated to guiding them through this overwhelming process. To address this need felt by parents and students alike, Monster's Making it Count program meets students nationwide to equip them with career and education tips and tools to plan effectively for their future. Today, more than five million students across the country have reaped the benefits of the program. Monster(R) is the leading global online careers site and flagship brand of TMP Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ: TMPW).

Making it Count is a nationally recognized series of live, in-school presentations that educates and motivates teens to excel in both personal and professional educational endeavors. Delivered by a roster of skilled presenters from a variety of backgrounds, including members of the U.S. Olympic team, the corporate-sponsored programs have now reached five million students at more than 4,500 high schools and 400 colleges.

"Making it Count helps students maximize their opportunities at the next level and recognize the importance of career planning and preparing for the future," said Jeff Taylor, founder and chairman of Monster. "These targeted programs ready students for long-term achievement in career and life, and provide them with the essential skills for success."

On Friday, October 18th, the Making it Count program reached its five millionth student with a presentation at Tyngsboro High School in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. More than 160 high-school freshmen at Tyngsboro Junior/Senior High School participated in the program. In honor of the occasion, Making it Count provided Tyngsboro High School with a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded at the end of the school year to a freshman student who exemplifies the characteristics referred to in the Making High School Count program. Those characteristics include leadership, academic excellence, organization, and the ability to follow through on commitments. The student will be chosen by a panel of teachers and counselors.

"The Making it Count programs provide students with useful information that is not always readily available to them, such as the skills that will help them plan for the future," said Amy Van Kirk, national campus recruiting manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers. "The curriculum is proven and tested, and we'll continue to look for ways to expand our sponsorship of these programs to reach this key audience. Monster's philosophy is the same as ours - to provide students with tools for life and career success."

Making it Count develops targeted programs for all levels of high school students and college freshmen, helping them prepare for the future:

  • Making High School Count provides first semester high school freshmen with important information on how to recognize their potential for future success and make the most of their high school experience. Making High School Count helps students understand how smart choices in high school can maximize their opportunities upon graduation.

  • Making Your College Search Count provides second semester high school juniors with crucial information on how to conduct an effective college search - from visiting schools to the application process. It provides students with a working plan that simplifies the process of choosing a college.

  • Making College Count provides second semester high school seniors with critical information on how to successfully navigate the transition from high school and make the most of their college experiences. The program provides students with a "success map" to help maximize their opportunities upon graduation.

  • Making College Count Orientation provides college freshmen with an inside look at the decisions and choices that await them in college, offering a unique and early opportunity to recognize their potential. The on-campus program introduces practical tips and tools that help guide students toward rewarding collegiate and professional careers.

In addition to these free, in-school presentations, Making it Count is dedicated to helping college juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds develop their business skills, explore career opportunities, and plan for their future. Through Diversity Leadership Weekends, Making it Count teaches high potential minority students the importance of learning and building the real-world business skills necessary for long-term achievement in their career and life. Each weekend seminar provides students with an opportunity to explore areas such as networking, career development, interviewing, resume building, and workplace diversity in an interactive and dynamic environment.

Making it Count programs are free to schools and their students, thanks to the support of leading corporations and firms, including Polo Ralph Lauren, AT&T, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

About Monster

Monster, headquartered in Maynard, Mass., is the leading global careers website, recording over 43.4 million unique visits during the month of September 2002 according to independent research conducted by I/PRO. Monster connects the most progressive companies with the most qualified career-minded individuals, offering innovative technology and superior services that give them more control over the recruiting process. The Monster global network consists of local content and language sites in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, France, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Luxembourg, India, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, and Finland. Monster is the official online career management services sponsor of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and 2002 and 2004 U.S. Olympic Teams. More information about Monster is available at www.monster.com or by calling 1-800-MONSTER.

About TMP Worldwide

Founded in 1967, TMP Worldwide Inc., with more than 8,500 employees in 33 countries, is the online recruitment leader, the world's largest Recruitment Advertising agency network, and one of the world's largest Executive Search and Executive Selection agencies. TMP Worldwide, headquartered in New York, is also the world's largest Yellow Pages advertising agency and a provider of direct marketing services. The company's clients include more than 90 of the Fortune 100 and more than 490 of the Fortune 500 companies. In June 2001, TMP Worldwide was added to the S&P 500 Index. More information about TMP Worldwide is available at www.tmp.com.

Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in our Form 10-K and our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.

CONTACT:

Monster
Kevin Mullins, 978/461-8751
kevin.mullins@monster.com
or
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Jackie Pigliucci, 617/520-7066
jpigliucci@webershandwick.com