Business Development
Overview
Additional Resources
- How do I Become a Volunteer FAQs
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Business and Information & Communication Technology
Photos (Flickr) - Peace Corps Catalog (PDF - 5mb)
Call 855.855.1961 to talk to a recruiter near you.
“Through our ecotourism project, we are developing alternative sources of income that do not rely on clearing more forest, chemicals, or child-labor but instead focus on tourism, conservation, and education to provide more benefits to members of the community. Each day is an opportunity to make something happen – to make a positive difference.”
Christopher BoldmanVolunteer in Guatemala
Volunteers work on projects in community agencies, educational institutions, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, tourism centers, cooperatives, farmers' associations, or other economic development organizations.
Depending on your specific assignment, you might:
- Advise businesses and conduct seminars on starting a business, strategic planning, marketing, merchandising, organizational development, and tourism development
- Teach basic business skills, business English, and financial education to women, youth, and minority groups to strengthen their participation in the economic system
- Assist local and regional governments in planning and implementing economic development strategies
- Train and advise entrepreneurs and managers in business planning, marketing, financial management, and product design
How do I qualify?
Education
Applicants must have a master's degree in business administration, public administration, management, accounting, banking, or finance;
OR a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, accounting, banking, public administration, or finance and two years of full-time business work experience;
OR a bachelor's degree in any discipline and five years of full-time business work experience.
Experience
Most applicants have at least two years of business experience in accounting, finance, management, or marketing. Many have experience starting and running their own businesses. Other relevant experience includes knowledge of various management practices, computer skills, financial management or budget experience, and significant hands-on entrepreneurial or business experience.
Note: Approximately half of these positions require a Romance language background.
How will this advance my career?
Through serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, you can gain fluency in a foreign language, international experience, and cross-cultural understanding, attributes that are highly sought-after assets in today's global economy. Experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in business or small enterprise development is valued by numerous organizations, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of State, and many private companies and nongovernmental organizations seeking individuals with unique skills. Find out how returned Peace Corps Volunteers receive advantages in federal employment.
Also See: Volunteer Benefits
Last updated May 21 2013