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How can I get experience to qualify for the Peace Corps?
Whether you want to serve in person or online, your resume needs to reflect that you possess the required skills and knowledge to successfully perform the assigned tasks.
We share 5 ways to boost your resume and qualify for Peace Corps service.
1. Become a tutor or mentor.
Education is Peace Corps’ biggest sector, meaning there’s ample opportunity! To gain relevant experience, check with your local county or municipality to see if you can get involved with any adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes or tutoring programs.
Do you excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or writing? Ask your local librarian if you can put up a poster advertising one-on-one tutoring.
2. Volunteer for a meaningful cause.
Non-profit organizations are always looking for an extra pair of hands. Find one that is dedicated to a cause that mirrors your passions. You can help address hunger, malnutrition, and isolation by volunteering at a senior center or a community-based meal delivery program.
Interested in pursuing a Peace Corps assignment related to disaster relief? Consider volunteering with the American Red Cross—they even provide training that you can highlight on your resume for Health assignments.
If your green thumb yearns to preserve natural land and native species, see if a conservation group near you is looking for assistance with gardening, outreach, or their education programs.
3. Support the youth.
Are you hoping to empower younger generations to succeed as a Youth in Development Volunteer? Consider working as a camp counselor or as a referee for an intermural sports club. These positions can help you learn transferable skills, such as conflict resolution, program management, and positive mentorship.
Outdoor wilderness education programs can also help demonstrate that you possess risk management, leadership, and basic survival skills. These outdoor programs also offer classes to get CPR or wilderness first responder (WFR) certified, which can make a nice addition to any resume.
4. Work with plants or animals.
If you’re interested in serving as an Agriculture Volunteer, see about getting a part-time or seasonal position at a farm. You’ll likely learn more about sustainable practices, common production challenges, and product marketing.
Most states offer some sort of tree stewardship, where volunteers learn about soil biology, site assessment, tree selection, proper planting, and follow-up care. Check with your local state department of forestry for volunteer opportunities to stock fish, manage habitats, invasive species removal, wildlife survey, and more. These experiences will make you more competitive for Environment positions.
Thomas B. volunteered at an animal shelter for several years prior to serving. He said, “All the skills I gained at the shelter helped me as an Agriculture Volunteer in Zambia, where I was involved in volunteer management and community outreach as part of my fish farming and malaria prevention projects.”
5. Get creative!
Don’t fret if you live in a small hometown that has limited options. Every job brings an opportunity to learn something new that can be applied to service.
For instance, a teller position at a bank will equip you with basic accounting skills and expand your understanding of savings and credit programs, which could make you competitive for Community Economic Development assignments. Working as a retail sales associate or restaurant waiter will train you how to collaborate and communicate effectively with others as well as listen and act on the public’s needs.
Want some more ideas? Read how 6 Returned Volunteers gained experience for a competitive Peace Corps application.
Connect with a recruiter when you’re ready to apply and explore opportunities here.
