What are the sectors in which you can serve in the Peace Corps?

The six Peace Corps sectors are Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health andYouth in Development.

Sectors define the focus of the overarching job specific details for the position and give candidates a starting point for finding the right position. 

Largest Sectors: Health and Education

Smallest Sectors: Community Economic Development and Youth in Development

Can one Volunteer Opening have more than one sector? 

Yes. 

Why do some positions have more than one sector? 

It is more than likely that a Volunteer would be spending a significant amount of time working in both stated sectors. So be prepared to be motivated and flexible to complete all duties and responsibilities of the position. 

Examples: In a project description that states Agriculture and Community Economic Development, a Volunteer would work to advance agriculture practices to create economic development. Or in an Environment and Health opening, a Volunteer would work on environment-focused projects that have a positive outcome on the health of the community. 

Volunteers should be ready to work on projects related to both stated sectors.  Every community has different needs, so secondary projects might not always be related to the sector for the position. 

If there is one sector listed, does that mean that a Volunteer won’t work in more than one sector? 

Not necessarily. Volunteer work is not exclusive to the stated sector; however it is expected that the Volunteer will work primarily in that sector. Read the position description completely so that you know what to expect. Remember, successful Volunteers are flexible and have the ability to assist a community to meet their needs, regardless of the stated sector or Volunteer expectations. 

Do I need education and/or experience in both sectors? 

Maybe. It will depend on the position and the competitiveness of that program. The more of the required/desired skills that you have for any position, the better. Also, it never hurts to gain additional experience/education throughout the application and selection process. 

Could I end up working on a secondary project that is not sector related? 

Yes. Given that a Volunteer's main goal is to assist a community in reaching their goals, Volunteers must think outside the box of the sector or position to provide the highest level of assistance possible to their community. After all, that is the backbone of serving the community: to be of service where needed. 

What about the option to apply to go anywhere?

You will have the opportunity to indicate your preferences for a sector so we can find you the right fit. Research sectors in advance to know the basics about positions within those sectors. The position that you are selected for could have multiple sectors. 

Ready to start your Peace Corps journey? Attend a virtual event and connect with a recruiter today.