3 answers
Melissa
Student
Orlando, Florida
26
Questions
Updated
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What are some of the qualities, besides being a person who cares and wants to help others, do you need to have to get a job with the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps?
I think the question is self explanatory. #corporate-social-responsibility #human-resources #career-details
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3 answers
Emily Wheatley
Supervisor
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hello! I spent 14-months on AmeriCorps assignment working at a California chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The skills, experience and requirements that a host-nonprofit is looking for will vary widely depending on the role so take your time finding a posting that you're the optimal fit for, in a location that you'd like to live, supporting activities that you have skills, passion, and hopefully a bit of experience in. When you've identified this, be curious in the interview to ask specific questions to learn everything that you can about what the organization needs - then share your unique ideas or skills that you could offer to support their priority initiatives. Best of luck!
Christie Emberley
Individual Philanthropy Officer at Planned Parenthood Northern California
2
Answers
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Christie’s Answer
Hi Melissa,
I'm a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and am always excited to give advice to people looking into Peace Corps service. A good first step is to take a look at roles on Peace Corps website (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/what-volunteers-do/) and see what interests you. From there find a way to get some experience in that area. For example, I was an English teacher and my volunteer experience tutoring was very helpful on my application.
Another suggestion is to connect with the recruiter in your area. If you're a college student there may be one on campus. (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/connect-with-a-recruiter/) They can provide a lot of support for filling out the application, answering questions, even connecting you with returned volunteers in your area. They are such a great resource!
Hope this helps you get the ball rolling!
Best,
Christie
I'm a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and am always excited to give advice to people looking into Peace Corps service. A good first step is to take a look at roles on Peace Corps website (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/what-volunteers-do/) and see what interests you. From there find a way to get some experience in that area. For example, I was an English teacher and my volunteer experience tutoring was very helpful on my application.
Another suggestion is to connect with the recruiter in your area. If you're a college student there may be one on campus. (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/connect-with-a-recruiter/) They can provide a lot of support for filling out the application, answering questions, even connecting you with returned volunteers in your area. They are such a great resource!
Hope this helps you get the ball rolling!
Best,
Christie
Erin Wallace
Management Consultant at PwC
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Hi Melissa
I interned with a nonprofit and found that what they were looking for was more than just passion and an ability to be the arms and legs of the organization, but rather forward-thinkers that will help the nonprofit grow, expand its service offerings, and impact more individuals. Most every organization jumps at the opportunity to acquire more leaders.
The highest performing employees at the nonprofit I worked at were the ones that thought outside of the box, and were always pushing to make more of an impact. My advice to you would be to not hesitate to present your own ideas (even in initial interview stages), and keep thinking of what more the organization can do. Celebrate victories of all sizes, but never settle for believing that you've done all that you can do.
It is my opinion that if you present your own ideas and your desire to go above and beyond the role of volunteer, the Peace Corps/AmeriCorps would be thrilled to have you. Let your caring nature and desire to help others drive you. I wish you the very best of luck in your courageous endeavours!
Best,
Erin
nonprofits volunteerism corporate-social-responsibility leadership
I interned with a nonprofit and found that what they were looking for was more than just passion and an ability to be the arms and legs of the organization, but rather forward-thinkers that will help the nonprofit grow, expand its service offerings, and impact more individuals. Most every organization jumps at the opportunity to acquire more leaders.
The highest performing employees at the nonprofit I worked at were the ones that thought outside of the box, and were always pushing to make more of an impact. My advice to you would be to not hesitate to present your own ideas (even in initial interview stages), and keep thinking of what more the organization can do. Celebrate victories of all sizes, but never settle for believing that you've done all that you can do.
It is my opinion that if you present your own ideas and your desire to go above and beyond the role of volunteer, the Peace Corps/AmeriCorps would be thrilled to have you. Let your caring nature and desire to help others drive you. I wish you the very best of luck in your courageous endeavours!
Best,
Erin
nonprofits volunteerism corporate-social-responsibility leadership