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PolySci (c-68-82-233-161.hsd1.pa.comcast.net - 68.82.233.161)
Posted on Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 2:56 pm:   

I graduated college in May of 2007 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in International Studies. I originally went to college with the idea of applying to law school after graduation. During my senior year I realized i wanted to do more and after speaking with my adviser, decided to undertake the application process for the Peace Corps. I drove to Philadelphia to a career fair and spoke with a recruiter to get some more information. In particular I wanted to know if a misdemeanor from 4 years ago would disqualify me. She informed me that I should just be honest on my application and as long as it was over a year old it would not be a problem. She told me I would get a chance to explain it during my interview.

I filled out the application in its entirety, and approximately a month later received a standard rejection letter telling me that i met the requirements, but there are only 4,000 positions available and over 10,000 people apply and I would not be pursued as a candidate. I was shocked to say the least. I am a recent college graduate who received good grades, I had no debt at all in my name up graduation, and there was nothing keeping me tied down here. I wanted to go to Africa and put that I would do anything necessary. I even expressed that I would be willing to go to any major conflict area if need be.

I tell people this and they often have the same reaction I did, which is, how could there be so much need for help but someone who really wants to go give assistance gets rejected by the government. I wonder if the army would be so quick to reject me as well?

I am just trying to see if anyone else has had an experience like this, and if it is actually worth appealing and trying to find out why I was not even able to get an interview. Although, I have to admit that this whole process has simply increased my feeling of disdain towards the government
Anonymous (67.131.249.62)
Posted on Thursday, August 02, 2007 - 6:59 pm:   

There's more to it than grades and majors. Do you have any substantial experience in the areas they are recruiting for ie technology, agriculture, health, education, business management, etc? (Unfortunately, international studies and political science are not among them.) Have you done much volunteer work?

Like you, I look great on paper, but when I really looked carefully at what skills/background they wanted, I realized I wasn't as strong a candidate as I hoped to be. So, before I even applied, I spent months volunteering, taking classes, and building experience in the area that interested me most (agriculture) to make sure I was qualified for at least one program. Fortunately, I did end up getting nominated, but I'm not sure I would have if I hadn't taken those extra steps.
anonymous (pool-71-167-228-40.nycmny.east.verizon.net - 71.167.228.40)
Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 3:46 pm:   

You can also look at other international volunteer opportunities. With some careful research you can easily find something as - if not possibly more - rewarding than the Peace Corp (an organization I have actually heard mixed reviews about from the friends and aquaintances I know who have done it). Check out the book "Alternatives to the Peace Corps: A Guide to Global Volunteer Opportunities" By Paul Backhurst. There are a wide wide range of volunteer opportunitie ranging from pay a lot to volunteer to ones where you receive a stipend - and you can go all ove the world. I actually just returned from volunteering at a no cost organization in South America (my organization was Voluntarios de la Esperanza but you can get a complete listing of low or no cost optinos in south america at volunteersouthamerica.net - I am sure other areas of the world have similar sites). If you want to do good in the world you assuredly can; it just may take some additional initiative (as the posting above pointed out as well) and research. Just because volunteer work is free labor does not mean it is not competitive. The truth is that, especially on a global scale where cultural and language barriers play such a large role, volunteers have the potential to do a lot more harm than good if not properly trained, aware individuals. I am completely pro-volunteering but I am also pro it being selective especially when it come s to major international trips. I am sure you owuld make a great volunteer but I would not begrudge a system for wanting you to prove that and erring on the side of caution. Also do not forget that you can (and should!) volunteer in the states too. We are not lacking for our share of poverty, violence, abuse, and other atrocities that could use some dedicated people wnating to make a difference working on them.
anonymous
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 76.210.64.120
Posted on Monday, December 05, 2011 - 9:29 pm:   

I agree. I fluently speak 3 languages and have an ability to quickly pick up new ones. I have extensive international experience and great references from working in different countries. I do have my bachelor's degree in business administration, majoring in international business in marketing. I have leadership experience and I really wanted to help. I received a standard rejection letter as well and I am outraged at this process. Never have I ever been this discouraged in my life.

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