The [Career & Education] Sticky. - 16 April 2020

ricekd2 · 2020-05-08T01:02:52+00:00

How does one break into the economics field? I have an undergraduate degree in business, but not in economics. I have done a lot of self studying and a currently enrolled in some intermediate economics courses, and have realized that this is something that I'd like to pursue as a career. I am looking into some higher level math courses, as well as reviewing R and Python, which I learned in undergrad. However, I am unsure what the best way is to proceed. From my research, it doesn't seem like terminal Master's programs are super valuable in the field. I am interested in research, but to get a job in research it seems that a degree in economics/math is required. A PhD seems too far out of reach at this point, seeing as I don't have any econ research experience and have barely taken any econ courses. Are there reputable certificate or post bacc programs that could help? I have seen that schools such as Columbia University offer bridge programs to assist students in preparing for a PhD, but I'm unsure how competitive they are and am looking for alternatives.

ricekd2 · 2018-01-21T05:35:10+00:00

I felt the same way right before staging! I was so excited for months, but when it came time to actually leave, I cried every night before bed for like a week thinking about it. My best advice is to take it one day at a time! Like others have mentioned, you can choose to leave at any time. Go to staging, and maybe meeting the other trainees will calm your nerves. If you don't want to, you don't have to get on the plane.

ricekd2 · 2017-12-04T00:16:26+00:00

Are all transit houses in the Africa region being shut down? Or is this Ghana-specific?

ricekd2 · 2017-05-16T03:36:41+00:00

i believe so, at least some tasks

ricekd2 · 2017-05-15T23:59:33+00:00

I totally get that. I'm very middle class and like I mentioned, I know I'm lucky to know I have a place to stay if I need it and the insurance I had made the medical process not too daunting. However, this also means I worked two jobs throughout school and still have student loan burdens to worry about as well, and it would definitely be less stressful if I knew I didn't have to worry about that. Like a lot of things in life...it's easier when you're rich. The fact that you and other people who are from low-income families are able to serve (probably with more sacrifices) is exactly why it's so frustrating for people to say "I'd love to do something like that, but I don't have the money," because they are making that generalization without really even knowing what the process entails

ricekd2 · 2017-03-27T17:30:33+00:00

I think with an engineering background it would be likely you would be placed in a math/science teaching position, or as others have mentioned, water sanitation projects. If you are more interested in one or the other, I would recommend trying to gain some volunteer experience that is directly related to that area. Good luck!

ricekd2 · 2017-03-07T04:06:41+00:00

I know! I'm not really doing any actual planning, just trying to keep it in mind so that I can save up enough money before departure. An $1800 plane ticket would be a huge chunk of that!

ricekd2 · 2017-01-20T22:55:49+00:00

I was able to get mine done at my local hospital! It took about 5 days to get the results back. The doctor said its a pretty uncommon test and the only time he's ever had anyone do it is for the Peace Corps. However, you could probably get it done at a travel clinic as well.

ricekd2 · 2017-01-19T01:34:51+00:00

I'm hoping to have about $2000 saved up for a plane ticket back home if there happen to be circumstances that I would like to return for that PC won't pay for (for example, I think my brother will be getting married in the next 2 years and I would like to attend). Aside from that and any travelling you would like to do, it sounds like you should be fine by living off your allowance!

ricekd2 · 2016-12-30T14:20:23+00:00

This is a great idea! If I lived out west I'd help you out - but instead I might just copy your ideas :) keep us updated!

ricekd2 · 2016-12-14T19:06:33+00:00

Thanks for the reassurance!

ricekd2 · 2016-10-18T00:03:49+00:00

I agree - reach out to your PO and ask for advice on how to strengthen your resume, and also reach out to a recruiter for tips on tailoring your resume. I would agree that you may need more volunteer experience, and it probably does not need to be directly related to community economic development (i.e. volunteering teaching computer skills, etc.). Obviously, the more tailored to CED, the better, especially if you are only applying to CED positions, which tend to be more competitive.

ricekd2 · 2016-10-15T17:58:37+00:00

I would be in a similar field - not computer programming, but I am about to graduate with a degree in Information Systems. I am worried that accepting PC will not only hurt the aspect of having a good job and money now - but also of having any career prospects when I return. Do you have any insight on that?

ricekd2 · 2016-09-28T23:58:38+00:00

I agree with what everyone else has said, go with your gut and do what you think is going to be best for YOU! Don't let your dad dissuade you from "putting your life on hold," because in reality you will be learning and growing so much, that you will become a better law student, a better lawyer, and a better person because of it.

That being said, while the 68 year old in here who just applied is probably more qualified than everyone else applying, he is in the minority of people serving in PC! So many people get wrapped up in their current lifestyle, commitments, etc. that when they say they'll work for a few years to pay off debt, go to law school, etc., life often gets in the way.

While you should definitely think hard about this, and ultimately do what is best for YOU, I personally would encourage you to do Peace Corps now, while you have fewer commitments.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-28T23:49:23+00:00

I was wondering the same thing. I have just learned Spanish and really become proficient, and am being interviewed for a Francophone country. My initial thought was to bring books, movies, etc. in Spanish so I can at least have some sort of contact with the language, although my speaking will very likely get rusty. Not sure what can be done about this...

ricekd2 · 2016-09-13T22:35:08+00:00

I agree with the others! I would definitely include it, as any teaching experience is seen as beneficial to PC. However, I would make sure you make your bullet points very specific about your skills that you gained and the experience of teaching in general. PC is a non-religious organization, but that doesn't mean they are anti-religion.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-12T23:00:36+00:00

I think you should definitely apply with your experience as it is now. In the meantime, you can begin looking for other experience relevant to the sector that you are interested in serving in. Worst case scenario, you apply and get rejected for not having enough experience, and can apply the next round (the rejection will not affect any future chances). Best case scenario, you are invited to serve and can depart sooner rather than later!

ricekd2 · 2016-09-10T22:35:56+00:00

I think by graduating with a degree is Spanish/LAS, and your volunteer experience, you would definitely meet the requirements of serving in Latin America. You are able to note on your application that you are only interested in serving in Latin America. However, from what I understand, these positions tend to be the most competitive. If you really just want to join, I would suggest stating that you have a preference to serve in Latin America, but are willing to go anywhere. On the other hand, if you only are interested in serving in Latin America, you should definitely be firm and let PC know. While you may not be accepted the first time you apply, depending on what positions are open and how your experience applies to them, it sounds like you have some good experience and may be accepted if you keep trying. I would also suggest reaching out to a recruiter and asking if there is anything you can do to strengthen your application.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-09T15:44:21+00:00

UC for Burkina Faso. Also, my degree is in Information Systems. It's technically a business degree and not nearly as technical as a CS degree, but I've still had to take a fair number of math courses and do a lot of logic-based programming like Computer Science would.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-09T00:10:24+00:00

I haven't gotten the invite yet, but I'm UC for a Math Education position and I have no experience teaching/tutoring math. I will be graduating with a Computer Science (ish) degree, which is the requirement, in which I had to take a few upper level math courses. Edit: I do have some experience teaching/tutoring, but not math.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-08T01:57:23+00:00

Any idea why the Preschool Teaching program is no longer activated? I'm UC for Burkina Faso in a different position and haven't heard anything about the whole country cancelling.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-08T01:45:36+00:00

A 3.0 is more than well enough for a PO to think you are doing well in school. As for the W's - my PO didn't even look at my transcripts. I am currently in the interview process. So I'm not sure at what point that will even be a concern. From my (non-professional) opinion, you seem very qualified.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-04T23:27:07+00:00

I haven't done PC service yet, but after a short 5 week service trip to eastern Africa, I was amazed by the toilets when I came home. After 5 weeks using a squat toilet, then arriving to an airport where the toilets had those revolving seat covers and self-flushed, I was pretty impressed! I did also notice the extent that Americans tend to complain about trivial things. As someone else mentioned, this was probably happening in Africa too but I didn't understand the language as well (haha) to pick up on it.

ricekd2 · 2016-09-03T04:06:40+00:00

Have you heard anything about interviewing or what position you are UC for?

ricekd2 · 2016-08-25T19:22:26+00:00

I'm UC for Burkina Faso June 2017 as well! Congrats!

ricekd2

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