Your Peace Corps Experience: A Launchpad for Career Success
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you’ve spent the past two years working on community-led projects, working through cultural differences, and overcoming challenges. Now, as you are about to finish service and jump back into the job market, it’s time to see the incredible skills you’ve gained—and learn how to use them to get the jobs you want.
I recently read an op-ed piece shared by Meg Garlinghouse, vice president of social impact at LinkedIn, and Carol Spahn, the 21st Director of the Peace Corps. And while the article was focused on why people should consider joining the Peace Corps, I thought that soon-to-be "returned" Peace Corps volunteers should be reminded that those same reasons are what will help them with their future careers. Both are former Peace Corps Volunteers themselves, and they’ve seen firsthand how service prepares individuals to thrive in the modern workplace.
The Job Market Is Changing
The professional landscape is transforming at a rapid pace. AI is becoming central to many industries, with 75% of knowledge workers already using it in their roles. At the same time, LinkedIn’s latest Most In-Demand Skills report highlights that employers are prioritizing "human-centric" soft skills—like communication, adaptability, and leadership—over technical expertise.
The good news? Your Peace Corps experience has prepared you to thrive in this new world of work.
Why Employers Value Peace Corps Experience
Peace Corps service is more than a cultural exchange or a two-year adventure. It’s hands-on leadership training that gives you skills your peers spend years trying to develop. During your service, you:
Solved problems creatively without a roadmap.
Built strong relationships across cultural and language barriers.
Led initiatives that required patience, flexibility, and collaboration.
These are exactly the traits that set candidates apart in today’s job market.
Your Transferable Skills
Here are three key skills you developed as a Peace Corps Volunteer—and how to show their value to future employers:
Resilience: You got through tough challenges—whether it was mastering a new language, adjusting to cultural norms, or working in challenging environments. Resilience shows employers you’re ready to take on tough tasks and push through when things get difficult.
Adaptability: From adjusting to life in a new country to navigating community dynamics, you learned how to be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances. This makes you a valuable team player in any organization.
Why Your Skills Are More Relevant Than Ever
LinkedIn research shows that work skills are evolving rapidly, with 68% of job skills expected to change globally by 2030. As AI accelerates this shift, employers are placing more value on things like adaptability, creativity, and leadership. Your Peace Corps service shows you have the skills they want.
How to Showcase Your Experience
Your Peace Corps story is a powerful tool. Here’s how to make it work for you:
Highlight Transferable Skills: Use your resume and interviews to emphasize how your service prepared you to handle challenges and work collaboratively.
Leverage Your Network: The Peace Corps community is huge. Make sure you use RPCV resources, attend networking events, and connect with fellow volunteers and RPCVs on LinkedIn.
Share Your Story: Post about your Peace Corps service on social media or professional platforms like LinkedIn. Share project updates, community integration experiences, and lessons learned. These posts demonstrate your skills, values, and adaptability while showing employers your ability to communicate and engage authentically.
Key Resources for RPCVs
The Peace Corps provides extensive support to help returned volunteers transition into the workforce. Some resources include:
RPCV Career Services: Job listings, resume help, and career coaching.
National Peace Corps Association: Networking opportunities and mentorship programs.
Your Next Chapter
Your Peace Corps experience has equipped you with skills that are in demand now more than ever. As you step into the next phase of your career, remember the adaptability, resilience, and agility you’ve already demonstrated. These traits aren’t just impressive—they’re exactly what today’s employers are searching for.
The world of work is evolving, and you’re ready to evolve with it. Take confidence in your service, lean on your network, and embrace this next opportunity to make an impact.
And thank you for your service!
💬 Let’s Connect! If you’re a current PCV or recent RPCV gearing up for the next chapter, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s share ideas and help each other—connect with me HERE on LinkedIn!
For more tips like this, subscribe and also check out WanderingTheWorld.com
Reference: Peace Corps Is the Most Effective Training for the New World of Work