Joining the Peace Corps but worried about my personaltiy?

Question

I am thinking of joining the Peace Corps but i'm not exactly a leader type. I am a strong worker when I know what i'm doing and have worked fine with others before.

Answer 1

Give it a shot. All they can do is turn you down. They accept one applicant in four.

Answer 2

You might try a program like Americorps/Vista first. The term commitments are shorter, and the assignments tend to be more structured. They should have recruiters for both programs at a college campus near you.

Good luck!

a RPCV

Answer 3

Have you volunteered before locally? Will others attest to your abilities to work well in a team? Have you trained others, however informally? Can you get up in front of a group and talk to them? These are the kind of skills that are valued by the PeaceCorps.

You haven't said what about "leadership" you are lacking -- do you have trouble delegating duties? Or coaching others in their work? Or identifying problems within a team's work and trying to solve such, either on your own or as a group?

Here is a web site that can help you learn more about the skills and experience desired by long-term placement organizations such as PeaceCorps, VSO, UNV, etc, or organizations that don't charge volunteers but require volunteers to be highly-skilled, and how you can start to gain such wherever you are now:

http://www.coyotecommunications.com/volu...

Answer 4

In volunteering, knowing who and what you are is very important.. However, a more important thing is the faith you have in God.. Believe that if he calls you for this mission, he will equip you with everything you need to fulfill it.. You should never doubt God's ability and creativity in using you to do his will..  Of course, you have to be willing first.. If you can't be self-confident, be God-confident!

I hope your view on your self will not hinder you from joining Peace Corps.. Pray hard and see if it is really for you.. I'm sure the organization will not accept you if they don't believe in you.. Go on! Brighten your path by lighting someone else's candle.. Who knows, maybe after your service years, you will be "exactly the leader type" or the "strong worker who is willing to know more and update his knowledge and skills, and who is able to work harmoniously with different people."

more tips: humble yourself, be flexible, never doubt the impact you could have, etc!!!

please let me know where you will be assigned.. :)

Answer 5

I think the Peace Corps would be great for you!  I'd suggest you apply and talk about your concerns with them.  They'll have a good sense for whether it will work or not, based on their experience.