Engineering Student
February 11th, 2009 by ajorl09c.Hey,
So I’m a 4th year industrial engineering student. i actually have another year left at school (studided abroad, and am on a co-op). I’m looking into joining the peace corps and hopefully being able to apply some of the knowledge I’ve learned in undergrad some where other than the business world. Somewhere where my skills might do a little more than just pad some one elses pocket. Anyways, I’m looking to gain insight into whether peace corps even looks to take on engineers and exactly how the application process works. From what i’ve been reading it seems like the process is 1) very long 2) sort of a rolling process where you hand in things when you get them done and then from there you nominated for a particular project. I really just want to get a better of idea of what i can expect with this whole process. So hopefully there is some one out there who was in my shoes and went thru the process. Please feel free to share experiences. Thanks for the help!
May 20th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Hey!
I see no one has responded to your question online. I am not a member of this sight, but have also been looking into the Peace Corps to join after Uni. I am a mechanical engineering student, and had the exact same question you had. Does the peace corp look into signing up engineers, and if so what would the projects be like? If you have had any responses please let me know.
Cheers
May 20th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Hi,
I’m not sure if i’m too late but the peace corps does have a place for engineers. If you go to peacecorps.gov under the section header “What do volunteers Do?” you will find a list of different ways to volunteer. Under “Environment” there is a hyperlink for “Environmental and Water Resouces Engineering.”
My husband is in the same spot as you two and definately would rather apply his knowledge and skills for the greater good than “pad some one elses pocket.”
As for the application process: we’re still not so sure about it since we a quite a while from being able to apply, but I hope this is helpful!!
Best!
December 28th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I realize this is quite a late response, but I’ll give it a shot. From what I’ve researched, there are many uses for engineers in the Peace Corps. Engineers are thinkers and problem solvers, and this alone can bring much good to many areas in the world. I believe that most engineers work on projects involving water sanitation and irrigation, as well as teaching math and science.
I have just received my MS in Mechanical in Engineering, and have a desire to help people. I signed up, and received a nomination to teach math in Sub-Saharan Africa.
May 30th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Even later reply! I applied to the Peace Corps in ‘94, I think, although I didn’t complete the application process. I am a computer engineer and my target assignment would have been Africa to teach science and math, not exactly putting my skills to use directly. My research shows they love civil engineers, folks that can build bridges, irrigation systems, etc. but, unfortunately, prospects are at the mercy of the needs of the host countries and those already waiting for a similar assignment. So like this fellow above me, he ended up teaching math but that doesn’t stop him from applying his mechanical engineering skills on projects of his own choosing while on the teaching assignment. I am in my late 40’s and will try to apply again in my mid 50’s and hopefully my health will still be good enough to be admitted. But I plan on applying for the International Masters and study sustainable development/agriculture or similar. I know if I get in that I will have the power to do many other things. I want to start up a children’s theatre overseas, share my knowledge in humanure composting and water purification, even try to build human-powered washing machines and other devices. It’s your life and it’s up to you to figure out how to use your time. I am learning all I can about sustainable living while still in the states so I can figure out how to live that way overseas where it will really come in handy and, hey, if I can pass on the knowledge to others, so much the better.