The BARPCV Careers Suport program assists former volunteers as they seek rewarding post-service jobs. Hundreds of Boston area RPCVs make for a powerful network – ready to help you land a job you love. In addition, a handful of supportive affiliated organizations (like the US Peace Corps, RPCV Nexus and the NPCA) offer fantastic resources for job hunters. We present below the key tools BARPCV offers to volunteers in search of new employment.
Use Your BARPCV Network
- Post to BARPCV’s community on LinkedIn. Our Boston area RPCV LinkedIn page is a good way to let nearly 400 ex-volunteers know you are looking. A simple post about your target job and background could trigger a connection that leads to a job. Fast and easy.
- Post on BARPCV’s Facebook forum. This group of 1500+ Boston area returned volunteer followers, all who have been looking for a job at some point, is a great way to make local contacts in your job hunt. Again, a simple post about what you’re seeking and what your skills are is all you need do.
- Let the BARPCV Board know you’re looking. Send a short email to our Careers Chair and they will share your information with the rest of the Board.
Links for Federal Empoyees
Unemployment Compensation For Federal Employees (UCFE) provides unemployment compensation for federal employees who have lost their employment at no fault of their own. Claims should be filed in the state where the employee’s last official duty station was located, with limited exceptions.
Directory of state unemployment offices
More information
Here’s a guide to writing an Open to Work post on LinkedIn.
Federal News Network has advice on appeals, unemployment, health benefits, and life insurance for terminated probationary employees.
Anita Brady is offering a free one hour coaching session to any federal government employee impacted by the layoffs (th link may no longer be active): https://lnkd.in/efusdU6K
Congressman Gerry Connolly’s list of resources for federal workers includes information on employment rights, unions, whistleblower protections, and the right to appeal a termination.
Reddit’s News, Information, & Discussion for Federal Employees (/r/fednews) has information on layoffs, firings, and litigation.
Take Advantage of RPCVnexus Tools
RPCVnexus is an NPCA affiliate that provides free post-service resources and career counseling service in a one-stop-shop for all Peace Corps Volunteers, regardless of service dates. Use their guides and job boards to help you get started. Join events as you consider next career steps.
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Resume Reviews. RPCVnexus provides free one-on-one resume review sessions and periodic workshops to make sure that a hiring manager’s first look gives you the best chance to secure a job. Schedule an appointment by reaching out to them at [email protected].
- Job Board Links. RPCVnexus has an extensive collection of Job Board links. Dozen of links offer job-hunters fast access to current job openings. These include:
- Peace Corps & NCE Specific Boards
- Environment
- Federal Government
- International Development
- Public Health Boards
- Events and Career Support. RPCVnexus provides free Career Support webinars targeted to RPCV. Recent topic include Global Health Sector, Graduate School Pathways, and Refugee Resettlement. Visit RPCVnexus Career Support for details.
- Mentoring. RPCVnexus plans to launch a mentoring service in 2025. This will connect experienced RPCV with job seekers for job related mentoring. The service will be free to RPCV. Stand by for more information.
Leverage Peace Corps’ Career Tools
The Peace Corps has an extensive collection of helpful information and job postings.
- Careers and Further Education – Overview of Peace Corps Resources and Tips
- Career Link with Job Postings – Career Link with Current Job Posting
- Returned Volunteer Services – Health Care, Certifications, Advocacy
And Other Peace Corps related sites:
State Department Websites and U.S. Government Websites
- Recorded Events at the State Department. Search for “Returned Peace Corps Volunteers” or “RPCV” to find the webinars relevant to us.
Find More Resources at the NPCA Career Site
The NPCA, our umbrella group, has a great career site with seminars, advice and job openings tailored to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
Visit NPCA’s career site here.
Grad School? Try the NPCA Graduate School Site
The National Peace Corps Association also has a great grad school site, full of guidance on graduate schools and the Coverdell Fellowships – which can cut costs by 50%. The site is an in-depth multimedia experience meant to help RPCVs and others explore the pursuit of a graduate degree from application to admission.
Click here to visit the site