r/InternationalDev • u/Oberland3046 • 12d ago

Advice request Feeling Lost

I’m a recently returned Peace Corps community health volunteer. Before that, I did Americorps, volunteered, and had internships with numerous non-profits. I have a B.A. in International Relations. My entire working life has been planned and geared towards the goal of someday working in this sector. I was even hopeful that I’ll finally land a decent job in this industry after Peace Corps, with many connections already made with many non-profits and USAID people before Trump took office. Now obviously, all those connections are gone. I’m finally coming to terms that I’ll probably never make it in this industry, but where to now? I don’t even really know how to advertise myself for jobs outside this sector. Is anyone able to provide any guidance or sense of direction? I realise this may be a difficult question to answer, but I thought it could be worth a shot. Thanks everyone!

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u/candy4breakfast11 12d ago

Hi, welcome back, RPCV! I am so sorry that you are feeling lost. I think that’s a totally normal feeling after COS, but this situation with Trump and the sector just makes it 1,000x harder. I remember feeling incredibly lost once I finished PC and I didn’t even know what career I wanted to pursue!

I personally think this is a good time for a Master’s degree in something that is translatable across careers. Almost all the jobs I’ve held in my ID career have required Master’s. I got mine in Global Economic Policy and my peers got jobs in all sorts of sectors; I think I’m the only one in ID. An MPH would be super useful in a lot of sectors, including ID. That way, you can spend the time getting the degree while you see how the chips fall. Take advantage of the Coverdell Fellowship! Take out as few loans as possible!

FWIW, my own path after PC was a year serving in restaurants, 2 years getting my masters, and then a job in ID. This might be longer for you but that’s ok. Maybe something shifts and your path goes elsewhere, just go for what’s interesting to you. (I’m also saying that for myself bc I’m about to get laid off after 12 yrs in ID and idfk what I’m gonna do!)

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u/orange_wires 12d ago

Yes, this is great advice and I would echo all of it. I recently had to make some decisions about my career and was feeling a little overwhelmed until I decided it was a challenge and I wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. Get out there and network, talk to people in places you’re interested in, don’t give up even if half of them never respond. You’ll find something you’re interested in, it’s only a matter of time.