From Corporate to Peace Corps

So, I decided to apply to the Peace Corps. Through all my research I realized that I have learned the most about what to expect out of this entire process through blogs that others have written and I have decided to start my own in hopes that others who read this as it develops can gain a perspective and maybe some insight into their future life decisions.

On February 10, 2010 1:05pm to be exact I submitted my application to the Peace Corps. That's right, as the title of this post insinuates, I do have a career job, and yes, I did submit my application at work, just don't tell my manager! I have told only a few people at this time that I did apply and most people who do know me can see the reasons without even asking and there are those who rightly so caution against leaving a well paying job in this tough economy. I will give my reasons in this post, but before I do so, for those wondering where I am in the process, here it is.

February 17 and 18: My last two references submitted their recommendations online, so my application should be complete.
February 18: I received a letter from the Peace Corps asking me to fill out some forms, including fingerprint charts, national agency check form, and legal forms. From what I've read in the letter, an interview won't be scheduled until I submit these forms, so it looks like I better get moving.

February 19: Today, Filled out the forms and sending it in the mail. Will update in future posts.

So, my reasons for wanting to join the peace corps. I've always wanted to work in a service oriented career. In school, I was very active and served  in various leadership positions with my fraternity, engineering organizations, and other campus wide activities. I realized that although I eventually want to commit to a more service oriented career, you really are no good to anybody without any skills and experience. So, I graduated engineering and pursued a career in product management for a major technology company.

Nearly 2 years in, I'm realizing that at minimum, the large corporate environment just isn't for me. In this economy, it really is sad to see people with families let go for what they call in the work place a "work force reduction". Between that and general bureaucracy over performance, promotions, bonus', and general salary increases, you get to see everyday business becomes more about gross margins and Profit/Losses and less about actual impact. I can appreciate the experience and forever thankful for the opportunity, but I do believe the present is better than ever to really start planning the next move. I have looked into the Peace Corps in the past, interacted with past peace corps members, and read nearly 100 blogs on the topic; I believe most people would label it a life changing experience, and more so, a decision they don't regret. Now, I'm not under the illusion that I'm going to be changing the world in those 2 years and understand that impact can be minimal as bureaucracy is everywhere, but I do believe it to be a valuable experience and that it will add  some focus/direction to a future career. I do plan on attending grad school in the future, possibly business school with a focus on social enterprise. I'm hoping that if chosen, I can work on a project that is either in the area of Business development/IT (which is right up my alley), or Community/Non profit development. For those who may be wondering about my background, my family does come from a developing nation, and they are probably the most influential in my decision to apply.

Well, I can go on and on, but I want to keep it short, until later!