Job Responsibilities
Assist non-profit business development center create and sustain
progams for the benefit of the local business community. (10
hrs/week) Assist in the publication of a weekly business
newspaper. (10 hrs/week) Train center employees in the PC useage
and software. (10 hours/week) Implement balance basis financial
management practices (maintaining balance sheet, income
statements, and cash flow statements). (10 hrs/week) Assist City
of Zaporozhye to find a sister city in the United States. (5
hours/week). Conduct English Club (2 hrs/week.)
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Job Requirements
Georgetown MBA:
Academic nature of program: good balance between individual work
and team work, also a balanced mix of quantitative and qualitative
skill development.
Quality of classes: 3 out of five excellent by any measure. 2
out of five at least good, although some improvements could be made.
Ease of getting popular classes: Easy if you do it early. As
time goes on, the quota fills up and some people will be turned away.
Grading: Performed by a mixture of teaching assistants and
professors. Short module length (6-8 weeks) means that your
grades are often based on few total points... that means that
grades are sensitive to small errors, so you really have to work
hard, because every point, and sometimes fractions of a point, is
reflected in your final grade.
Professors: By and large, excellent, friendly, approachable, and
down-to-earth. There are of course a few exceptions where my
personal learning style has not meshed well with one or two
professors' teaching styles, but these are exceptions.
Workload: Extremely heavy. The pace is rapid and relentless.
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Uppers
Positive parts of Peace Corps service:
Living and working in a foriegn culture, sharing a life-transforming expereince
with interesting people. Flexible schedule, cheap living, freedom to set your
own priorities and do what you think is best. Great satisfaction comes come with
small successes.
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Downers
Negative aspects of the Peace Corps experience:
Isolation creeps up on you over time. Stress level can be quite
high due to the loss of some amount of your ability to fend for
yourself in a foriegn land with a different language and cultural
rules. You get sick from time to time. Freedom of movement is
limited by some degree by Peace Corps administration due to safety
concerns and also to be sure that some people do not abuse their
freedoms. No long-term career perspectives, although some people
choose the Peace Corps as an excellent retirement option.
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Lifestyle
Work hours vary wildely, depending on the assignment and your own dedication to
the community you serve. Generally there is a flexible schedule. Buisness
travel is fantastic when it is in a foriegn land, especially Ukraine. "Company
social events" happen any time two or more Peace Corps Volunteers get togeather
and often involve alcohol, sometimes too much. Diversity - Americans by
definition are the minority, sometimes by a factor of 100,000 to 1, depending on
the size of the community in which you serve. The lifestyle and the work are one
and the same, inseperable, and indescribable. You just have to do it to
understand.
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Compensation
Compensation is specific to the country, and my vary widely. In
Ukraine, you receive $200/month, in local currency, plus
$200/month in a home bank account which accumulates until you
return home. No stock options. Benefits: 100% free medical care
with excellent service. Language and cultural training. 24+ days
of vacation/year.
Beneifits: You can be popular and exotic just by being an
American. Everyone wants to be your friend! Kids laugh at you
becasue you talk funny.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Advice: If you have considered joining the Peace Corps, expect
the application process to last at least one year. If you have
skills to share and feel the need to make a difference in the
world, then go for it.
Outlook for the future: After 40 years, it's still the toughest
job you will ever love... and not even really get paid for!
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