Preparing for Life After AmeriCorps VISTA

Even if you've just barely begun your year of service, it's already a great time to start thinking about your next steps after AmeriCorps VISTA. A little forethought today will help you achieve your goals tomorrow, whether you'll go on to continue your education, advance your career, or serve again.

You can learn more about your education award, and how to maximize it in the education award section. The NCE page explains non-competitive eligibility, which is a lot more interesting than it might sound if you've ever wondered about a career in the federal government! If one year of service isn't enough, visit the serve again section to learn about other service programs, including AmeriCorps and Peace Corps. Finally, be sure to learn about close of service travel benefit, which will help you get home at the end of your term of service.

Starting your job search

VISTA Alumni Spotlight

Erika Weiss Development Manager, Feeding America, Chicago, IL

Then

AmeriCorps VISTA, Community Action, Inc. (CAI) of Rock & Walworth Counties, Wisconsin, 2009-10

On VISTA's Influence

I learned the importance of collaboration and learning from others, the people you work with and the people you serve.

Erika's Advice

Build on your strengths and learn about both what aspects of the job you like and dislike to make note for the future. Do not be too fearful of any weaknesses that you may have in the field, but rather look at them as challenges you can improve upon and outweigh with your strengths.
Karen Lynch Specialist in Social Policy for the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, Washington DC

Then

AmeriCorps VISTA, 2000-01; VISTA Leader, 2001-03; Massachusetts Campus Compact

On VISTA's Influence

My years with VISTA affirmed for me that good and thoughtful research has the potential to profoundly inform the quality of policy debate in this country.

Karen's Advice

VISTA taught me the awesome power of belief. The more others believed in me, the more I believed in myself. The more I believed in myself, the more I found myself doing things I'd never dreamed I would do. Incidentally, this worked both ways: I saw students and VISTAs alike exceed their own expectations in the face of my relentless "I believe you can do it!" attitude.
Joshua Rivera Community Organizer, New York City Coalition Against Hunger

Then

AmeriCorps VISTA, New York City Coalition Against Hunger, 2010-11; State VISTA Leader, Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Colorado, 2011-12

On VISTA's Influence

It showed me my strengths and weaknesses, and I was able to figure out what I wanted to do career wise.

Joshua's Advice

Do another year of service if you can. Don’t count out becoming a VISTA Leader. Keep the connections you make while serving as a VISTA. Keep in contact with the people at your PSO.
Craig Deforest Program Manager, Service-Learning at University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

Then

AmeriCorps VISTA, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, 2008-9; AmeriCorps VISTA Leader, Washington Campus Compact, 2009-10

On VISTA's Influence

VISTA created tons of connections for me in the non-profit and higher education world, in which I wanted to stay. I went on from VISTA to hold grant management positions that really utilized my passions and strengths that grew out of my VISTA experience.

Craig's Advice

Meet everyone you possibly can, be okay with questioning the status quo, talk about your experience with everyone, and find ways to be involved in all of the other little things that interest you in your surrounding community.
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Featured Article

Adding a “Professional Profile” to Your Résumé

As a VISTA, you’ll develop and apply a wide range of skills that are attractive to employers. A professional profile is a short statement that appears on the top of your resume that highlights your experience, VISTA and otherwise, and the value you can bring to an organization. Read more...

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