Deana
Any experience with Americorps?
After I get out of college, I am considering joining Americorps and becoming a Vista becore getting a Master's in Social Work. Do you have any experience or advice for me about Americorps? Do you think this path would be beneficial in the career I am pursuing? #psychology #jobs #social-work #volunteering #nonprofits #non-profit #non-profits
3 answers
Casey Tiefenwerth
Casey’s Answer
Absolutely! I was an AmeriCorps VISTA in Baltimore and loved it. I also currently work with several VISTAs who are using their term to learn more about working in the human services field before going to graduate school. A few things to know about becoming a VISTA...1) the pay is VERY low and is determined by the living wage of the city where you end up working. You will be encouraged to sign up for food stamps and other federal benefit programs in an effort to supplement your income but to also give you a better sense of how those you are serving actually live. 2) AmeriCorps offers an education award after your service term that you can put towards graduate school. 3) AmeriCorps VISTAs cannot participate in advocacy work, so if you're interested in learning more about that avenue of human services; just know you that you will be limited by your participation in AmeriCorps.
I did things a little differently. I went to graduate school for social work and over the summer I served as an AmeriCorps Summer VISTA. The application and stipend is similar but your service term only lasts a few months. AmeriCorps programs will give you excellent insight into the field of social work. VISTAs are highly utilized so expect to be given a lot of work right out of the gate. You will know by the end of the year whether or not social work is for you!
I hope this helps.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I'm interested in macro social work, so I am not to concerned about the ban on advocacy. I will definitely look into the idea of AmeriCorps when the time comes. I appreciate the response Ms. Tiefenwerth!
Deana
I also focused on Macro Social Work at the University of Maryland. If you are more interested in nonprofit management, then UMD has a good program for that. I would also look into a degree in public policy if you're gravitating towards institutional change.
Casey Tiefenwerth
Sidney Schuttrow
Sidney’s Answer
I was an Americorps member is college and it was one of the best experiences I ever had. I have also been able to work with Americorps VISTA members through my professional and volunteer service and it is a great way to gain experience. There looks to be quite a few VISTA positions posted in California, but I am not sure how close they are to where you are going to school. While I agree with some of the other comments of the lower pay there are other benefits that make the program worth while such as the education award, experience in the field, and some potential for health care benefits.
I got my masters in a different field, but when I was applying for job it was a bonus to employers that I had experience on my resume through Americorps instead of just my degree. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you!
Thanks for the advice!
Deana
Kelly Winum
Kelly’s Answer
I was an AmeriCorps State member here in Wisconsin, and served at a volunteer center. My focus was promoting youth and family volunteerism throughout the county I served. It was an awesome experience, and I highly suggest you pursue serving after college. I worked for two years after college (short term jobs) before deciding to pursue AmeriCorps. Also, I'm part of the leadership team for the alumni chapter here locally. It really gave me a different perspective, and has allowed me to meet a great mix of people throughout the community! DO IT!
I can't speak of getting a Masters in SW, so unfortunately I have nothing to share on that point of your question.
Good luck in making a decision that's best for you!
Kelly