Volunteer or Intern with IDEAS

We have had hundreds of successful volunteers or interns over our 4.5 decades. We are proud of the work that they did for programs in their countries and internationally. Read testimonials from past volunteers.

Volunteer and improve your skills and chances of getting a job

With the recession, many people have come to us to volunteer so as to build their skills and experience and be able to improve the chances of getting a position with another organization. We have had many people in this category in recent years who have later gone on to find the employment they desired.

Volunteer and build your resume to improve your chances of getting into an institution of higher learning

We have had many students who volunteer with us and build their experience and skills. They know that graduate schools and others are looking for experience in addition to good grades. We write recommendations after they finish. Many have found this improves their chance of success.

Volunteer now while you are in higher education

IDEAS uses graduate students to assist us in our work of training and technical assistance in the areas of microfinance and microenterprise to development agencies and financial institutions working in developing countries. We also sometimes use mature undergraduates. If you would like to arrange this as an internship or to get credit for an independent study, you will have to do the paperwork through your own university.

IDEAS seeks graduate (mainly MA, MBA or Ph.D.) students for several part-time volunteer positions in community economic development, gender equity, microfinance and microenterprise development. All student interns work 10-15 hours per week and work directly with  Executive Director or an Administrator or Consultant in a developing country. Work includes developing and writing proposals for specific projects, helping compile reports on completed projects, tabulating survey results, and researching issues related to economic development.

Our work is flexible so that volunteers can often work at home rather than come to our office. The schedule can be flexible to accommodate classes and other schedules. The volunteer will have opportunities to make valuable connections within the international development arena and will finish with a portfolio of marketable experiences for his/her CV. A number of our former interns now work as full-time professionals international or national development.

Volunteer prerequisites

Volunteer should possess excellent writing and communication skills, be self-starters and be able to work independently. Volunteers need to be able to manage their time well and meet deadlines. Proficiency in English is required.

Knowledge of Spanish for work in the offices in Latin America is required. Prior international living and working experience in Central America preferred.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter indicating their situation and number of hours available. Please attach a Curriculum Vitae and writing sample to getinvolved@ideasnet.org.