How to Prepare

First, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! now on to Peace Corps :)

Lately, I've been debating if I have all the skills needed to make a difference for businesses in my unknown village. I want to make sure I am prepared as possible. The problem is I am not sure exactly what skills will be needed for the program. I asked my recruiter what type of activities I should get involved in and she said not to worry that I am fine.  Something I constantly try to remind myself is that I have the tools within me I just have to use them. I'm probably overthinking, as usual. I try to read blogs to get an idea of what a business advisor in the peace corps would do. But, no luck so far. I do remember reading that usually people who are involved in business teach basic skills such as the 4P's, keeping inventory etc. So far I'll have a business degree in marketing and a few marketing internships under my belt. If you guys have any suggestions on ways to gain more experience please let me know!

I may finally have a hold on my RAS, today is the first day I didn't log into peace corps to check my application status :) PROGRESS! 

I thought I'd add my timeline of my application process, as I have found them useful to read from other applicants:

Applied- September 15, 2010
Interview- October 6, 2010 (two hour interview)
Nominated- October 6, 2010
Sent in Medical Packet- January 27, 2011 (I didnt amke my appointments until December)
Dentally Cleared- February 7, 2011


Update (about twenty minutes after I wrote the above section)
I was able to find some more information about the business advising program
 
Peace Corps Website

•  Volunteers work in a variety of settings, assisting both private and public businesses, local and     regional governments, nonprofit organizations, women’s and youth groups, and educational institutions.
• Train and advise entrepreneurs and managers in business planning, marketing, financial management, and product design
• Advise agricultural cooperatives, agribusinesses, and farmers
• Develop and write project funding proposals and assist with credit programs
• Work with community and business support groups
• Teach business courses, English, and Junior Achievement programs and facilitate business training workshops
• Work with artisans to improve business practices and marketing techniques and help develop the local tourism industry

Wiki also states:

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in business, economics, management, finance, marketing, accounting, computer systems, or international business; or a degree in any discipline with experience in cooperatives, bookkeeping, small business, or credit unions; or no college degree and four or more years of business management experience.
• Most applicants have worked for at least one year in small business, management, accounting, or cooperatives.
• Other relevant experience includes management in a multi-task environment, owning or operating a small business, and volunteer work with community- or school-based organizations or clubs.
• Some applicants also have experience in human resource development or training, market research and financial advising, research for project development activities, and fundraising. Project management experience, information technology skills, and agriculture experience are also useful.

Check this article out too for even more detail
http://peacecorps.isp.msu.edu/documents/AA_140.pdf

Now, I have some things to work with :)