If you’ve ever dreamed of changing the world, but weren’t sure how, you might consider a career in the non-profit world. Non-profit work enables you to make the world a better place through such diverse endeavors as feeding the hungry, fighting for social justice, or helping to preserve the environment.
The great news is that many kinds of skills can be adapted to non-profit work. Whether you’re an educator, web site developer, scientist or marketing and communications specialist, the opportunities to use your skills for the greater good are endless.
So how do the do-gooders of the world break into the non-profit world? Here are some tips.
Volunteer
Nothing prepares you for work in a non-profit like volunteering. Giving your time to different charitable organizations gives you a chance to see where your passions lie and where your skills are best utilized. In this case, volunteering experience really matters on your resume when looking for a job. Plus it gives you a foot in the door should a permanent paid position become available.
Luckily, volunteering is something that can adapt to most schedules, whether you’re working full-time or going to school. If you’re interested in a particular organization, check out their web site or contact them directly about volunteer opportunities. If nothing’s available, they may be able to direct you to similar opportunities in that field. Or you could go online and explore for yourself.
If you don’t have anything specific in mind, websites like Volunteer Match, One Brick, and Idealist (which has a helpful Volunteer Resource Center) list myriad opportunities in your neighborhood to match your schedule.
Check Non-Profit Boards
Although big job board sites like this one and LinkedIn have non-profit listings, you should also check sites that are specifically devoted to non-profit organizations.
In addition to its volunteer opportunities, Idealist has a robust jobs board currently listing more than 12,500 jobs worldwide in every imaginable field.
Other great non-profit jobs boards include the Bridgespan Group, Commongood Careers, The Foundation Center’s Philanthropy News Digest, The NonProfit Times Jobs Career Center, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy Jobs Page.
Be Well-Rounded
One of the nice things about non-profit work is that it often enables you to wear many hats. Since resources are limited, employers are frequently called on to perform many duties. Which is why having an abundance of skills—from computer skills and finance to communications and event planning—makes you an attractive candidate. In addition to your volunteering experience (which you absolutely need), don’t be afraid to list any curricular or extracurricular leadership roles you have assumed (school organizations, summer camp counseling, church groups, etc.), as well as relevant travel experiences.
Take the time to educate yourself on the issues affecting your area of interest. Get to know the key players in your field and current policy affecting it. The most important quality for any non-profit job candidate is a clear understanding and genuine passion for the cause.
And remember, although non-profits usually don’t pay as well as the private sector, the emotional rewards are invaluable.
