Are you still looking for your first job? Don't necessarily focus all your efforts toward finding a position in a traditional for-profit company. Take a look at the nonprofit sector to find opportunities to stretch your abilities while being involved with a cause you believe in. Denver has a wide variety of nonprofits to explore, and groups of like-minded folk to brainstorm and network with on a weekly or monthly basis. [In Denver, check out Going Out for a Good Cause, Young NonProfit Professionals Network, and Denver Gives.]
The nonprofit sector is one of the best places for people to find jobs that enable them to earn a living and make a difference in the lives of others at the same time. The nonprofit sector, which employs about 8.7 million people in the US, also offers many positive aspects that other sectors generally don’t.
Author Heather Krasna explores these factors in her recently released book, Jobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Career in Public Service: “Often nonprofits are able to be more creative, entrepreneurial, or experimental in their mission and provision of services. They tend to have a less formal or traditional work culture, are less hierarchical and allow workers to more clearly see the positive impact of their work, which is very satisfying,” she explains.
For those attracted to such aspects and seeking employment in the nonprofit sector, Krasna offers some advice. “There are many other important differences between nonprofit organizations and private or public sector organizations job seekers should be aware of.” She explains a few of these differences:
- Most nonprofits prefer to see a demonstrated commitment to their mission. That commitment or passion can be shown through volunteer work, internships, studies or prior work experience. There are a few positions, such as accounting positions, where it might not be as important to illustrate your devotion to the cause—but the organization would still greatly appreciate candidates who do. Keep in mind, this passion is necessary but not sufficient. Specific skills are needed for nonprofit positions, and you must meet the requirements of the position to be considered.
- Finding jobs in nonprofits requires more in-depth research and networking. Because most nonprofits lack the budget to spend money on general job boards or recruiters, you may need to do more research and networking to find positions. Researching the nonprofits in your field of interest and geographic region, including visiting websites, is a good place to start. Don’t limit yourself to large or well-known organizations. Instead, make sure to connect with smaller nonprofits as well, where the competition for positions may be slightly less.
- Nonprofits tend to be part of small, close-knit communities. There are often local networks for nonprofit organizations, both generally for a geographic area and more broadly for a particular issue area. Get involved with such networks as much as possible so you can be the first to hear about job opportunities and current trends.
- Learn about specific culture and jargon used in the field that interests you. Many nonprofits carefully avoid using certain terms for their clients, calling them “customers” or “consumers,” and avoid describing populations with words like “at-risk” or “handicapped.” Instead they tend to use phrases such as “individuals with disabilities.” Make sure you use the culturally appropriate terminology in your resume and cover letter.
More information: Jobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Career in Public Service is available at Amazon.com, in all major bookstores, and from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST).
About this Examiner: Kathryn Marion is the award-winning author of GRADS: TAKE CHARGE of Your First Year After College!, the most comprehensive resource for navigating the world of work and independent living, as well as host of the book’s companion resource site, www.GradsTakeCharge.com. The print edition of GRADS: TAKE CHARGE is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BooksAMillion. The e-book edition is available through e-junkie. Kathryn also coaches students, graduates, and career changers as well as consults with small businesses and aspiring authors.
Find more of Kathryn’s articles as well as thousands of others on every self-improvement topic imaginable at SelfGrowth.com.
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