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Random Articles for Sector Switchers
Welcome to all job seekers and sector switchers.
Published May 12, 2009 @ 08:16PM PT
Welcome to the Sector Switcher blog at Jobs for Change. This is the place for all things "sector switching". If you are exploring a switch from the private sector to a career with a nonprofit organization, this is the place for you. I'll share interesting stories, useful information, practical tips and answer your questions about sector switching. When I am not blogging here, I work with job seekers from across the country as the Director of Candidate Services at the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group . (I'll have some guest bloggers, visitors and colleagues from time to time - stay tuned!)
I have over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a mission-driven manager and leader, working on behalf of at-risk children and families. During this time, I have had the priviledge to work alongside committed leaders in the field of housing, homelessness, child welfare and mental health. I've held a range of positions which have allowed me unique access to a broad spectrum of agencies and in these roles, I've worked with many sector switchers. They are a vital infusion of fresh perspective and knowledge to the challenging and exciting nonprofit sector. Amazing things happen when commitment, passion, and skills are joined together to make a difference.
Is It Time to Reinvent Yourself?
Published May 21, 2009 @ 10:17AM PT
If you are considering a career change, a reinvention of yourself or starting over, you may also be considering the nonprofit or public sectors. This is a great time to make a difference in the world and to work daily for an issue or cause that you feel passionate about.
I've spent my career working in the nonprofit sector with the exception of 18 months when I was 22 years old and worked for a speciality life insurance company, processing life insurance annuities. I consider this job a highlight in my career, because it brought A LOT clarity. Once I took the job, I quickly determined what motivated me and it definitely wasn't a career ladder at the insurance company processing claims. Within a month of working there, I missed my former work with children and families and by the time I left to pursue graduate school (funded in part by my higher salary), I knew that I'd most likely spend my career in the nonprofit sector.
If you are getting ready for some change, you can start by first answering these questions:
- What motivates you? Are you motivated more by earning a large paycheck or by making a difference? If you are enjoying your volunteer work more than your 9-5 job, then you may already have the answer. You definitely don't have to take a vow of poverty when transitioning to the nonprofit sector, but you have to determine what you can live with and what you can't.
- Is there something that you are passionate about? Think about all the things that are important to you - the environment, education, housing, or access to food. There are over a million nonprofit organizations registered with the IRS and the opportunities are endless. If you can't identify what you are most passionate about, start with a "not so much" list.
- What are your skills and expertise? Put together a list of things you excel at or have expertise in either because you've have experience doing them or have studied them in school. The list can be as long as you'd like (it's for you to look at, not a potential employer) and may include things like management, accounting, public relations, sales, legal, or medical expertise.
- What skills will transfer to the nonprofit sector? (This can also be part of Number 2, but I think separating them out works too.) The nonprofit sector is vast and some or all of your skills will be welcomed. You will have to do some work to figure out which skills are most valuable.
- Find someone who is doing what you want to do. Once you've done some or all of items 1-4, (this is not a linear process), identify someone that works where you want to work. Schedule some time with them via email or phone and come prepared with questions. If you think you want to work at this organization or do the work the person is doing, craft great questions to get great answers.
I am a collector of information, books and resources and recommend this list to job seekers in the nonprofit sector. Let me know if there are other resources that you've found helpful.
Nonprofit Work = Career. Need I Say More?
Published June 01, 2009 @ 08:07PM PT
My interest in sector switchers and commitment to helping job seekers navigate the nonprofit world, is heightened every time I read another success story or hear about projected job growth in the sector. MSN's Money feature writer, Donna Freedman, recently highlighted switchers in her online article, Serve America (and get paid), and reiterates what so many of us already know, working in the public and nonprofit sector is not a sabbatical from your real job or career, it is a career. Need I say more? Check it out here and let me know your thoughts.
Don't Forget to Say Thank-You: 3 Things of Note
Published June 04, 2009 @ 12:18PM PT
Hand written notes are mostly a thing of the past and unfortunately for many people, the thank-you note has gone this way too. I recently read that only 32 percent of job seekers actually send follow-up thank you notes. By not sending a thank-you note, you've lost an opportunity to connect with the agency or organization. Whenever a job seeker asks me if they are necessary or if people still write them, my response is always, yes, write the thank-you note.
The current economy and its competitive job market demand that candidates pull out all their best manners including an old-fashioned (It's my opinion that they've never lost fashion) thank-you note. This is not just any thank-you note, but another opportunity to get noticed by a POTENTIAL employer. What's the best way to the approach this? Here are three things to do:
- Note Cards They should be a neutral color, with little embellishment and "tastefully styled". White, creme, light blue, or even light pink colors will do just fine, but remember that less is more.
- Names and Business Cards Whenever possible, get the proper names (and spelling) of the people/person that you will be interviewing with. If this doesn't work, ask at the end or beginning of the interview for their business cards or names. If they don't have cards, write their names down before you leave the building as it's easy to forget especially if there are more than two people.
- Write the Note A personalized note is not just polite, but an opportunity to follow-up with one last thing about the organization that impressed you or the chance to say something you forgot to in the interview. It's a note, not another cover letter. Leave it to a few paragraphs and most importantly, put it in the mail!
If you are a sector switcher or considering a new job opportunity, a hand written note is just one more thing that will set you apart from other candidates. Think about the last time you received a hand written note. Did you throw it away immediately or did you hang on to it? If it's a close competition to choose the best candidate, a thank-you note may set you apart from someone else and make the difference. If you are still unsure, google thank-you notes and you'll see the range of how-to write a thank-you note tips and information that turn up
Looking for a Pet? Become Someone's Favorite Teacher
Published June 08, 2009 @ 07:19PM PT
A reader considering teaching as a second career posted a question today, and it's a subject I've thought a lot about lately and have wanted to post about. So here goes.... With so many choices in the nonprofit and public sector, teaching is a great career path especially for sector switchers with a specific expertise and/or skill. The big question for people considering a teaching career, "where do I even begin?". This quick list of resources should help:
- Teach for America This is America's teaching corps, working to eliminate education inequities across the country. Their website is loaded with great information and has launched the teaching careers of 20,000 individuals since its inception.
- Department of Education Read all about licensing requirements and alternative licensing at your State's department of education. You'll find a wealth of information and learn what skills and expertise are needed the most.
- Proud to Serve Again The US Department of Defense and US Department of Education have a unique partnership to help military personnel transition to the teaching ranks in public school systems across the country.
- Teaching as a Second Career All things education related happen here it's worth a visit.
- National Commission on Teaching and America's Future (NCTAF) is projecting teacher shortages across the country as baby boomers retire in the next few years and more experienced teachers opt for early retirement. If this is all true, it's a perfect opportunity for sector switchers.
If you are considering a teaching career or if you have additional, useful resources, please let me know.
Consulting: Everyone Is Doing It
Published June 09, 2009 @ 08:43PM PT
With so many paths leading to a new nonprofit career, consulting your way to a permanent job could be your best way. Or you might consider landing a consulting position with a respected firm such as McKinsey & Company, the Bridgepan Group or New Profit, Inc.. Overall, consulting can be a great entry point to the sector, one project at a time.
With over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I've worked with many consultants engaged to lead strategic planning initiatives or to study an executive team's willingness to "engage in change management" (ummm - this didn't go so well!). I've put together a list of typical services (there are MANY more) offered by many nonprofit consultants that should help you match your skills to an unmet need at a nonprofit organization:
- Administrative, Financial and Operations
- Executive-level support
- Fundraising
- Communications
- Board Development and Governance
- Organizational Development
- Program Support
Once you've got it all figured out, kick your practice off by registering yourself online at www.idealist.org, the Charity Channel, and by reading a great book, Forces for Good, The Six Practices of High-Impact NonProfits.
