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Sector Switcher Stories Articles for Sector Switchers
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.
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.
Get the Lingo: the Dummies Guide to Nonprofit Speak
Published June 15, 2009 @ 08:44PM PT
I've mentioned this before, but many people searching for a new job in the nonprofit sector have NO clue about the subtle language (and sometimes not so subtle) differences. Here's a quick primer that will move you to the front of the class:
Money Talks: For profit employees work for a company, earn a profit and achieve a return on investment. Nonprofit employees work for an organization, generate revenue and achieve impact from donations. For profit employees develop sales leads and sell goods or services. Nonprofit employees research potential funders and partners while serving people with their services.
Taxes: For profit employees reduce tax liabilities for increased profits. Nonprofit employees balance budgets to retain tax-exempt status.
Human Capital: For profit employees rely on staff to further achievements and revenue. Nonprofit employees rely on volunteers and community support to meet their mission.
This is just a start, but remember that both sectors must survive a bottom line. Driven to be more accountable and outcome focused, nonprofit organizations are working to achieve more with less to demonstrate their value. To further your education in the subtle differences, start by reading the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Nonprofit Quarterly and of course, Change.org. (photo courtesy of Amazon.com)
Sector Growth Opportunities and You
Published June 12, 2009 @ 06:14PM PT
Mark your calendar and join me and Encore's Terry Nagel on Thursday, June 25th at 12 noon (EST) for Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group quarterly job seeker webinar, "Sector Growth Opportunities and You". Terry and I will provide a peek into sector growth opportunities and its impact on sector switchers, Encore careerists and job seekers.
What does this mean to you? New information, job seeking strategies and a scheduled time to think strategically about your dream job. There will be time for questions and there's always lively discussion. Click here to register, and plan to join us. The webinar is free, but space is limited, so register now and enjoy your lunch or morning coffee with us. Terry and I look forward to "seeing" you then!
Do Good and Make A Difference
Published June 18, 2009 @ 09:07PM PT
There are all sorts of ways to enter the nonprofit field, but many people find volunteering a great way to "test" the waters on the other side. I've mentioned this in previous posts, but I thought of it again today while "giving back" at a Nonprofit Professional Advisory Group service project. I am in Boston for a few days with colleagues for a work retreat, and we spent today volunteering at the West End House, an A+ Boys and Girls Club with amazing staff and children.
The day included preparing meals for the over 330 children they serve DAILY, and creating decorations for their annual awards presentation. While making tissue paper flowers for table centerpieces, I had a reminder "Ah Ha' moment - this really does make a difference.
Having spent 20 years working in the nonprofit sector, I know first hand about the importance of volunteers and for many agencies, they are vital for survival. If you are unsure about where you want to work or what you'd enjoy doing, volunteering is the way to figure it out. What are the options for volunteering? You can work with kids, prepare meals, build houses, answer a hot line, clean up a park, or sit on a Board of Directors (I could go on forever...).
Volunteering is a three-tiered investment - yourself, the organization and the people benefiting from the mission. The added bonus is you'll do good, make a difference and clear a path to a new job. If you are looking for some specific examples of how volunteer work has led to a new career, Bridgespan has written about it, along with Volunteer Match.
Weekend Read: Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Published June 21, 2009 @ 06:37AM PT
If you have a few minutes, visit www.Encore.org to read a recent article by Laura Gassner Otting, founder and president of NPAG (there is also ALL kinds of great information at Encore and NPAG!). Laura has some sage advice for preparing for an interview, writing a cover letter and networking. Telling your future employer that you want to make a difference just isn't enough to close the deal. There are other more effective strategies, including a focused cover letter that supports your passion for a specific job or demonstrating two or three specific transferable skills.
Job seeking is complicated and now, more so by the economy. If you are having difficulty with your job search, do a full 360 review. You need to take a complete inventory, look at your resume, cover letters, personal style and strategy to determine what's not working. Thinking strategically almost always pays off (you'll hear me say this A LOT). (photo courtesy of www.Flickr.com)
Dust Off Your Passport for International Opportunities
Published June 24, 2009 @ 07:53PM PT
If you are thinking about a sector switch, you might want to consider a position with an international organization. If you are able to travel, relocate and keen on a new experience, this may be great fit and certainly worth exploring.
Why the international focus today? I am working with a client seeking an opportunity in the field and have a good friend that does amazing work with the USAID in Africa. In addition, I came across a NY Times Small Business article today focused on nonprofit microenterprise, "Lending Talent, and Money, On A Micro Scale".
Focused mainly on developing countries, there are thousands of nonprofit organizations lending their expertise and cash to shore up resources and infrastructure to foster entrepreneurs to support food security, health care, farming and other small businesses.
International microfinance job opportunities are growing as more funding becomes available. This career path may work for you if you've been a successful entrepreneur or have experience in banking and finance fields (these are just examples).
If you are are interested in learning more, check out Accion International, Kiva, and the World Bank. Spend some time learning about programs geared to alleviate poverty, increase education, support farmers, develop women's business initiatives and improve access to health care. After careful consideration, you may find yourself on an exciting career adventure.
