Take Advantage of the Nonprofit Network You May Already Have
Published October 14, 2009 @ 01:58PM PT
Many young professionals that are looking for jobs right now in the nonprofit sector often complain, "If only I knew someone, I could get my foot in the door." Most of the time, this sentiment is not entirely accurate. When people say this, it is not because they really don't know anyone, it's because they haven't yet taken full advantage of the network they already have.
When I first came to DC as a recent college grad, I was desperately seeking a nonprofit job that paid enough so I didn't have to live with a roommate. I sent emails to my family, friends, and professors asking them to help me if they could. In the process, I found out that one of my cousins worked for one of the largest nonprofit associations in the city (and just happened to have an Executive Assistant opening) and that one of my professors had a contact at the United Way, one of the places I wanted to work. You may find that you have dozens of "hidden" connections like this within your own "inner circle" of people that you know. The point is to open the doors of opportunity for yourself by letting people know you need help. Especially if they already know you and what an amazing person you are, they will be more than happy to assist you in your job search if they are able.
The key is to stop thinking of your network as people who already have a job in the field in which you want to work. Your professional network actually includes your family, classmates, your alumni association, and even all of your parent's friends. Your mom's hairdresser may be a volunteer troop leader for the Girl Scouts and can introduce you to the CEO of the local council. Who knows? Once you expand your horizons, a ton of connections may come into your path.
How have YOU used your "inner circle" to help you finds leads to nonprofit jobs?
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Author
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Rosetta is a blogger, fundraiser, and leadership development consultant who currently serves as the Director of Development and Special Programs at the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington.
