10 things you didn't know about working for a nonprofit. When she graduates from college in December, Whitney Plumendahl most likely will limit her job search to employment opportunities in the nonprofit sector. "It's not that I'm not open to other options, but I'm not a huge fan of corporate culture," says the 21-year-old applied sociology major at St. Cloud State University. "For me, it's not about making money. It's about making a difference. " Plumendahl isn't alone in her desire to do good, but the likelihood of lower pay will prevent many of her job-seeking peers from considering careers in the nonprofit sector. Here are 10 reasons to strike out on a nonprofit career path: 1. The nonprofit sector is emerging as an "economic powerhouse," says Deborah Cuny, director of Especially for Nonprofit Organizations, an educational program at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Exposure to overlapping areas in an organization enables news grads to develop a range of transferable skills in a relatively short amount of time. The 7 Top Websites for Nonprofit Jobs. SPECIAL FROM Next Avenue By Nancy Collamer If you're looking to launch an encore career, here's where you'll find the openings that are right in your wheelhouse Eager to find a job that matters? With the economy warming up, now might be a good time to explore potential nonprofit employment opportunities. That’s especially encouraging news for boomers who want to launch encore careers and serve the greater good. According to that nonprofit survey, job opportunities look strongest among organizations that deal with health, faith, education, environment and animals. Broad Sites and Narrow Sites So where can you find the openings?
(MORE: 5 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want a Nonprofit Job) 7 Best Sites to Find A Nonprofit Job Here are my seven favorites; they’re all free, but you need to register on some of them: Encore.org is the most comprehensive site for anyone interested in starting an encore career. Idealist.org is a nonprofit clearinghouse. (MORE: 5 Questions When Looking for a Nonprofit Job) Fabulous at Finances? Maybe non-profits are right for you - Experience.com.
Is the relentless message of total commitment to the firm starting to wear down your enthusiasm for finance? Many people find a compromise in finance careers with non-profit organizations. Maybe you have a conscience, maybe you want to have a family, or maybe you have a pet cause. If you have serious financial skills and dedication, you may find that a finance career with a non-profit is for you. Non-profit businesses require all the same quantitative and human skills that any other firm does, but the profits go into the cause, not the shareholders. The culture makes all the difference. Non-profits tend to include generous benefits and vacation packages, with more flexible hours to make up for salaries that are 10-20% less than for-profit positions. Because of the smaller size of the sector and lower turnover, these jobs are rarely offered to entry-level applicants.
Corporate Finance Asset Management Asset managers create a portfolio of investments using funds raised by wealthy investors. Resources: The benefits of volunteering. (It really is okay to ask, "What's in it for me? ") Volunteering can be far more than simply doing a good deed. In fact, volunteering can be a great way to develop skills, learn more about career options, make friends, garner new professional contacts, get exercise, spend time outdoors/with animals/with kids, or even just shake up your routine. Yet volunteers rarely speak of the benefits of volunteering to themselves — maybe it feels a bit too self-centered, or too far from the altruistic vision of the selfless volunteer. But who says that doing good and enjoying yourself while meeting your own personal/professional goals can't happen at the same time?
Part of finding the right volunteer opportunity is being honest about what you hope to learn and accomplish. Personal and professional benefits of volunteering With that in mind, here are some of the personal and professional benefits one can gain from volunteering: Skill development Career exploration Personal growth Socialize Have an impact. 3 ways to make the most of your volunteer opportunity.
You’re excited about volunteering and think you’ve found a great opportunity that will allow you to give back and advance your career…great! But once you get started, how do you make the most of it and ensure you learn and grow? In this piece, Curry W. Smith, Executive Director of Young Leadership Council – New Orleans—a nonprofit, non-partisan civic organization created to develop leadership through community projects—shares some tips on how to make the most of a volunteer opportunity.
For more information about Young Leadership Council, visit ylcnola.org. If you want to learn about volunteering, check out the Idealist Volunteer Info Center and the International Volunteer Info Center. Photo credit: michaeljung, Shutterstock by Curry W. Volunteer opportunities can and should lead to personal growth and professional development. Be passionate and curious The idea of mentoring eighth graders may terrify you. Additionally, look for ways to learn beyond your regular responsibilities.
Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits: Helping Yourself While Helping Others. Benefits of volunteering #1: Volunteering connects you to others One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. However, volunteering is a two-way street, and it can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.
Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering increases your social and relationship skills While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering as a family Benefits of volunteering #2: Volunteering is good for your mind and body Volunteering increases self-confidence. Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment Report. Can volunteering be the difference-maker in your next interview? New, ground-breaking research from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) provides evidence of a relationship between volunteering and finding employment.
The economic downturn that has plagued the United States economy over the last half decade has increased the need for pathways to employment for the millions of Americans struggling to find work. Government leaders, nonprofits, and news media have long provided anecdotal evidence that volunteering can increase employment prospects by helping job seekers learn new skills, expand their networks, and take on leadership roles. Despite this, there has been little quantitative research to date that has established an association between volunteering and finding a job.
Key Findings How Volunteering Could Help Individuals Find Employment For the Out of Work: Consider volunteering while looking for work to build skills and personal networks. Methodology.