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Transitioning Career
Guide into the Non-Profit Sector (US regional)
by Maria Marsala
Summary: Places to look and things to consider when
entering the non-profit sector.
Are you thinking about working in the
non-profit sector? Not sure where to start looking? This article will
assist you in your journey.
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Contact local programs
Contact programs such as your local United Way
http://national.unitedway.org, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
and the Corporation for National Service
http://www.nationalservice.org/senior/index.html for information.
Many states, North Carolina, for instance, have a non-profit clearing
house with directories and lots of interesting information.
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Visit a special non-profit
The NY Research Foundation
www.foundationcenter.org/ is a terrific resource both on and off the
Internet. While the main Administrative Office is located in NYC (and
worth the trip into "The Village"), they also provide cooperative
libraries in many larger US cities. The links to the Philanthropy News
Digest lists provide career opportunities at U.S. foundations, grant
making public charities, and non-profit organizations.
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Conduct on-line research
Many "telephone" search engines, such as http://www.switchboard.com/
and http://yp.yahoo.com/, list non-profits in their own category.
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Volunteer
Nothing better than volunteering at an agency where you might want to
work. Get to know the people you might be working with and how their
organization works.
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Read
Visit your local library or bookstore (off or online) for books on
non-profit jobs. An older, out-of-print book of resources was the
Non-Profits' Job Finder: 1994-1995. And of course there are others still
in print, like the 100 Best Non profits to Work For (2nd Ed). There are
also "Directories of Non-profits" nationwide, so don't forget to ask
your librarian for information, too.
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Be aware
You've heard it a million times, "the grass is not always greener on the
other side". Working at a non-profit is just like working at any other
business. You'll have a boss and all the pressures, ups and downs, and
challenges that come with any job. Add to that the need for grants, fund
raising, budget cuts, and lots of paperwork that you'll question doing,
and you will have a better picture of the non-profit business.
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Talk to someone
Find "someone" who volunteered or worked at your favourite non-profit.
Just remember to ask everyone you know if they know someone who has
worked or does work at "that" particular agency.
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Interview them
When you get an interview with a non-profit, either for a volunteer or
paid position interview them! Ask about their Board, how active they
are, how many people there are, what types of projects the board works
on, etc.
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Ask about burnout
Find out the burnout level of staff. Ask for the names of a few
employees and volunteers. Ask both the manager and others a few
questions that will help you ascertain if you're going into a job where
burnout is "mandatory." Such as: How many hours a week do they work? Is
the job stressful and why? Would they hire more staff and volunteers to
assist with the work and how many? Another good question to ask
management is "if you were given a gift of 1 million dollars what would
you do with that money? (If "things" and not people come up in their
answer, or if too many people come up in that answer -- well you'll know
that this is not a place for you!)
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Set your boundaries
Before you sign on the dotted line, set some boundaries! Many times
non-profits have projects for you to work on that require many
additional hours. Make sure "up front" that you are somehow compensated
for those hours - either compensation time or paid time.
© 2000-2002 Maria Marsala,
Business and Life Coach-Consultant
www.coachmaria.com
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