Some Fresh Advice on Landing a Job in Non-Profit
An article in U.S. News and World Report has some great advice for getting into the non-profit world, especially if you’re looking to transition into it from the corporate arena.
Some of the advice, we’ve already heard — network, meet people who work in the field you’re trying to break into and stay up-to-date on non-profit news.
However, there are a couple of pointers that you may have never thought of before!
Become a “slasher.” (e.g. sales rep/literacy mentor). This could play out in two ways. Slashing can help you transition from your current field into a non-profit job. If that’s your target, Alboher suggests you hold onto your day job while you dip into the nonprofit world on the side (using the suggestions below). By taking the slash approach, you’ll be able to continue earning a living and simultaneously build skills and relationships to help you transition to the non-profit sector. Keep in mind, you may earn less in a new non-profit job, so your financial plan may include saving some money while you are planning your career change.
On the other hand, you may wish to create a permanent “slash” career, where you have one foot each planted in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds. Either way, follow the advice below and carefully carve out time for each of the sides of your “slash.”
Consult. Take on a consulting project for a nonprofit as a way to showcase your skills. If you choose to work for free, make sure you’re building relationships, knowledge, or something else to help you as you try to find a paying job. Non-profits appreciate and seek employees who are passionate about their missions, so it makes sense to identify issues and organizations you may want to work with for the long term.
Remember, you can always find non-profit legal career resources at PSLawNet!
Read more here.