Whether you’re just starting your career, or you think it’s time to make a switch in your professional life, working for a nonprofit company has many benefits. You’ll feel good about yourself knowing you’re making a positive impact. Nonprofits are needed across the country (and the globe) to help those in need. You may have even been inspired by a study abroad trip or vacation to a different country, boosting your global awareness and recognition for things that need to be done.
Plus, the nonprofit sphere is usually filled with like-minded individuals who have a passion for helping others. You could make lifelong friends and enjoy one of the most fulfilling careers available.
The benefits of working for a nonprofit could go on forever. But, like any other career path, certain skills and experience will not only make it easier for you but may be necessary to do your job effectively.
Keep in mind that there are so many different types of positions in nonprofit groups. You may already have the skills you need to do well in a specific position. But you might also need to hone in on those skills to tackle a job the right way. So, what type of experience is needed, and how can you make the most of your skills when it comes to a lasting nonprofit career?
Grow With What You Know
One of the easiest ways to break into the nonprofit sphere is to grow certain skills you already have. There are plenty of administrative nonprofit job titles that most organizations are looking to fill, including:
- Service representative
- Project manager
- Program manager
- Director of fundraising
- Finance director
- Marketing/outreach director
If you have skills in any of those areas, it might be easier for you to stand out in a nonprofit job. For example, a marketing background could make you a perfect outreach candidate, informing others about what your organization does.
If you used to be an accountant or went to school to work with finances, any nonprofit would be happy to have you. Keeping finances in order is crucial for a nonprofit organization. Every penny counts.
But, accounting for a nonprofit is different than working for a private company. You’ll need strong budgeting abilities, familiarity with auditing, and you should be a powerful communicator. Nonprofit accountants need to make sure all financial statements comply with the regulations set forth by the IRS and keep accurate records. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with federal income taxes, how to receive deductions, and how to write off your startup costs if your organization is just getting started.
If you’ve previously been down a specific career path, think about why you want to change. Maybe you loved what you do, but want to apply it to something more meaningful. Connecting the dots between a high-paying career and working for a nonprofit will let you use the skills you’ve obtained over the years in a more positive and meaningful way.
Recruit and Protect
Have you ever worked in Human Resources, or ended up taking classes for it? If so, you could be a huge asset to any nonprofit group. You’ll be an even bigger asset if you’re a strong communicator and know how to keep things organized.
Nonprofits tend to run into two major hurdles in the human resources department. First, they have to find people to work for them. Many nonprofit positions are volunteer-based or can only provide very low wages. Hiring the right people will make a big difference in the overall growth and success of the organization.
The second hurdle is making sure those volunteers or employees are content. If they aren’t making money and they’re still doing the job, chances are their passion and love for the cause outweighs almost everything else. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore their basic well-being.
It’s important to take care of the people who work for your nonprofit, which is where your human resources skills can come in once more. Your employees and volunteers need to feel happy and safe, especially if they aren’t making a living wage. Invest in safety training for your nonprofit. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced costs
- Increased productivity
- Increased recruiting and retention
- Higher satisfaction and engagement from employees
Safety training will also help to reduce potential costs for your organization, including administrative expenses and repairs to damaged property or equipment. Plus, the happier and more secure your employees and volunteers are, the more desirable your organization will be to others who are interested in working with you.
Know How to Adapt
Nonprofit organizations are typically involved in a variety of different situations, working with people from all walks of life, including volunteers, employees, and people who need assistance. As a result, flexibility and adaptability may be the two most important skills to possess.
No matter what position you’re looking for in the nonprofit sector, knowing how to shift things to make them work will be one of your biggest assets.
If you’ve been in a career previously that has allowed you to work with different types of people, you’ll be one step ahead of the game. It doesn’t necessarily matter what type of career that was. For example, if you worked as a bank teller, you had to handle different customers as well as fellow employees each day. Even working in food service gives you experience in adaptability, so consider where you’ve come from and how it might help you be more flexible in a nonprofit environment.
Adaptability will make it easier for your organization to succeed. Nonprofits might sometimes struggle with funding, finding volunteers, or coming up with effective solutions to help with a specific problem. Being flexible will allow you to be a better problem-solver within the organization. The input of someone adaptable to almost any situation is invaluable to a nonprofit trying to stay afloat.
If you have a passion for helping others and the nonprofit sector is calling you, keep these skills and experiences in mind. There are many more to consider. But using the skills you already have to make a difference in the lives of others is a great way to experience a fulfilling career for years to come.
About the Author:
Jori Hamilton is a writer from the Pacific Northwest who has a particular interest in social justice, politics, education, healthcare, technology, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @ HamiltonJori.
