How to … Make the Switch from the For-Profit Sector to Nonprofits

The "Career Couch" column in yesterday’s New York Times Business section offered a Q&A for for-profit employees considering a switch to the nonprofit sector. There was some terrific advice in there, which I’m adapting here and to which I’m adding my thoughts as well as a suggestion of my own:

• Be clear about your motivations. Working for a nonprofit on staff is much different than as a volunteer.
• Realize that this isn’t going to be a vacation. You’ll generally be asked to do more with less than you’re accustomed to, and your hours on the job may actually increase.
• To answer your primary question, yes, you’ll probably paid less than you would for comparable work in the for-profit sector. That’s just the way it is. You don’t have to be a pauper doing this work, but you’re not going to get wealthy. Figure out for yourself how much less you’re willing to accept, and go from there.
• The best way to find a job in the sector is to search within the industry you’re already in, or one that’s similar. And then network your ass off instead of just sending in a resume cold. Volunteer to get to know the organizations you’re interested in and those who lead them. Referrals are important here.
• When you are ready to pass your resume around, emphasize multidisciplinary work and volunteer efforts. Your old corporate resume will need some tweaking.
• Expect decision-making to be much less top-down than you’re used to. Building consensus is a top priority within nonprofits, and it can be frustrating when you’re expecting your CEO to make a decision on the spot and move on.

Nonprofit employment can be tremendously rewarding, not to mention fun. The sector is filled with hardworking people who believe in something larger, and it is fulfilling and energizing to have them as colleagues. Just be sure you’re doing the work for the right reasons. Go get ‘em! | 501(c)

Tags: nonprofit careers