Nonprofit Panel in Review

Hey all,


So I had the opportunity to sit in on the nonprofit panel last evening and learned a lot of really insightful tips. For those of you who couldn't attend the event, I've outline below some of what I think were the most important points made by the nonprofit panelists. Hopefully this information will benefit you as much as it did me! 

• It's all about networking. The best way to break into the nonprofit world is by using the time you have now, while in school, to volunteer or intern, gain experience, and most importantly build connections. Nonprofit organizations (as do most any organization in general) usually pull from their pool of interns/volunteers first when a job opens up before turning to the general public. As one panelist said: 
• When you volunteer you get to network. I can’t stress enough how important that is. You’re volunteering for a cause that you’re passionate about, and also making a connection that could lead into something bigger in the future. Relationships are very important in the nonprofit world. 
• Nonprofits can use people from every field of study and with any major, it's just a matter of finding the organization that fits your unique talents.  
• Nonprofits can, if you desire, become a career. Don't shy away from them based on the false assumption that you won't be able to make it financially or grow over time as a skilled worker. There's usually always room for growth, for moving up, and for living comfortable financially through a nonprofit organization. Also it's always important to look at the whole package nonprofits provide for you (better work/life balance, more control, more vacations, better benefits, etc.)
•  Nonprofit Organizations should pay you – they need to pay people a livable wage because they need you to stick around and do the work to keep the organization afloat. They will make it happen.
• The biggest needs in every nonprofit organization are with fundraising. Grant writing abilities, organizational skills, event planning, administration, management knowledge, financial planning and data collection, program operation knowledge, people skills, technical skills: all crucial and highly desirable in this field. 

Basically, don't let the stereotypes fool you! Nonprofits are an amazing venue to use the skills you have to perform crucial services needed in the world. If you find yourself in the right place, you'll be able to do things you're good at, work towards something you're passionate about, and make a living for yourself in the process. 

So don't wait. Get out there and volunteer now, build up your connections, test out the waters with different organizations to see where you fit, and in no time you too could find yourself doing something you love (and getting paid for it!) What's better than that? 

-Sarah