A Guide for New Graduates: How to Launch Your Nonprofit Career

by Erin O'Connor Jones, Director of Candidate Services

May brings beautiful spring flowers, Mother’s Day sentiments and of course, graduation speeches filled with advice about “all the amazing things waiting for you out in the real world.” If you have chosen the nonprofit sector as your place to explore and land your first real job or even if you are just thinking about it, a big round of applause and congratulations! This sector is an exciting place with endless opportunities to make a difference. Just think, there are currently over 1.4 million registered nonprofits across the United States and while you may not secure your dream job right away, chances are very high that you’ll land a sweet spot.

Good things take time, and it can take 6-12 months for a new graduate to get their first, real job. As with everything, a few lucky graduates will land a new position within 3 months and others could still be looking after 12 months. The good news is that economic reports show signs of a recovery, which should bring new positions online. Thankfully, the nonprofit sector is still hiring. If you’ve heard stories about low pay and long hours, don’t believe the myths that you’ll be poor or overworked with few opportunities for growth as they just aren’t true. If you’re ready, approach your nonprofit career this way:

Forget your degree. Yes, your degree is valuable and totally worth the investment, just don’t let it define you. You worked hard to achieve it, but unless you have studied for a career in nursing, teaching or something very specialized, you really can pursue just about anything. The nonprofit sector values intelligent, committed people and like its private sector counterpart, is willing to train. You will probably start at an entry-level position, but nonprofits have a reputation for their fabulous titles and upward mobility.

Reflect on your values. It is important to understand why you are attracted to the nonprofit sector and how your skills match-up with an employer needs. For example, if you have a story to tell about why you’re committed to cancer research, domestic violence or issues related to children, be prepared to tell it. Unlike many corporate settings, it’s OK to discuss what guided your decision to join the sector or how the work aligns directly with your personal values. Of course, you’ll need to temper the personal details with a professional presentation. Make a positive impression with a clear, articulate view of the work, its challenges and your personal commitment to the mission.

Design a top-notch resume. A top-notch resume does not guarantee a job, but it can move your resume to the top of the hiring manager’s pile. Unless you have a nontraditional background or worked prior to earning your degree, your resume should be no longer than one page. As you apply for jobs, customize your resume by using key words to attract the hiring manager’s attention. Consider your resume a strategic marketing tool, and remember there is zero tolerance for typos or grammatical mistakes.

Discover the nonprofit sector. The sector is vast which can prove overwhelming. If you can, spend time online learning about areas of interest to you such as the environment, education, arts and culture, mental health, housing or health care. You’ll discover that there are many helpful places such as Idealist, the United Way or your alumni office.

Build a circle. Even if you are folding sweaters in a retail store, life guarding or answering the phones for a small company to earn a living, networking is still important. If you haven’t started meeting people living and working in the nonprofit space, it’s time to begin. The more people you talk with, the larger your network will become. With a top-notch resume in hand, you’ll be able to share your desire to land a new, more permanent position. Take advantage of alumni networks, affinity groups, young graduate networking activities or formal, volunteer projects. Be kind to everyone you work with, meet or network with as you never know if your paths will cross again.

Consider an internship or fellowship. If the summer job ends and your prospects aren’t looking hot, explore an internship or fellowship. In fact, you should start this process sooner rather than later. It can take some time to find and make a good match.

Develop knowledge. As I’m sure you’ve heard, knowledge is power and without it you won’t have a good grasp of the unique issues facing organizations, people and the sector as a whole. Think about strategic issues facing an organization such as funding cuts or an increased need for services. If you can, take this understanding and knowledge further by sharing it online and with your expanding network.

Identify a mentor. It is not too early in your career to identify a mentor for support, guidance and teaching as you navigate through your entry-level, early professional career. This person can provide you with valuable support, handholding, strategic advice and access to an expanding network. As you move through your career, you’ll probably find another mentor or maybe not, but don’t underestimate the value of a professional mentor.

Seek expert help. Your college career service office is a great place to begin. Most schools offer a full range of resume, cover letter and interviewing services. There is no shortage of information available online, but be cautious before you enter into a relationship with supposed “specialists”. As a new graduate, you are an easy target for bait and switch and really, your resume may land you an interview, but the rest is up to you. A reputable professional can help sort through all your career service options.

Polish the online presence. The time is now to clean up your online presence, and present a professional image. Upload your resume to LinkedIn; add a photo, your career goals and contacts. If you can, upload any recommendations you have. As you move towards a job offer, a mature, professional online presence can certainly help.

Finally, as you launch your search, focus on organizations where learning is evident and growth opportunities are apparent. Be sure to pay close attention during the interviewing process, and ask about promotions, training, access to resources and learning. Many entry-level employees gain valuable experience and skills outside of their job description such as working directly with donors, volunteers and board members and earn significant experience and skills outside their job description. Many positions offer competitive salaries even in comparison to entry -level private sector positions. Launching a career is hard work, but well-worth the investment of time and strategy.