Tips for Working in the Nonprofit Sector

What I learned on my first day of work for a nonprofit organization.


1. Slow down. This is not a corporation, you are working to help people.

2. Volunteers keep the organization alive. Keep them happy and you will be happy.

3. Work together, ask questions and stay positive.

4. Take a deep breath. Remember you are working for a cause.

5. Not every idea will make it past the cutting room floor, but one will.



Overall, be prepared for difficult days and always keep the cause in mind.


You are helping.

Volunteering...Getting Your Foot in the Door

If you want to work for a nonprofit...volunteering for the organization can help land you a job.

As part of my internship with Truman State University's Career Center, I planned a nonprofit conference for students. Putting on the conference gave me the opportunity to talk one-on-one with several TSU alumni who were presenting. Even though they worked for different organizations in different cities, they all agreed that volunteering goes a long way. Offering your time, showing up, and doing a good job shows that you are dedicated to that organization's cause and have a strong work ethic. If a job open's up, you are in a better position to get it.

Websites like idealist.org are a great resource to find volunteer opportunities all over the country.

My next step. Spend some extra time helping out.