Working for a Non-Profit
By Carol Stanton, CGS Career Counselor

Why work for a non-profit?

      After the terrible events of September 11, many people re-evaluated their priorities and looked for ways to bring more meaning into their lives. The devastation we experienced through those tragedies prompted many people to search for ways to make this world a better place.  One way to make a contribution is through working for a non-profit organization.  There are many benefits to working in the non-profit realm and also some good resources to help you find your niche.

     Many people who work in non-profits feel that it gives them a chance to make a difference in the world.  Whether it's working for a large international organization such as the Red Cross, or a small children's center in a local community, non-profits offer their employees a sense that they are contributing to people's lives in vital ways.  It gives them a chance to directly address social issues rather than just talking about them.

     Working in non-profits isn't just about giving, though.  They abound with opportunities to hone your job skills and learn new ones.   Since they are very people-oriented, there are many ways of improving your networking and communication skills.
In addition, you may find yourself fund-raising, doing public relations, grant writing, using your public speaking skills, teaching, counseling or cultivating any number of other creative and social skills.  If you already have skills in these areas, you will have an easier time getting hired, and will be an asset to any organization.

What is the best way to look for a job in non-profit?

     One of the best ways to look for work in a non-profit is by doing volunteer work.  If you've already been doing volunteer work, you've got a good background to start with. Volunteering can not only give you experience, but can also help you to discover what kind of organization you would like to work with. 

     Do you want to work with a large organization or a small one?  A large organization is likely to have more job openings and more specialized areas of expertise. In a smaller organization, employees' roles are less specialized and you could end up doing a variety of different jobs.  Perhaps your business skills are needed in a non-profit area?  Fund-raising is another way to gain entry into non-profits.  What are your interests?  Do you want to work with children, or arts organizations, or international projects?  Exploring organizations that help your particular interest would be a good place to begin. 

     Another good way to get into the world of non-profits is through doing an internship. If you are still in school, consider doing an internship in an agency that you are interested in.  Often internships can turn into regular jobs later on.  Also, you have a chance to network and learn valuable skills while earning credit for your degree.

     As with any job search, networking is important, but especially in the non-profit sector.  If you don't know anyone who works in the area that you are interested in, you might try one of the resources listed below and see if you can make a contact for an informational interview.  Interviewing someone who works in the field can not only give you a more realistic view but also give you other ideas and contacts.

What are some good resources for finding out about non-profits?

     Pittsburgh has many resources for finding information about non-profits.  One of the best places is the Foundation Center at the Carnegie Library on Wood St.  You will find a library-within-a library with information about the world of non-profits, foundations, grant writing, etc.  They have an extensive database, a quarterly newsletter, and offer workshops on topics related to the non-profit world.  Their web address is www.clpgh.org/clp/Foundation .

     If you are interested in the non-profit arts world, you should subscribe to "Update," a monthly publication of Pro Arts, which contains opportunities for employment, internships, volunteer work, as well as workshops and classes.  They can be reached at www.proarts-pittsburgh.org .

     You might want to contact Duquesne University's Nonprofit Leadership Institute (www.leadership.duq.edu/nonprofit ) or Robert Morris University's Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management (www.rmu.bcnm ). They both offer programs and seminars to support non-profits.  Another good local website is www.deweykaye.com .

     To find out about volunteer work, contact Pitt's Student Volunteer Outreach office at www.svo.pitt.edu or Pittsburgh Cares at www.pittsburghcares.org .

     If you are interested in working in the human services field, Where To Turn:  A Directory of Human Services in Allegheny County is available on-line at www.unitedwaypittsburgh.org .

     Some national websites to check for job opportunities in other parts of the country or abroad are www.opportunitynocs.org , www.idealist.org , www.guidestar.com , and ww w.nonprofitcareer.com . Idealist.org organizes a career fair for Pittsburgh non-profits each year that is held at Duquesne University in March. A number of non-profits list their job openings on PantherTRACS, Pitt Career Services' on-line job search system at www.careers.pitt.edu .

    There are a number of excellent books on working in non-profits, including: Nonprofit Job Finder by Daniel Lauber, Careers in the Non-Profit Sector by the Harvard Business School, and Making a Living While Making a Difference by Melissa Everett.

     If you are looking for more meaning in your work and have a social cause to which you would like to contribute, consider a job transition into the non-profit realm. The world needs your help and you just might find that you will be a more fulfilled person.