How would you recommend getting your foot in the door in a field like non-profits?

One of the best ways to get started in the nonprofit world is to start volunteering. Find some organizations you like and see if they have any volunteer or internship posts on their website.

You may also want to check if your college has an office of civic engagement that can help connect you to a local nonprofit that is in need of volunteers that match your skill set.

I also recommend looking at things like AmeriCorps for after graduation. There are a lot of different things you can do within AmeriCorps, so it may take some digging to find what's right for you. I did the NCCC program and was a VISTA volunteer. AmeriCorps offers some food perks like the education award, health insurance, and both of my programs offered a stipend and housing.

Hope this helps and good luck!

The other answers here are great. 100% agree. I want to add something about your question on how to contact them. Here are some options:

• Call, email, or show up to introduce yourself and ask how you can be helpful.


• Search AllForGood, VolunteerMatch, LinkedIn's volunteering job posts, and other volunteering boards. This may clue you in to orgs with great missions you care about.


• Get your profile listed up on angellist, idealist, and other job boards targeted at nonprofits or other similar orgs.

Also, now might be good time to share a reminder that if you don't already have a LinkedIn profile set up, this is a good time to take care of that. If potential employers google you (which isn't normal but happens more often than you might think), you want them to find a good profile that you put together.

Megan, you're getting good recommendations here. When volunteering, I'd strongly suggest that you look for opportunities where you can add unique value. For example, if you have a lot of experience and knowledge about social networks, you will be a welcome addition to many non-profits. You might also volunteer/join one of your school's many service-oriented clubs. Check to see if there is an active Rotaract Club on campus. Rotaract clubs are sponsored by a local Rotary club (see http://www.santaclararotary.org) which instantly gives the Rotaract clubs access to the resources and contacts that Rotary members have.

I have to agree with Amy. You definitely want to get out there and start volunteering. And, you can volunteer in a number of different capacities. You can join a committee for an organization and see if they need help stuffing envelopes, writing grants, doing outreach, or something else. Also, there are a ton of great outlets for young professionals in social impact from YNPN, Acumen, Net Impact, and more. I would look up the local chapter nearest you of one of them and get involved! They are great ways to network and meet like-minded individuals, and to find out about opportunities.

All great suggestions above! In addition, check out Public Allies (publicallies.org), which has three California locations. They provide internships with nonprofit organizations and community leadership training that sometimes leads to permanent positions.