7 answers
Monique
Student
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
3
Questions
Asked
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What are the pros and cons of working for a nonprofit full-time?
I currently volunteer with several nonprofits doing communications and programmatic work, but I am wondering what a full-time position would look like upon graduation. What are the pros and cons (looking at job security, salary, etc.)?
#JULY20 #career #nonprofit
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7 answers
Kelly Quicksell
Community Relations Specialist
6
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Monique - good question.
I went straight into the nonprofit sector after graduating with my bachelors degree and I think it was one of the best decisions I made. In the nonprofit sector I was able work for causes that really meant something to me. I believe that I was given a great deal of responsibility for being relatively new - which can be scary at times, but looking back I know that the extra responsibility and challenges I faced helped me develop skills and a strong work ethic much quicker than many of my peers from college. Nonprofits are very people-centered and very collaborative. You will likely have the opportunity to work beside a diverse and inclusive community - which to me was super important.
Burnout is real in many professions, but very real in nonprofits as they typically are under resourced. That doesn't make the work bad. I think it means you want to find an organization that truly understands and values work-life balance. This was key for me. While salary can start out a bit lower at nonprofits compared to private sector, I would argue that you can move your way up the ladder in nonprofit v.s. private sector.
The last thing I would say is that I personally believe it is easier to move from nonprofit to private sector rather than private to nonprofit. It may be worth exploring nonprofit sector earlier in your career rather than later.
Next steps to consider: shadow nonprofit professionals in an area that interests you, participate in mock interviews, volunteer at nonprofits that you love (nonprofit love to hire someone who is already apart of their community!).
I went straight into the nonprofit sector after graduating with my bachelors degree and I think it was one of the best decisions I made. In the nonprofit sector I was able work for causes that really meant something to me. I believe that I was given a great deal of responsibility for being relatively new - which can be scary at times, but looking back I know that the extra responsibility and challenges I faced helped me develop skills and a strong work ethic much quicker than many of my peers from college. Nonprofits are very people-centered and very collaborative. You will likely have the opportunity to work beside a diverse and inclusive community - which to me was super important.
Burnout is real in many professions, but very real in nonprofits as they typically are under resourced. That doesn't make the work bad. I think it means you want to find an organization that truly understands and values work-life balance. This was key for me. While salary can start out a bit lower at nonprofits compared to private sector, I would argue that you can move your way up the ladder in nonprofit v.s. private sector.
The last thing I would say is that I personally believe it is easier to move from nonprofit to private sector rather than private to nonprofit. It may be worth exploring nonprofit sector earlier in your career rather than later.
Next steps to consider: shadow nonprofit professionals in an area that interests you, participate in mock interviews, volunteer at nonprofits that you love (nonprofit love to hire someone who is already apart of their community!).
Craig C
Accountant
10
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Craig’s Answer
It looks like you are off to a good start with your experience. I have worked with nonprofits and things to consider are:
a) burnout, in most places - if you are a go-getter, this can be good
b) low salaries in the early part of career - they can be attractive later on for senior positions
c) tight budgets - creativity and innovation usually happens when working around limited resources
d) fundraising - application for grants is repetitive, laborious but is a good skill to have under your belt (if you get a chance to be a part of it)
e) mission-driven - being able to be close to causes that truly impact peoples' lives
f) wear different hats - most non profits are small, so everyone is encouraged to be multifaceted.
g) job-hopping in the industry is common - like any other job. Maximize your experience at each place you go to.
h) small non profits are basically small businesses - a lot of decision-making is made at the top, or it is centralized. The Board and/or CEO has to basically sign off on anything; if you are comfortable with your leadership, you may get things done quicker. You may want to consider joining a nonprofit that is bigger as well.
i) It is about making enough money to service the causes - at the end of the day, decisions will be made to ensure the survival of the non profit, like any other business, to serve worthy causes. It is not about profit, although any profits over the years help the non profit stay afloat during times of crisis or financial difficulties.
Notice that I didn't mention pros and cons because at the end of the day, only you can determine what's right for you.
Craig recommends the following next steps:
Anne Weber
Consulting
4
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Pros: mission-driven work, generally good benefits, relationship building,
Cons: burnout, fundraising (unless you love it)
Salary and job security can vary so widely that I would focus more on your WHY you want to work in non-profit. What do you enjoy? What keeps you motivated? What drains you? Make a list of dealbreakers and non-negotiables.
Cons: burnout, fundraising (unless you love it)
Salary and job security can vary so widely that I would focus more on your WHY you want to work in non-profit. What do you enjoy? What keeps you motivated? What drains you? Make a list of dealbreakers and non-negotiables.
Jeremy Steinhaus
4
Answers
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
I worked with nonprofit charter school groups for a number of years. The benefit was that nonprofits are on a limited budget. They need all hands on deck for all problems. If you're willing to put in the effort, you can get experience at a number of different skills. The drawback is of course the money...salaries are lower. However, if you use your time to build skills, you can translate a low-paying nonprofit job into a higher paying position at elsewhere after a couple years...And, while you're at the nonprofit, you can help out with a cause that you believe in. There's even a chance that by volunteering to help in multiple capacities, and showing your skill to management, they may promote you to a job with more responsibility, higher salary, and still serving the community you care about.
Holly McCaskill
Program Manager
2
Answers
Hernando, Mississippi
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Hi Monique,
Working at a nonprofit has been an immensly rewarding job for me. The industry allows you to work for a cause that you can truly believe in, while developing many different skill sets. Because budgets can be tight, you may have to wear many hats within an organization. Also nonprofits often have wide array of programs and initiatives that you can contribute your efforts towards. This keeps the work interesting. Nonprofits depend on outside funding, so finances can sometimes be limited, and salary may be less than what you might find in the private sector, but the opportunites for growth and learning have far outweighed any negatives in my experience. Best of all, I truly feel like my work helps people, and that feels wonderful!
Network with Nonprofit professionals in your area
Working at a nonprofit has been an immensly rewarding job for me. The industry allows you to work for a cause that you can truly believe in, while developing many different skill sets. Because budgets can be tight, you may have to wear many hats within an organization. Also nonprofits often have wide array of programs and initiatives that you can contribute your efforts towards. This keeps the work interesting. Nonprofits depend on outside funding, so finances can sometimes be limited, and salary may be less than what you might find in the private sector, but the opportunites for growth and learning have far outweighed any negatives in my experience. Best of all, I truly feel like my work helps people, and that feels wonderful!
Holly recommends the following next steps:
Charlie Page, CPA, CA
Accountant, Audit
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
I had an opportunity to work for an NPO and I found all the people to be mission focused and great to work with. The pay may be a little lower because the company is investing as much as it can in its cause.
There may be fewer perks at an NPO compared to a for-profit company but there can be a lot of value in working for a company with a mission you really support.
The company raising funds will be important to all employees of an NPO, but less of a role in a for-profit company. You may end up volunteering some time (non-paid) to support your NPO.
I have fond memories of working for an NPO.
There may be fewer perks at an NPO compared to a for-profit company but there can be a lot of value in working for a company with a mission you really support.
The company raising funds will be important to all employees of an NPO, but less of a role in a for-profit company. You may end up volunteering some time (non-paid) to support your NPO.
I have fond memories of working for an NPO.
Brooke Rosenbauer, M.S.
Corporate Social Responsibility
4
Answers
Norwood, Massachusetts
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
This is a great question! I started out working in nonprofits and switched to Corporate Social Responsibility.
I can say that the salary and benefits are definitely more comprehensive working in the corporate sector, although the nonprofit offered a pension which nobody does anymore!
Job security can be difficult no matter where you go. Corporations will do layoffs and restructuring and nonprofits will base their headcount on grant funding. Sometimes it is more predictable at nonprofits because you have visibility into how long a grant will last.
I loved working at nonprofits because it was fun to work with such passionate people! I also got to travel and meet so many wonderful people and community leaders, and felt like I was really making a difference.
In the corporate world, you can also find fun and passionate people, travel, and even work in the community (as I did with corporate social responsibility), but the ultimate focus of the company will always be the bottom line / making money.
Just because you start in one field doesn't mean you have to stay there forever!
My advice would be to jump at the opportunity that speaks to you the most and see where it takes you.
Good luck!
I can say that the salary and benefits are definitely more comprehensive working in the corporate sector, although the nonprofit offered a pension which nobody does anymore!
Job security can be difficult no matter where you go. Corporations will do layoffs and restructuring and nonprofits will base their headcount on grant funding. Sometimes it is more predictable at nonprofits because you have visibility into how long a grant will last.
I loved working at nonprofits because it was fun to work with such passionate people! I also got to travel and meet so many wonderful people and community leaders, and felt like I was really making a difference.
In the corporate world, you can also find fun and passionate people, travel, and even work in the community (as I did with corporate social responsibility), but the ultimate focus of the company will always be the bottom line / making money.
Just because you start in one field doesn't mean you have to stay there forever!
My advice would be to jump at the opportunity that speaks to you the most and see where it takes you.
Good luck!