Do you think of non-profit work experience?
I am finance second-year student. I plan to find a volunteering job as director of finance. #finance #volunteering
9 answers
Jenna Zebrowski, JD, MBA
Jenna’s Answer
Non-profit experience is great! You can get great experience, but you still have to be qualified. If you've never worked in the field, then a director position might be a stretch, but I haven't seen the position you are applying for.
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Ena,
Non-profit work is absolutely experience. What I would recommend if you are doing volunteer work is to try and get involved in leadership and management of people and systems as much as possible. When looking at people's experience, you want to be able to tell a story about how you were able to contribute to the greater good of the organization and create growth in some way. When looking for leadership experience, the more people you can lead the better. Look for opportunities where you can lead a team of 5 or more. Since you are still in school, this will be essential in having an edge over your competition when you start looking for your first job.
Best of Luck,
Danielle
Amanda’s Answer
Non-profit work is wonderful. Do anything and everything you can to get relevant work experience. I find that a lot of non-profit organization are willing to let students do more because they need the help. You can use this experience in your interview question to show your leadership, communication, teamwork, and financial skills. Also it will look great on your resume. A lot of Fortune 500 companies value community service and even pay employees to take a day or two to volunteer.
Courtney’s Answer
Y E S! Nonprofit experience, even volunteering, certainly counts as experience! I was lucky enough to have time to intern & volunteer with a local nonprofit health clinic near my college campus, and that experience helped me land my first role out of college. Volunteering at a nonprofit can help you connect with your community, give you experiencing working with people and problem solving, and add to your toolbox of skills - ultimately, it will help you expand your network and gain experience while also supporting a good cause. That's a win-win-win!
I'd also recommend keeping a "wish list" during your volunteering experience of projects you'd like to learn about or take on (maybe building a budget or fundraising plan), people you'd like to meet (maybe you want to meet with a staff member who has your "dream job" for a coffee date to learn more about their role and their career journey story) or any opportunities to improve your skills (Excel trainings, online trainings, etc.). Keep your wish list close by and be sure to share it with whoever your manager is so they are aware of your goals and can help you check things off the list during your time volunteering. They may even have other ideas you had not considered, or they might introduce you to the person who could change your whole career outlook!
Sending you the best of luck and am happy to connect if you have any additional questions!
Andria’s Answer
Non Profit is still experience. it shows people that you are willing to gain the knowledge anyway you can and that you are willing to volunteer to get that experience. I always look at that as experience when interviewing or promoting. it is important to have a full resume and this is a great addition to a resume.
Good for you!!
Rainie’s Answer
Many have answered the same - but yes any experience you can get under your belt, do it! Hands on experience is better than reading the instructions! Employers love to see that you've already encountered certain aspects of the profession, whatever that may be. It's good to highlight any related experience when looking for employment.
Gary’s Answer
Yes, definitely. ANY work experience is good and can be included on a resume or application whether is it paid or not :)
Christy’s Answer
Joe’s Answer
You can get very good experience working at a non-profit, and may help building your resume considering non-profit business management is a marketable finance specialization.
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