How to Transition From the For-Profit to the Nonprofit World

At some point in your life, you may want to move out of the commercial sector and give something back to the world. Whether you're looking to be the receptionist, the one in charge of fund-raising, or the executive director, it's crucial that you do your homework and understand how things work in the nonprofit sector. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Volunteer at local organizations. While online work (called virtual volunteering) will help, it's best to work at a physical location to get a feel for how a nonprofit is run. Serve on the board if you're interested in an executive position. Choose to help out with the type of job you want like in the development office for fund-raising, the communications office for marketing and PR and the outreach office for education.
2. Spend six months to a year reading publications that report exclusively on the independent sector. The Chronicle of Philanthropy is a newspaper that comprehensively covers issues of concern in the nonprofit world. The Nonprofit Times features articles addressing issues in nonprofit management.
3. Visit web sites regularly that concentrate on what's happening in the nonprofit world. On the Philanthropy News Network web site, you'll find news about cultural, environmental, educational and human services organizations as well as special features and expert opinions.
4. Attend nonprofit events in your local area and meet the people who run these organizations. Ask people in the independent sector about their work in the soc.org.nonprofit newsgroup on Google Groups. Search for jobs on The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Times web sites.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect to be called on to do things that aren't strictly your job, so be flexible.
• Don't think volunteering is enough to make a smooth transition to the nonprofit world. You need to understand it to get the advantage on your competition.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
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