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More Recent Graduates Working in Non-Profits: Why Should You?

By career

Last week, The New York Times published this article that talks about an unexpected consequence of the difficult economy: that more recent college graduates are working in the non-profit sector, or as they describe, “young college graduates who ended up doing good because the economy did them wrong.”

As a college student, I planned to work in a non-profit organization, and now as a career counselor I often talk with students interested in this field. I’m excited to hear about this trend. I see many students come in with a few misconceptions about work in nonprofits and wanted to address some of these in this post.

Myth #1: Only certain kinds of jobs exist in non-profits. It’s not for me.

Fact: All kinds of jobs exist in the non-profit sector!  In non-profits, there are all the same jobs as in the private sector, plus a few that are specific to non-profits, such as fundraisers and grant-writers. Non-profit jobs provide great work experience as well as a connection to a particular issue or cause. Check out this fun video from Non-Profit Careers Month, celebrated in October 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL4vOaFZAxs?fs=1&hl=en_US

Myth #2: I won’t make any money in a non-profit.

Fact: Entry-level non-profit salaries are often comparable to jobs in the private sector. In general, because non-profits have fewer resources they may have fewer staff—meaning that as an entry-level employee you might have more responsibility than in an entry-level private sector job. Not only can you get great experience this way, but it makes you a strong candidate for future career opportunities, whether in the non-profit or for-profit sector.

Myth #3: Looking for a job in the non-profit sector is exactly the same as looking for a private-sector job.

Fact: While the process is similar, there are several significant differences—for example, the non-profit field has its own language to consider when writing cover letters (for instance, you apply for a job at an organization, not a company). Additionally, be prepared to talk about your passion and connection to the mission of the organization—it’s not just about being able to do the job, but also about a commitment to helping the organization fulfill its mission. Find ways to communicate your commitment and personal connections to the mission; sometimes doing this while remaining professional can be a challenge—our career counselors are happy to help you figure this out.

Considering going into the Non-Profit World of Work? Check out these web resources:

10 things to know about applying for a nonprofit job

Idealist Career Center

Idealist Guide to Non-Profit Careers for First-Time Job Seekers (free e-book, also available hard copies for purchase)

Idealist Guide to Non-Profit Careers for Sector Switchers and people at mid-career (free e-book, also available hard copies for purchase)

Doing Good, an article on Full-Time Service Programs

Non-Profit Fellowship Programs

You might also be interested in this video, titled “How to Start Working in the Non-Profit Sector.” It features an  interview with Kerry Connor, national recruitment director for Jumpstart, a national non-profit organization that focuses on early intervention for at-risk preschoolers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrhA95bIBh4?fs=1&hl=en_US

–Laura

World of Work: Colleen Ring '99, Senior Account Executive with Nike

By career

Colleen Ring '99

Colleen Ring ‘99 Senior account executive, Nike

New York, New York

Major: Canadian Studies/Art History

How would you describe what you do on a typical day to someone who is unfamiliar with your field?
Account executives at Nike are responsible for optimizing Nike product sales with a specific account base.  Since I work directly with an account, developing and maintaining relationships with key personnel at all levels is critical.  I also analyze weekly sales data to help in preparing and planning future seasons’ merchandising & product strategies.

What advice do you have for students searching for jobs or internships in your field?
Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and see if the company is a good match.  Use this time to show management what value you can add to the team, but to also ensure it’s the right fit for you.  I interned at Saks Fifth Avenue, and while the buying offices were not exactly right for me, it gave me visibility to aspects of the wholesale/retail industry that helped lead me to Nike.

What three words would describe your work environment?
Energizing, Innovating, Connected

What motivates you to go to work every day for this organization?
Nike motivates me to stay athletic, stay focused, work hard and play hard.  We have a dynamic team of people in my office, it’s competitive, but it drives you to succeed.

Tell us about your path to this position. Did you expect to hold this job when you were a college student?
I really didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduation. I started going through possible internship opportunities at the career center and just sending out my resume to any/all that sounded somewhat interesting to me.  Within a month I was in NYC interviewing for the Saks Fifth Avenue Buying program.  Now, 11 years later, I’m still here, and still in the retail industry.  I feel extremely fortunate that my choices led me to Nike.

If you’re interested in seeing all our World of Work profiles, click here. If you are a UVM alumnus and would like to be featured, please contact us at career.services@uvm.edu. If you are interested in contacting a featured alum, check out the Career Connection alumni database or contact us.

World of Work: Allan Urgent '93, Assistant US Attorney

By career

Allan Urgent '93

Allan Urgent ‘93, Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice

Newark, NJ

Major: Political Science

Graduate Program: Fordham University School of Law (J.D.)

What does your typical day look like?
I represent the United States of America and federal agencies in civil litigation. The types of things I do include appearing in court to advocate for the government’s position, drafting legal documents and correspondence, and communicating with client agencies and opposing counsel to negotiate case resolutions.

How did you get to where you are today and were there any significant experiences that helped shape your career path?
I served as a judicial law clerk for two different federal judges, and I worked for four years at law firm doing commercial litigation before I obtained my current position.  As a judicial law clerk, I was able to develop my legal research and writing skills, observe practicing attorneys at work, and learn what motivates judicial decision-making.  As an associate at law firm, I got practical experience representing clients.

Do you have any advice for undergraduates?
Talk to as many people as you can in the fields that interest you and pay particular attention to people who love their work. Understand that it might take you longer than you would like to get where you want to be, but keep working towards putting yourself in the best position to capitalize when an opportunity becomes available.

What would you do differently about how you went about your career?
Do a better job of developing and maintaining contacts from all of the positions that I have held including internships.  Do not underestimate the importance of personal connections in determining who gets hired.

If you’re interested in seeing all our World of Work profiles, click here. If you are a UVM alumnus and would like to be featured, please contact us at career.services@uvm.edu. If you are interested in contacting a featured alum, check out the Career Connection alumni database or contact us.

Market Yourself to Get Hired: Social Media Edition

By career

What is social media? Sites we use all the time; Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIN, Twitter, and blogs– these are all social media sites. We call them this because of the way we can create our own  “media “ like status updates, sharing of other people content, or posting and sharing articles, pictures and videos, among other things.

How can my Facebook or my Twitter really help me get hired?

First, it might be worthwhile to notice how it can get in the way of getting you hired.

-Are there incriminating photos of you on your Facebook? One word: untag. Untag, untag, untag. Just because Joe-Shmoe in the triple across the hall thinks you are hysterical dancing with a lampshade on your head, doesn’t mean a future employer will be as amused if they do a search for your profile.

-Check your security preferences. If you go to your “Account” button on the upper right hand corner of your Facebook page, you can change your security settings to ensure that only the people you want to view you can actually see your updates and your photos. I strongly encourage all users not to allow “friends of friends” to see you, because if you have 800 friends, it is possible for 640,000 people or MORE to view your profile.

-But wait…who ARE your friends? And what are they saying? This is tricky. If you have friends who repeatedly post to your wall about their various thoughts and events, and they don’t jive with a professional image you are working toward creating, it might be a good idea to send them a private message and let them know. Still not getting the picture? Unfriend.  As harsh as it sounds, it sounds even more ridiculous to think you didn’t get an interview for a great internship because the headhunter saw tasteless jokes or comments on your page.

Ok, so you’ve untagged, you’ve scouted your settings, maybe even let a friend or two go to protect your page content. What are some proactive steps you can take to actively use social media to your advantage? I have some ideas.

-Create a webpage. I have a close friend who used his Mac to create a webpage where he posted his resume, embedded his Twitter feed, and periodically he posts interesting articles and his thoughts on them in a blog section to the site. All of his pages include colorful pictures of him at work, doing the types of things he enjoys most (he is a teacher) working with students in labs, on field trips etc. Basically, the site is a way for him to be “googled” and be in control of what comes up on the Google hits.

-Making a webpage seems like a lot to you? Try creating a Google Profile. It’s an easy way to create your own directory tab that comes up whenever your name is searched. You can provide as little or as much info as you want. I have a small professional headshot on mine, a little info about working in at UVM and where I received my education, plus my current industry. I do not include where I work or my contact information.  Check out this example of a profile….

-Think about taking control of what comes up when you are Googled. Oh sure, some things cannot be helped, but maybe your Tweets could use some more security than you may have initially thought, maybe it is time to really commit to creating a LinkedIN page for you to upload your resume, maybe you find that a blog from high school you thought had disappeared…hadn’t. Take control; get the good stuff up, and the bad stuff, gone.

Want to know more about how you can Market Yourself to Get Hired? Drop by our weekly sessions on Tuesdays at 4:15pm in L/L E166 during the Spring 2011 semester!

–Leah

World of Work: Bizia Holmes Greene ’96, Etiquette Consultant

By career

Bizia Holmes Greene '96

Bizia Holmes Greene’ 96 Self Employed Etiquette Consultant
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Major: Anthropology

How would you describe what you do on a typical day to someone who is unfamiliar with your field?
As an etiquette consultant, I field phone calls and emails from the curious public about etiquette related questions and conundrums. I write an etiquette column for the local newspaper. I also teach private and group lessons in etiquette which is the bulk of my work. These lessons can be an hour to an all day workshop covering topics like public speaking, dining skills, introductions skills, etc. Clients range in age from 4 yrs old to retired professionals.

What advice do you have for students searching for jobs or internships in your field?
Professionals in my field are extremely hospitable, generous and polished. They thrive off of making other’s feel comfortable. An eye for detail and strong organizational skills are key.

What motivates you to go to work every day for this organization?
The thought of helping people better their lives and feel more confident in social/professional environments. Etiquette is a tool that empowers you and opens doors in the absence of talent or experience. To share that and see the results is very satisfying.

Tell us about your path to this position. Did you expect to hold this job when you were a college student?
My first college internship was at a Burlington hotel in the executive offices. After graduation, they hired me as concierge. In the years following graduation I worked as a restaurant hostess, a spa manager at a high end resort, event planner for fundraisers and museums and a wedding planner. The career path and its job requirements fit the bill for etiquette which I discovered years after graduation.

What was your childhood dream job?
Airport manager! I spent career day (grade 8 ) at the Burlington International Airport. I have been a world traveler my whole life and I strongly believe traveling is the best education one can have.

If you’re interested in seeing all our World of Work profiles, click here. If you are a UVM alumnus and would like to be featured, please contact us at career.services@uvm.edu. If you are interested in contacting a featured alum, check out the Career Connection alumni database or contact us.

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