Working in the Non-Profit Sector

Non-profits are always in search of time and talent from employees and volunteers. Perhaps you’ve already volunteered for a non-profit that supports a cause you care about; perhaps you’re now wondering if you could pursue a full-time career working in the non-profit sector.

You absolutely could!

But before you make the leap, here are some important insights that will help you make the best decision for you and your future career path.

What is a non-profit?

A non-profit is a tax-exempt organization that advances its missions with money raised in excess of paying for operating expenses unlike a for-profit business, which would use excess revenue to increase shareholder income, purchase investments, or give bonuses to top leadership.

The organization might have a different structure than a for-profit business, and they usually rely on a combination of paid employees and volunteers to reach their goals. They seek to address systemic challenges and underserved groups. Industries with a high number of associated non-profits include education, healthcare, religious organizations, and social and legal services

What can you expect from working at a non-profit?

It’s awesome if you want to change the world. It’s great if you think you can apply the skills you’ve acquired so far in your career to advancing a worthy cause. In fact, non-profits often put greater value in soft skills when considering new hires. But, almost any job at a non-profit will mean navigating bureaucracy, raising money, providing emotional support, and lots of paperwork and loop holes related to heavy regulation.

As you can see, it takes more than good intentions to successfully work at a non-profit. There are pros and cons that should be carefully considered, especially if you want to avoid burn out and ensure your contributions help the non-profit the most.

Pros:

• It can be very fulfilling and give a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth.
• You will most definitely get the chance to wear many hats and learn new skills.
• Many organizations offer non-financial incentives like flexible work schedules and family-friendly practices.
• You may find a better work/life balance, especially if the organization already aligns with another part of your life.
• There will be many chances to learn on the job.

Cons:

• Non-profits often pay less for comparable positions at for-profit companies.
• Resources can be limited and funds tight when operating budgets depend on fundraising and grants.
• Regulations, needed board approval, and required partner buy-in can mean a lot of bureaucracy and change happening slowly.
• Wearing many hats can lead to burnout.
• A sense of not making enough of a difference or a feeling overwhelmed by responsibility can affect non-profit workers.
• Long or non-standard hours and high expectations.

How to decide

Lucky for you, there’s a way you can gain experience with any non-profit you’re considering applying to—sign up to volunteer, first! You can learn about their methodologies, their workforce and resource needs, how and where they receive funding, what the internal community and culture are like, and more.

There can be many opportunities for movement within a non-profit organization, especially for people who are willing to learn new skills and support other divisions. You may find you are more career mobile while working in the non-profit sector. So, even if you don’t find a position in a non-profit that exactly matches your current role, still reach out to the hiring manager to see if you’re still a top candidate.