I oftentimes speak with job-seekers looking to make a career transition into nonprofits from another setting or to switch sectors within nonprofits. They haven’t had much luck getting interviews, and they might feel unequipped to break into the nonprofit world. While it’s not always easy to find your ideal nonprofit role, it’s entirely possible to make a career pivot—and I’ve seen many professionals do this successfully.
Reflect on Your Values and Passions
Before embarking on a sector change, take time for introspection. What are your core values? What causes are you most passionate about? Consider what issues inspire you and where you envision yourself making a meaningful impact. Are your priorities more focused on day-to-day job activities or the organization’s broader impact? Either way, make sure that you align with the organization’s mission and values wherever you land, because that alignment will contribute to your job satisfaction—and, likely, your success in your new role.
Identify Transferable Skills
While you may not have direct experience in the sector where you are job-searching, you likely possess a multitude of transferable skills from previous roles. Whether they include strategic planning, operations, people management, and/or fundraising, you have skills that are highly valued in the nonprofit world. Take stock of your experiences and identify how they can be applied to different roles within nonprofits. Highlight these transferable skills on LinkedIn, in your resume, and in your conversations with hiring managers and recruiters. This demonstrates your value to prospective employers and helps them to connect the dots between your background and their priorities for the role they’re trying to fill.
Do Your Research
Once you’ve articulated your values, passions, and transferable skills, it’s time to research organizations that align with your interests. Explore their missions, programs, and impact to gain a better understanding of their work and how you can contribute. Remember, you want to find an organization where you will be happy in your new role. Seek out an organization whose culture and values align with yours and that you feel will support you in this career transition.
Leverage Your Network
Connecting with professionals already working in your desired sector can provide valuable connections and insight into the sector’s opportunities and challenges. Even people you don’t know are often very open and willing to connect—so ask them for just 15 minutes of their time. When you speak, clearly communicate your background and your goals. Always end the conversation by asking if there is anyone else with whom you should connect.
Gain Additional Relevant Experience if Needed
One of the best ways to break into a new sector is to broaden your relevant experience by volunteering your time and skills. Seek out opportunities with organizations whose missions align with your interests: this will help you to gain valuable experience and insight into the sector and demonstrate your commitment and passion to prospective employers. It can also broaden your network and connections to organizations that you’re interested in.
Tell Your Story and Connection to the Mission
Employers care about why you are connected to their mission. Whether your connection is personal, professional, or both, make sure to articulate it in your application materials and every conversation you have during the interview process. This is a great way to open any interview and will leave a lasting impression. Be sure also to articulate how your experience and background will help the organization achieve its goals. This is particularly important if your background makes you a nontraditional candidate.
Remain Open-Minded
Finally, be open-minded to the types of roles that you might qualify for when making a career change. You may make a lateral move or explore opportunities that are a bit outside the box for you. These roles can be valuable stepping stones to your dream job and provide opportunities for growth and development. Embrace the learning curve and approach each role as an opportunity to gain experience, expand your network, and contribute to meaningful causes.
With the right approach and mindset, making a pivot into the nonprofit world or another sector is an achievable goal. Reflect on your values and passions, identify transferable skills, research available opportunities, seek out opportunities to gain relevant experience, and remain open-minded. These steps will help to set you up for success in a rewarding career in the nonprofit world. The journey to your dream job isn’t always easy, but it will be so satisfying when you get there.
