So, you just graduated from undergrad and
are ready to join the workforce. You’ve applied to the top companies in the
city, or the country, sending out resume after resume with no luck. Maybe it’s
time to try a new strategy, and I don’t mean different networking events or
updating your resume, I mean career trajectory. It’s not as daunting as you might think.
I know, I was in that same spot 2 years
ago. After getting my B.A in Media Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations
and Corporate Communications I thought I had done everything to put myself in
the best situation to kick start my career at the top agencies in DC. But after
countless interviews, networking events, internships and interviews with no
avail, it was time to reflect and try something different.
I came across a nationwide nonprofit here in DC that offered a position that although was not exactly what I had been looking for, gave me the opportunity to leverage my skills and background but challenge me to grow in a different environment. It has been the best career decision for me thus far. So why work at a nonprofit?
“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
The opportunity to work at a nonprofit allows you to dedicate your work to a cause that you are passionate about. Whether it’s health, hunger or education, you have the unique opportunity to impact the lives of others in a positive way each and every day. If you have passion for that cause, then you can be fulfilled in your work and there is no greater satisfaction.
Small Organizations- more opportunities to take on a variety of tasks
Unlike most companies with hundreds or thousands of employees, nonprofits tend to be smaller. Although there can be some challenges to having a small staff, there are also many benefits to working within a smaller organization. Primarily, you have the chance to work on a variety of projects that may be outside of your scope of expertise but will challenge you to learn new skills that you may not develop otherwise if you stay in your comfort zone. In my current position, I’ve had the good fortune of working on projects with everyone from interns to our CEO. That to me is professional development at its finest!
Engaging with Corporate Partners, Foundations and Influencers
Many nonprofits have partnerships with a variety of corporate partners, sports teams, foundations, etc. This gives you a unique opportunity to make connections and learn from a variety of partners that you otherwise may not have made connections with. The skills that you learn by engaging with these partners can easily be translated and applicable to the corporate world if you choose to change your trajectory.
Opportunities to give back to your community
The work that you do helps to better communities, families and individuals across the country and the world. In recent years, companies and consumers have put greater emphasis on “giving back” and “volunteering”. Check out a study by Cone Communications called, Social Impact Study to learn more and see what you can do to better your own community.
So, while all of your friends are going for the traditional route, take time to look at your favorite nonprofit. You just might be surprised at the opportunities that await you and don’t be afraid to be flexible to new experiences and different ways of reaching your goals.
Written by: Laetitia Morrisson
Laetitia
joined KaBOOM! in the summer of 2012 as the Corporate Partnerships team’s
Coordinator and was recently promoted to Manager on the same team. She is a
native of Côte D’Ivoire, was raised in the DC area and is fluent in French. She
received her Bachelor’s in Media Studies from the Catholic University of
America and her Masters of Professional Studies in Corporate Communications and
Public Relations from Georgetown University. Laetitia has interned with PR
agencies such as TogoRun and nonprofits such as the National Assembly on
School-Based Health Care.
Interested in writing a blog post? Email us at TheRisingPro2014@gmail.com!
I came across a nationwide nonprofit here in DC that offered a position that although was not exactly what I had been looking for, gave me the opportunity to leverage my skills and background but challenge me to grow in a different environment. It has been the best career decision for me thus far. So why work at a nonprofit?
“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
The opportunity to work at a nonprofit allows you to dedicate your work to a cause that you are passionate about. Whether it’s health, hunger or education, you have the unique opportunity to impact the lives of others in a positive way each and every day. If you have passion for that cause, then you can be fulfilled in your work and there is no greater satisfaction.
Small Organizations- more opportunities to take on a variety of tasks
Unlike most companies with hundreds or thousands of employees, nonprofits tend to be smaller. Although there can be some challenges to having a small staff, there are also many benefits to working within a smaller organization. Primarily, you have the chance to work on a variety of projects that may be outside of your scope of expertise but will challenge you to learn new skills that you may not develop otherwise if you stay in your comfort zone. In my current position, I’ve had the good fortune of working on projects with everyone from interns to our CEO. That to me is professional development at its finest!
Engaging with Corporate Partners, Foundations and Influencers
Many nonprofits have partnerships with a variety of corporate partners, sports teams, foundations, etc. This gives you a unique opportunity to make connections and learn from a variety of partners that you otherwise may not have made connections with. The skills that you learn by engaging with these partners can easily be translated and applicable to the corporate world if you choose to change your trajectory.
Opportunities to give back to your community
The work that you do helps to better communities, families and individuals across the country and the world. In recent years, companies and consumers have put greater emphasis on “giving back” and “volunteering”. Check out a study by Cone Communications called, Social Impact Study to learn more and see what you can do to better your own community.
So, while all of your friends are going for the traditional route, take time to look at your favorite nonprofit. You just might be surprised at the opportunities that await you and don’t be afraid to be flexible to new experiences and different ways of reaching your goals.
Written by: Laetitia Morrisson
Interested in writing a blog post? Email us at TheRisingPro2014@gmail.com!
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