Author Archives: mooremar

About mooremar

Marian Moore, Career Development Coordinator/Career Counselor in Career Services at OSU is passionate about empowering others holistically to find meaningful and sustainable career paths that promote lifestyle optimization. Her accomplishments include: facilitating the coaching process to help others design purposeful career and lifestyle plans; providing practical strategies to guide others to achieve work-life balance; assisting linguistically and culturally diverse clients and students with defining their purpose; and planning and delivering professional development training to stimulate lifelong learning and career development.

Job/Internship of the Week – NetApp & OSU

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To view this job/internship listing, you must be a currently registered OSU student and have an existing Beaver JobNet account. If you are eligible and do not have an account, register now. Beaver JobNet is a great way to get your job or internship search started. Meet employers from a variety of organizations.

Job/Internship of the WeekMarketing and Communication

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Description:

Oregon State University’s Colleges of Business and Engineering, in collaboration with the Office of Information Services, seeks an interested individual willing to assist with marketing and promotion of an upcoming event. The internship begins immediately and culminates with the event on Wednesday, October 30, 2013. There may be some time commitment following the event for debriefing and wrap up.

Young women embracing technology is at an all-time low. Society continues to reinforce the stereotype of people in technology, having young women believing technology is not for them. NetApp, a world premier provider of storage or storage solutions for technology, is working to dispel the image by hosting an event titled, College to Careers. The public/private partnership is targeting young women with the intent of increasing interest in careers in the technology field, by inspiring, empowering and leading the way. This position is instrumental to the success of the NetApp event at OSU.

Outcomes

  • Help with the marketing and promotion on the OSU Campus.
  • Work directly with the contact(s) at NetApp and may require participation in a weekly 30-minute planning update conference call.
  • Develop and deliver print and electronic communications
  • Assist with webpage management, manage Twitter and FaceBook feeds and more.

If you are interested in serving in this internship position, please prepare and submit through Beaver JobNet a current resume and cover letter that describes your experience and/or skills and abilities you possess which will contribute to the success of this event.

For more information on how to apply, check out the posting in Beaver JobNet.

Your PhD, What’s Next? Non-Academic Jobs

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Your PhD, What’s Next? Non-Academic Jobs

Adopted from article written by Jayne Sharples, University of Birmingham.  The original article can be found here http://www.prospects.ac.uk/your_phd_what_next_non_academic_jobs.htm

Where can I work?

A PhD is recognized by employers across a wide range of sectors as a sign thaPHDt you will bring a distinctive skill set to their organization. There are also opportunities where your subject-specific skills and knowledge will be in demand.

Do not, however, limit yourself to applying for jobs that specifically require a PhD. Unless a PhD is a prerequisite for the job, employers won’t necessarily mention it in their advertisements.

After finishing your PhD, you may want to work outside of academia. Find out how to succeed in the job market

Sectors and types of work likely to match the skills and aspirations of PhD graduates include:

  • Education (teaching) – outside of higher education there are opportunities to gain relevant teaching qualifications and to teach your subject in schools or to lecture in a community college.
  • Higher Education (administrative and professional roles) – non-teaching roles are available in universities and other educational institutions. In universities, for example, PhD graduates are valued for their administrative skills and understanding of the research environment.
  • Public Sector – PhD graduates are valued in roles within the Civil Service, government agencies and local government for their analytical, research and communication skills. Your subject-specific knowledge will also be in demand if your research is relevant to specific public sector policy and strategy areas. Find out what it’s like to work in the public sector.
  • Industry Research and Development – opportunities exist to continue your research in commercial and industrial environments, for example in the medical, pharmaceutical and engineering sectors. Roles are likely to combine applied research with project management. Many higher-level positions within research and development are open to those with a PhD.
  • Healthcare Sector and Medical Research – the health sector is a relatively common destination for PhD graduates who wish to continue or build on their area of research, in the NHS or public research institutes. PhD graduates are also recruited to non-research roles.
  • Business and Finance – jobs are available in areas such as investment and retail banking, insurance and pensions. PhD graduates are particularly valued if they have specialist quantitative and statistical training, and high-level analytical and communication skills.
  • Be a Consultant – your ability to work on projects and to devise novel solutions to problems are of value in a range of management consultancy contexts, such as business and finance, technology and IT. Think tanks also offer opportunities for PhD graduates. Search for opportunities in business, consulting and management.
  • Publishing – the analytical and writing skills developed preparing papers and writing a thesis are essential skills for the publishing sector. PhD students who get involved with reviewing journal papers during their studies are well placed to move into writing and editorial roles.
  • STEM Industry – jobs are available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics where PhD graduates can put their creative skills and talents into practice by creating new inventions.
  • Not-for-Profit Sector – opportunities in charities, voluntary and non-governmental organizations often include openings related to your area of research.
  • Entrepreneurship– the problem-solving and creative-thinking skills developed during your PhD, together with your communication and networking skills, mean that you may be suited to starting your own business.

Posted by Marian Moore, Career Development Coordinator & Career Counselor

 

 

Using Pinterest to Get a Job

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Welcome to Career Corner! Career Corner provides career and workplace related topics and information.

Michelle V. Rafter from the SecondAct blog wrote a great article about using Pinterest to get a job. See the 10 tips below….

You might think of Pinterest as another way to kill time online when you should be doing something more important. Millions of early adopters put the 2-year-old social network on the map doing just that — sharing pictures of cute outfits, cool home interiors and exotic travel destinations.

Now that 11.7 million people and companies are using it, though, Pinterest is emerging as an online tool that job seekers can use to market themselves and explore potential careers, industries and employers.

Pinterest lets you save photos or images from news stories, blog posts or other online content in the form of pins that are organized into folders called boards. You can follow other people and re-pin, comment or “Like” their pins. You also can link your Pinterest boards to your accounts on Facebook or Twitter.

“If you’re in a creative or design field, it’s an amazing place to build a portfolio or create a visual resume,” says Annie Favreau, managing editor at InsideJobs.com, a career exploration website.

Here’s how to use Pinterest for a job search:

1. Optimize your Pinterest profile. Adjust account settings to allow your profile to appear in results of searches on Google and other search engines. Load your profile description with keywords that match the job you want. Include a recent photograph and links to your website or LinkedIn profile so potential employers can learn more about you. Here’s one example of a Pinterest resume, from a Harvard Business School student who hopes it’ll lead to a job with the online network.

2. Set up an online resume and portfolio. Gather samples of your work onto one or more boards to use as an online resume. Don’t get cute with labels; call your resume board “My Resume” or something similar so it’s easy to find. Pinterest is especially useful if you work in photography, architecture, interior design or other creative fields, “because it has this strong emphasis on the visuals. It’s one more access point into your work,” Favreau says. But anyone can use the site to create an online portfolio. Just make sure that the resume or portfolio you’re linking back to has an image you can pin. This San Francisco Chronicle story shares how one Bay Area marketing manager uses Pinterest to showcase his current and previous jobs.

3. Dedicate a board to careers you’re curious about. If you’re searching for your next act, use Pinterest to find information on jobs or careers. Use the search box — located in the upper left-hand corner of the site’s front page — to enter related words or phrases. Pin anything that comes up that you want to save for future reference.

4. Create boards for companies or industries you’d like to know better. Pinterest can give you a glimpse into a company’s culture that you can’t get from reading their “About Us” page, Favreau says. “If they’re sharing Instagram pictures of their office, you won’t find that a whole lot of other places,” she says.

5. Follow experts. Keep up with employment trends by following the university career centers, jobs websites, outplacement specialists and career coaches that have set up shop on Pinterest. SecondAct has a board dedicated to all things work-related called Get a Job. I’ve also created a Job Hunting and Careers board with pointers to my stories here and other resources. Favreau also recommends following Career Bliss, BrazenCareerist, and Lea McLeod, a Portland, Ore., career expert who works with midcareer and other professionals.

6. Leave comments. Strike up a conversation with a career expert or someone who works in a field you’re interested in by commenting on one of their pins. As with any other type of online or real-world networking, you never know where it could lead.

7. Wander around. Do some browsing to see what’s out there. “If you’re constantly coming back to the same area, or something keeps popping out at you, if might be worth exploring” as a career option, Favreau says. She also recommends using the site as a mental boost for your job-hunting efforts, and created a Career Inspirations board for that reason.

8. Protect your work. If you’re sharing photography or other original work on your boards, use watermarks to protect individual images just as you would when displaying them on other websites. You want your work to be out there, but it pays to be on your guard, Favreau says.

9. Be professional. If all you do on Pinterest is share pictures of puppies, think twice about sharing your Pinterest profile with potential employers. “But if you are using it for a job search, it is an impression of who you are, so when you’re creating your boards, make sure they line up with your professional appearance,” she says.

10. Watch out for spammers. The bigger Pinterest grows, the more spammers it’s attracting. To prevent unwittingly passing along spam disguised as a normal pin, be sure to click through on images to see where they lead before re-pinning them. Don’t click on pins that look like ads or giveaways, which Pinterest doesn’t offer or condone. Here’s what else you can to do to avoid Pinterest spammers.

A final word about Pinterest: It can be extremely habit-forming. “I set myself to short periods of time, like 15 minutes, because although it can be an amazing tool, it’s also a distraction,” Favreau says. “It’s so easy to [lose track of time] it’s kind of shocking.”

Have you used Pinterest in your job search? If so, please share with us how you used it to market yourself?

SecondAct contributor Michelle V. Rafter writes about business and workplace issues for a variety of national publications. She is based in Portland, Oregon.

Q&A Monday

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Question: I have six months remaining before I earn my Bachelors of Science degree in Merchandising Management. How do I begin my job search?

 

 

Before you actually apply for a job, you need to have a plan, network and all of your application materials ready to submit. Below is a list of some activities that can help you expedite your job search.

Begin your search early.  Don’t wait until you’ve completed your degree to look for job opportunities. Many employers start their recruitment efforts early and you don’t want to miss out on great opportunities.

Have an updated resume. Tailor your resume for the job.  You don’t need lots of details about every job you’ve ever done.  Elaborate on the ones that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Explore opportunities outside of your major. Many majors don’t have clearly identified job titles. Be open to researching occupations, career fields and organizations that relates to your area of interest and/or major.

Stay focused. Keep your search targeted. Conduct company research and identify the type of jobs and organizations that would best fit your interests, talents and skills. Prioritize your search according to preferences such as location, company size, career mobility and any other necessary qualities that you look for in an employer.

Broaden your search.  Use multiple job search methods to maximize your efforts. Solely looking at online job posts can limit your options.  Networking is one of the most effective job search methods. Use  social media to enhance your chances of being a top-notch job candidate.

Be patient.  Looking for a job takes time and involves many steps.  It’s a process and don’t be discouraged. Proper planning is your best ally.

Jen Busick, Career Advisor & Outreach Coordinator at Oregon State University advises students about internships and the job search, applying to graduate school, resumes/cover letters, and interviewing. She also organizes and updates resources, manages social media for Career Services and coordinates outreach opportunities. She enjoys working with students in coming up with a plan to finding a job and assisting them with figuring out the next steps. She has a lot of international experience, including the Peace Corps, study abroad, and independent travel.

Preparing for a Gig Economy

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Welcome to Career Corner! Career Corner provides career and workplace related topics and information.

Have you ever thought about working independently or freelancing?  See what Samantha R. Else has to say about preparing for this new style of work. You can also find it on her blog post, Samantha in Rantings at http://bit.ly/PKVuAK

How to Prepare for the Career You Didn’t Know You Were Going to Have…

Welcome to the “gig” economy. More and more employers are hiring contractors, temps and freelancers. The idea of job security in the common sense no longer exists! So what can we, as the technically speaking self-employed, do in order to keep ourselves on our toes?! Lifelong learning! Here are 15 things to do on your own time to keep yourself and your career moving forward.

  1. Always have a book. It doesn’t have to be on you at all times, and it doesn’t have to be about your work… but you should be reading as much as possible. It will strengthen your vocabulary and broaden your knowledge base… Yes, this includes The Hunger Games, it doesn’t matter as long as you are reading something.
  2. Keep a “to learn” list. You’ve heard of the “to do” list, maybe even the “to read” list… Keep one that lists out the different things you want to learn, and work to check them off the list.
  3. Get more intellectual friends. Spend a few hours each week with people who will stimulate you intellectually or challenge you to learn and grow.
  4. Guided thinking. Don’t just learn, think! Once you’ve finished your reading for the day or have just learned something new, take the time to actually think about it. Allow the new information to settle in and form thoughts/opinions/ideas based around it.
  5. Put it into practice.If you have a skill, use it. What is the point of learning the piano, if you are never going to play? If you list the skill on your resume, make sure it is something you can do on the spot if asked.
  6. Teach others. Not only will you be helping someone else develop a skill or learn about something, but it will help show holes in your knowledge.
  7. Clean your input. Do your own research!
  8. Learn in groups. This will allow you to bounce ideas off of others, etc.
  9. Unlearn assumptions. Don’t approach topics or skills with any built in assumptions, walk in with a clean slate and learn from the ground up.
  10. Find jobs that encourage learning. Be challenged! Don’t settle for the job that does not offer a ladder to climb or new skill sets to be learned.
  11. Start a project. And finish it!
  12. Follow your intuition. About what job to take, what new skill set to learn, what current skill set to develop, etc. You will know what is right for you and when.
  13. The morning 15. Spend the first 15 minutes of your morning accomplishing something off of your “to learn” list. If you postpone it you are more likely to never do it.
  14. Reap the rewards. Enjoy it!
  15. Make it a priority.

Do you feel prepared for this new style of work?  We would like to hear your thoughts?

 

Preparing for the Workplace of the Future

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Welcome to Career Corner! Career Corner provides career and workplace related topics and information.

Michelle V. Rafter from SecondAct blog wrote a great article about workplace trends to watch and we would like to share it with you. So here it is…

The old saying that the only constant is change aptly describes the American workplace in 2012.

You may be in the same position at the same place you’ve worked for years. But the economy, technology and demographics are transforming how you get your job done.

In: telecommuting, more flexible hours and using your own laptop or smartphone for work. Out: commuting, 9-to-5 schedules and standard-issue office computers.

Here’s more on those and other changes that could be coming to your workplace:

1. Mobile devices.

More employees are using their own iPhones, iPads and other portable electronics for work instead of company-issued computers or laptops, a trend sometimes called “bring your own device” or BYOD. Some companies worry about how they’ll keep confidential information safe and workers on task and not on Facebook or playing Words With Friends. But that won’t stop the move toward fewer restrictions, not just on what devices employees use but also on how, when and where they use them, according to workplace experts.

2. Telecommuting.

Companies are offering telecommuting as a way to give employees more flexible schedules and in some cases make up for not offering bigger raises, but also to curb office space expenses. Among the biggest telecommuting advocates are boomers, says Kate Lister, a telecommuting researcher at the San Diego-based Telework Research Network. “The majority of boomers are at or near the highest rung of the corporate ladder they’re likely to achieve,” she says. “The raises, promotions and accolades that once motivated them have been replaced with thoughts of retirement, aging parents, mortality and ‘What do I really want out of life?’ AARP research shows 70 percent want to continue to work, but they want to do it on their terms.”

3. Open office spaces.

With fewer employees coming into the office, companies are reconfiguring floor plans to devote more square footage to communal areas and less to traditional, walled work spaces. Some have remodeled entire floors to include shared workstations and group areas for impromptu brainstorming or conference sessions. Employees who aren’t around every day may get lockers to stash personal items during office hours.

4. Instant communication.

Employees increasingly view email as an inefficient form of communication that moves at a snail’s pace compared to text messages, social networks and other alternatives. “Email is quickly going the way of the fax machine,” says Robin Richards, CEO and chairman of TweetMyJobs, a Twitter-based job service. “Just watch your [city’s] mayor. I’m watching every week, and more and more mayors are beginning to communicate via social networks and texting. It’s the only way their employees communicate with each other.”

5. Online collaboration tools.

More companies are using web-based software, rather than email, to communicate with telecommuters and mobile workers. Some companies now use programs such as Yammer, Chatter and Jive to create private, Facebook-style networks that managers and employees can use to exchange messages or documents. Video- and web-based conferencing is here to stay too, workplace experts say. Employees need to know how to use it all, regardless of where they work. Continue reading →

Career Sustainability: Thriving in a Competitive Market

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Welcome to Career Corner! Career Corner provides career and workplace related topics and information.

Staying competitive and managing your career can be difficult in a challenging economy.  To thrive and be viable, you must know your skills, strengths, capabilities as well as areas of development.  Make it a habit to seek out opportunities to enhance your knowledge and performance. Here are 8 strategies that can help you succeed in your career.

Be Flexible. Flexibility is a valued and necessary trait to have if you want to thrive in our constantly changing workplace. Technology, the economy and demographic changes in our workforce have transformed how we work. Be open to new concepts and adaptable to change. The more readily you can adapt to your environment, the easier it is to stay competitive.

Recognize your accomplishments. Be an advocate for yourself.  Document how the organization has benefited from your performance.  What tangible evidence do you have of your achievements? Are you the key person that your boss or team turns too when something needs to get done?  Know your value.

Be an innovator.  Propose ideas that improve systems to make the workplace more efficient.  Learn how to integrate practical concepts that addresses and solves problems. When was the last time that you made a significant contribution to your organization?

Be Proactive.  Don’t be passive. Take control of your career and don’t be obsolete.  You are responsible for managing your own career path and direction. Prepare to assume new projects, skills and knowledge to make you relevant. Develop a unique talent that it not easily replaced.  Stay current of trends by reading journals and resources related to your profession.

Maintain Your Network.  Connections are critical.  Keep in touch with your network periodically. Seek out experts and key players who can support you in your career.  Having connections makes it easier when looking for better opportunities.   You never know when you will need to rely upon them in the future.

Be Global Minded. Learn how to develop relationships with diverse groups. Broaden your perspective by being open to ideas different from your own. Seek to understand and be drawn from your comfort zone.

Join a Professional Organization.  It’s a great way to establish new networks and exchange business ideas with like-minded professionals. You can also gain a better understanding of future growth areas in your industry.

Keep Your Resume Current.  Update your resume regularly.  You never know when you might need to submit it. Include significant achievements, new projects and other relevant information to make you stand out.

To have career sustainability, you will need to be accountable for your own career and be prepared for sudden changes in your workplace and industry. The more prepared you are, the quicker you are to respond to the demands of the workforce. 

Do you have career sustainability? Let us know how you are thriving in our current market.

Marian Moore, Career Development Coordinator/Career Counselor in Career Services at OSU is passionate about empowering others holistically to find meaningful and sustainable careers that promote lifestyle optimization. Interests: Career Coaching, Talent and Human Capital Management, Curriculum Design and Development, International Education, Personal Branding, Organizational Development, Entrepreneurship, Global Economic Development, Human Rights and Immigrant and Refugee advocacy.

How Cultivating Your Passion Can Lead to a Rewarding Career

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Welcome to Career Corner! Career Corner provides career and workplace related topics and information.

Where does passion come from?  It starts with having sense of meaning and purpose in what you do.  It’s an exciting feeling that stimulates and motivates you.  It is a part of you and should not be separate from your career.  For example, if you enjoy helping people and it fulfills you, then find a career that allows you to help others. Below are things that you can do to transform your passion into a meaningful career.

Be authentic. The source of your personal success and overall well-being comes from within. Be able to identify your talents, strengths and abilities as well as your limitations and embrace them.  Know who you are and be honest with yourself.  Focus on things that come naturally to you.

Have a Purpose.  What is your purpose? Give yourself time to examine what it is. It’s not an easy question to answer. For many, it requires deep reflection and thought. To have purpose is to know what matters to you in the world and your life. It must fulfill you and evoke emotions that excite you.  Identify things that you like to read, talk about and do. When you have a purpose, it adds more meaning to your life. Once you know what it is, you can be useful to others and can apply your talents, knowledge and skills.

Use your Values as Guide. Examine what your core values are and let it direct your path. Once you’ve determined your most significant values, determine how they fit with your goals, aspirations and lifestyle. Do they align with your purpose? For example, if you determined that work-life balance is an important value, think about careers that support that value.

Create Goals that are Impactful. Develop a positive mindset of achieving your goals. Start thinking about things that you can do now and write them down. Take action and be accountable to yourself.   This helps reinforce your goal and to achieve them much quicker. Create a visual picture of your ideal job/career. Write down the duties, tasks, and responsibilities that you enjoy doing. Envision the environment, office, location and other qualities that you look for in your ideal work setting.

Designing Your Future. Live a purpose driven life. Know how your skills, knowledge and talents can make an impact. Seek opportunities where you can contribute your qualities to others and in a way that ignites your passion.

Knowing what you are passionate about is important. When you know what you want, it is much easier to obtain it and your pursuits become more meaningful.

What are you passionate about? We would love to hear your thoughts.

Marian Moore, Career Development Coordinator/Career Counselor in Career Services at OSU is passionate about empowering others holistically to find meaningful and sustainable careers that promote lifestyle optimization. Interests: Career Coaching, Talent and Human Capital Management, Curriculum Design and Development, International Education, Personal Branding, Organizational Development, Entrepreneurship, Global Economic Development, Human Rights and Immigrant and Refugee advocacy.

Being an Entrepreneur: What Does it Take to Launch Your New Venture?

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Welcome to Career Corner! Career Corner provides career and workplace related topics and information.

It takes more than starting a business to be an entrepreneur.  It requires drive and initiative to develop a product or service. Below are 8 strategies you should consider before pursuing a path of entrepreneurship.

Strategy 1: Being Self-Aware

Know yourself! Being aware of your strengths, abilities, personality characteristics and limitations allows you to leverage them in all situations.

Strategy 2: Believing in Yourself

Trust your abilities and talent. To be taken seriously as an entrepreneur, you must believe in yourself and have confidence. Convey an entrepreneurial mindset demonstrate your business acumen.

Strategy 3: Finding Your Niche

Be an active listener and pay attention to your market. Learn about what your target audience wants and develop solutions to address their problems.

Strategy 4: Turning Failure into Opportunity

Don’t fear failure. Evaluate the failure, learn from it and move forward. Use it as a guide to help you re-examine your purpose.

Strategy 5: Creating Connections Among other Entrepreneurs.

Develop a support system with other like minded people. Surround yourself with entrepreneurs who share your passion and interests.

Strategy 6: Being Committed to Your Passion

Enjoy what you do. Passion is what makes your actions and purpose more meaningful.  You are more committed to your goals when you have a purpose.

Strategy 7: Continuing to Reinvent Your Idea

Be a lifelong learner and find efficient ways to improve your product or service.

Strategy 8: Establishing Yourself as a Leader

Be a pioneer and use your creativity and innovation to make an imprint on society.

I hope that you found these tips helpful and can apply them to your own strategy for success.  Best of luck!

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?

Marian Moore, Career Development Coordinator/Career Counselor in Career Services at OSU is passionate about empowering others holistically to find meaningful and sustainable careers that promote lifestyle optimization. Interests: Career Coaching, Talent and Human Capital Management, Curriculum Design and Development, International Education, Personal Branding, Organizational Development, Entrepreneurship, Global Economic Development, Human Rights and Immigrant and Refugee advocacy.

 

Working for Nonprofits: Two Insightful Perspectives from Nonprofit Employees Working in Oregon

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You’re determined to make a positive impact on the world, so you want to work for a nonprofit. Is it a good idea? It really depends on who you talk to. In a recent survey of 3,500 nonprofit employees performed by Professionals for NonProfits, 70 percent of employees stated that their jobs were either disappointing or only somewhat fulfilling. 25 percent said that they were thinking about looking for work outside of the nonprofit sector. According to three out of four survey respondents, internal politics lowered their ability to properly function in their jobs.

I have to admit that the results from this survey surprised me. The nonprofit employees in the survey worked in the New York and Washington metropolitan areas. To get some other perspectives, I contacted some folks working in the nonprofit sector in Oregon.

Anissa Arthenayake, Director of Community Education at the OSU Federal Credit Union, told me, “I had always worked for for-profit businesses, being in the banking world. In working for OSU Federal Credit Union I did not see it as a nonprofit, but as a job I fell in love with. It is for me finding my passion and finding my voice.”

Her favorite part of her job is “Getting to meet lots of different people from various backgrounds and socioeconomic conditions. I get to help them by giving them skills to better their lives.” Regarding the personal rewards of her job, she stated that she loves “seeing people succeed.”

I also asked Anissa about the differences of for-profit and nonprofit workplaces. She said, “I find my workplace environment is now all about the relationships. That is the best part.” I asked her if working for a nonprofit provided any surprises, and she said that being able to see others’ needs more clearly and unveiled was unexpected.

Anissa provided the following advice for college students interested in working for a nonprofit: “To work for a nonprofit, a person has to have the fire inside them to work to make a difference due to the extreme hardships you see. A person needs to separate themselves and not internalize others’ troubles. The work can be very rewarding.”

Kathleen Mason, Public Relations Manager for the Aurora Colony Historical Society/Old Aurora Colony Museum, landed her first nonprofit job as a membership development manager for the Girl Scouts after completing a nonprofit management/fundraising certificate program. Her favorite part her current job is “Working with passionate volunteers who give so much of their time, expertise, and money to support causes and organizations. They make me feel so humble.”

Regarding the differences between the for-profit and nonprofit workplace environments, she stated, “Just as in [for profit] businesses, the larger the nonprofit, the more of a corporate environment you will encounter – including a larger hierarchy. This hierarchy, from the executive on down, seems at times to mirror its own large corporate donors. Smaller nonprofits, in my experience, tend to have a more business casual environment.”

She provided the following advice for college students thinking about working for a nonprofit: “Just do it! The pay will not be as good as in the for-profit sector, but the trade off is that you could gain more responsibilities and experience than you would in another entry-level job or higher job.”

“Do think about internships – just cold call – you can always talk to someone about tailoring an internship that suits your degree focus and their organizational needs. Nonprofits are always looking for employees who can step up to help, even if it’s not in their job description. Also, since nonprofits have become much more professional, degrees in nonprofit management are available, and there is a greater demand for accountants, human resource managers, marketing professionals, grant writers, and of course capable organizational leaders with great people skills.”

Typically, nonprofit jobs involve a lot of hard work and are perhaps more challenging than jobs at for-profits. Due to limited funding, employees at nonprofits often have more job responsibilities than those working for for-profits. Employees at nonprofits often have to do more with less and in shorter periods of time.

Many small nonprofits have a flat organizational structure which allows even interns to provide their ideas and affect change. The loose hierarchical structure allows for closer working relationships among staff members and it also allows for changes to be made quickly. However, some nonprofits are more traditional and hierarchical. The intrinsic benefits of working for a nonprofit can outweigh the higher salaries provided by for-profits. When working for a nonprofit, you are able to engage your head and your heart.

To succeed at a nonprofit, one needs to be self-directed, be prepared to take initiative, and not see it as a typical job. Commitment and passion are important!

Brian Jenkins writes about careers in accounting, among other career fields, for BrainTrack.com.