Working for a nonprofit organization is sometimes overlooked by job hunters and professionals looking to make a leap in their career, often due to hyperbolic beliefs. “Nonprofits have NO budget!” is one statement that I hear often. While it is true that many nonprofits are funded through government, the general public or private foundations, and that their budgets may be limited, there are benefits you will find working at nonprofit organizations that you won’t find in many corporate offices.
1. You get the opportunity to wear different hats. At a nonprofit organization, you’ll often find that departments are smaller and there is more room for you to work outside of your specific job description. For instance, if you currently work in marketing or work on community fundraising campaigns, but you also love to write, you could pitch the idea to your boss to start writing a blog for your organization. Not only will you be able to share the amazing impact of your nonprofit by creating and sharing success stories online, in newsletters and with relevant media contacts as press releases, you’ll also be learning how to build a blog and create content. Nonprofit organizations are excellent places to widen your skillset and learn how to effectively pitch your ideas, all while contributing to your organization’s cause.
2. Make a difference. No matter what subsector you decide to work in, you will have the chance to see the impact your work is making. It is an incredibly humbling feeling to see the people you are truly working for everyday, whether they live onsite or attend your programs. Even having the chance to read their impact statements and testimonials, perhaps from other programs in the organization, is immensely rewarding. You’ll head to work every morning with a renewed sense of meaning and motivation when you know you are helping to mould your organization into something even better. We feel happier when we believe our work is serving a greater purpose and we are facilitating positive results based on our jobs. Working in a nonprofit organization gives you the opportunity to make a difference and be part of creating a lasting impact.
3. Be treated like a person, not a number. Most nonprofit organizations are small teams and departments. This allows staff members to form bonds and work together. You will likely be able to build relationships with employees of all levels because smaller organizations usually have less hierarchy, which often means you’re working with your colleagues and managers, not just for them. Working under a rigid hierarchy can make you feel limited in what you do, but working with your boss can establish greater transparency and trust.
Adam Braun, founder of Pencils of Promise has coined a new term for nonprofit organizations: for-purpose organizations. And if you are one of the many Canadians today who are looking to work in an organization that fuels your passion and brings back meaning to your career, I urge you to do your research on the many nonprofit organizations and charities across Canada that are active change makers in their communities.
Think about your interests and what industry you want to influence. Do you want to work for seniors? Children? Or maybe you’d like to work at a women’s shelter or other housing facilities? Evaluate your skills and align them to your interests, then find where there’s a gap you can help fill. I think you’ll find that working in the nonprofit sector allows you to reclaim fulfillment and impact in your career, and will help you develop your professional skillset.
Nabeela Khan is a Communications Professional who currently works at the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness as a Web and Communications Officer. She graduated in 2015 with a degree in Communication Studies and Professional Writing. She enjoys writing, reading and discussing current events.
