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How to enter the nonprofit sector

Earlier this week, I posted an article on the best places to look for a job opportunity in the nonprofit industry. And that got me thinking, how can people get into it if they have no experience?

I’m here to tell you that if you’re looking to break into the industry, you can too. The only thing that could limit you is your imagination and your tenacity.

• Start your own non-profit organization: As I explained earlier, I founded a non-profit organization, which successfully grew into an international organization. You can do the same. I think there is something that a lot of people miss within the industry. Nonprofits are businesses too. I’ve said it often, and I’ll write it again here, a “non-profit organization” is a company with an IRS tax designation intended to serve a charitable cause and not to profit or enrich shareholders.

Savvy nonprofit executives, understand that to run an organization, you must have leadership, an understanding of finances, experience in fundraising (sales), and marketing. These are elements of any for-profit business, and even if there are nuances, they are essential to a successful non-profit organization. The biggest difference is that you will have to develop a program that benefits society. However, even if you don’t have a background in human or social services, for example, you can get someone to work with you who may have that particular knowledge.

• Voluntary: A great way to get a feel for how nonprofits work is to volunteer. I will tell you that there are many organizations that live from day to day. However, if you are looking to become a professional within the sector, it may be a good thing for you to experiment so that you can learn and understand why this is often the case.

You can also choose to volunteer with a medium or large non-profit organization. Often times, the larger organizations have volunteer programs. Also, if they’ve made it into the millions, say $ 5 million, $ 10 million or more, they are probably doing a lot of things right. It’s a great place for you to lend your expertise and connect with industry leaders who understand how to run a successful charity.

If you are just starting out in the world of work, I bet you have a lot of social media experience. Yes, maybe I’m generalizing that all young people understand social media, but you probably find it easy. Alternatively, if you are a professional in your mid-career, you may have sales, marketing, finance, or some other valuable knowledge that a nonprofit might find beneficial.

Take a look at volunteer search sites, and also do a little research, pick up the phone and ask to speak to the CEO. They may be interested in talking to you based on your experience. Communicating with the fundraising team is also a secret way to get information and be seen because good fundraisers understand that volunteers can become supporters and advocates.

• Get a mentor: If you meet someone, like a friend in the country, invite your friend to a great dinner and exchange something. Ask your friend to tutor you as you think about the transition. Most likely, I bet your friend will be happy to help you with some good dinners and conversations because he enjoys your company.

If you’re already working in the nonprofit industry, there are some good mentoring programs, including the Center for Nonprofit Learning. If you want to start a non-profit organization, you can work with a mentor and coach from SCORE, which is part of the Small Business Administration. Nonprofit Learning Lab helps industry professionals, but also assists those looking to enter the industry.

• Become a member of the board: Finally, sometimes you end up taking a look at a career path, and upon reflection, you realize that it may not be something you are interested in doing in the long run. That is still fine. If you are looking to make a difference in the world, you don’t need to have a career in the nonprofit world. You can simply bring your expertise to a nonprofit meeting.

Finally, I would like to say something. I believe in social good and in making a difference, but I don’t mind doing it like it was done in the 20th century. If you are a disruptor, an innovator, someone who has ideas, creativity and imagination, I think the nonprofit industry can use it.