You're thinking of transitioning to a non-profit career. What should you know before making the move?

1 Know your motivation

Why do you want to work for a non-profit? Is it because you're passionate about a specific cause, or because you're looking for a more meaningful and rewarding work experience? Or maybe you're seeking a new challenge or a change of pace? Whatever your reason, you should be clear about your motivation and how it aligns with your values, skills, and goals. Working for a non-profit can be fulfilling, but it can also be demanding, stressful, and frustrating at times. You need to have a strong sense of purpose and commitment to keep you motivated and resilient.

4 Volunteer or intern

Another way to get a taste of the non-profit sector and to build your skills and experience is to volunteer or intern for a non-profit organization. This can give you a chance to see how a non-profit operates, what kind of work they do, and what kind of challenges they face. You can also demonstrate your passion, enthusiasm, and potential to the non-profit staff and leaders. Volunteering or interning can also help you expand your network, enhance your resume, and increase your chances of getting hired.

5 Be flexible and adaptable

Working for a non-profit can be very different from working for a for-profit or a public sector organization. You may have to deal with limited resources, changing priorities, diverse stakeholders, complex problems, and high expectations. You may also have to wear multiple hats, take on different roles, and learn new skills. To succeed in a non-profit career, you need to be flexible and adaptable to different situations, environments, and demands. You need to be open to feedback, learning, and improvement. You also need to be able to balance your passion and professionalism, and to cope with stress and uncertainty.

6 Be prepared for trade-offs

Working for a non-profit can be rewarding, but it can also come with some trade-offs. You may have to accept a lower salary, fewer benefits, or less stability than in other sectors. You may have to work longer hours, travel more, or deal with more bureaucracy or politics. You may also have to face ethical dilemmas, emotional challenges, or burnout. You need to be prepared for these trade-offs and to weigh them against your personal and professional goals. You also need to find ways to manage your finances, health, and well-being while working for a non-profit.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?