If you work in a non-profit organization, you know how challenging and rewarding it can be. You also know how important it is to keep learning and growing as a professional. But how do you find professional development opportunities in non-profits? Here are some tips to help you advance your skills and career in the non-profit sector.
Before you look for professional development options, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your interests and passions? What are your short-term and long-term career objectives? Write down your goals and review them regularly. This will help you focus your search and prioritize your learning needs.
Along with considering your goals, you should consider restraints. Many non-profits have tight budgets and very specific priorities. Make sure that your goals are achievable in your current position and will contribute to the organization's mission. This adds to your CV, as well!
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to find professional development in non-profits is to use online resources. There are many websites, blogs, podcasts, webinars, courses, and certifications that offer valuable information and insights on various topics related to non-profit management. You can access them anytime and anywhere, and often for free or at a low cost. Some examples of online resources are Nonprofit Ready, edX, Coursera, Udemy, and Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
Another way to find professional development in non-profits is to join a network of like-minded professionals. Networking can help you learn from others, share best practices, get feedback, find mentors, and discover new opportunities. You can join a network through your organization, your local community, your professional association, or your online platform. Some examples of networks are Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, Nonprofit Connect, Nonprofit Learning Lab, and LinkedIn.
Most non-profits are a part of some type of local or statewide association that provides resources for their members. These associations work hard to provide educational and networking opportunities. They usually have webinars and conferences, which is a great place to meet others in your same industry. Some employees may not know what groups your organization is a member of...so ask around. The connections made there can lead to great friendships as you meet people that are like-minded in serving their community and mission through their organization.
A third way to find professional development in non-profits is to seek feedback from your colleagues, managers, clients, and stakeholders. Feedback can help you identify your areas of improvement, recognize your achievements, and set your goals. You can ask for feedback formally or informally, regularly or occasionally, verbally or in writing. The key is to be open, respectful, and constructive. You can also use tools such as surveys, assessments, and performance reviews to collect feedback.
A fourth way to find professional development in non-profits is to create your own opportunities. You don't have to wait for someone else to offer you a chance to learn and grow. You can take initiative and propose new projects, roles, or tasks that challenge you and benefit your organization. You can also volunteer for other organizations, attend events, read books, or start a blog. The possibilities are endless. You just have to be proactive, creative, and curious.
Finding professional development in non-profits can be rewarding and fun. You just have to know what you want, where to look, who to talk to, and how to make it happen. By following these tips, you can enhance your skills and career in the non-profit sector.
Those who take ownership of their professional development will get the best results. Most small nonprofits don't have the resources to provide the kind of support you'll find in a large corporation. Fortunately, you can access plenty of great inexpensive resources: * Online trainings (YouTube, Nonprofit.Courses, etc.) * Online publications (including many that are specialty specific like HR, accounting, etc.) * Books (Check Amazon; if nobody has written a book on it yet, that's an opportunity for you!) * Peer groups (these are invaluable, whether local or virtual; they're easy to create if you can't find one you like - just have coffee with a peer) * Professional associations (Join one for your specialty; your nonprofit should pay)
We all know how important it is to keep growing in our careers, but those training programs can be pricey. Fortunately, there are strategies to mitigate expenses. First, look for capacity-building grants from foundations and grant programs aligned with your field. These grants can provide the necessary funding to acquire new skills. Additionally, many educational seminars and workshops offer scholarships, even if they don't advertise it loudly. Write a compelling letter outlining how the training will not only enhance your skills but also ultimately benefit the non-profit itself. You'd be surprised how often they'll lend a hand. With these funding tricks, we can keep advancing our careers without emptying our wallets!