Is Non-Profit for You?

At Wesleyan, a lot of us decide to go into non-profit work directly out of college, or several years later. It seems like a pretty great decision, you help save the world without selling your own ideals short. But, as someone who eventually decided to enter the corporate world instead, what kinds of factors should you consider when deciding between the two?

Step 1: Is Non-Profit For You?

There are many perceived benefits of working for a non-profit, namely the increased flexibility in hours, the generally more relaxed atmosphere and the feeling that you are doing some good in the world. However, a recent article in the New York Times pointed out that many of these perceptions are only true when you are doing volunteer work, and sometimes not even then. In particular, non-profit work can be just as stressful as that faced in a corporate setting. The fact that non-profit jobs often receive pay which is between 5% and 25% lower than comparable salaries in the for-profit sector can be another source of stress.

All in all, it is important to choose a non-profit which will give you all the opportunities you need. Check and make sure that it is organized and well run, that the work is accomplishing something and that you will be treated as a serious employee. Not only the subject matter but also the very feel of the place should strike you positively.

Step 2: Applying for the Non-Profit Position

Most of my friends are applying for positions in non-profits by doing the same thing - namely sending in a resume and cover letter and hoping for a response. Unfortunately, non-profits often hire volunteer workers or people that are some how familiar with the organization already. In other words, it may be necessary in some cases to begin work as a volunteer who does not get paid and then apply for jobs within the organization as they open up.

Step 3: Switching between the Corporate World and the Non-Profit One

This is a topic about which I know very little, since I am only at the start of my career. However, I thought I would pass along a bit of advice which I received during an interview. The woman who was interviewing me had just switched from the corporate world into the non-profit one, and she advised that if I had any interest in the for-profit sector, I should begin my career there. In her opinion, it is considerably easier to move from a corporate into a non-profit than to do the reverse.


What do you all think? What kinds of factors should be important when choosing between for-profit or non-profit?