Jordan Greenwood is a Master of Education candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is primarily interested in student programming and student development, and currently works as the Graduate Assistant for Service at the CWS.
As a graduate student preparing for a career in higher education, I know how daunting searching for a job in the nonprofit sector can be. Without a strategy, it can seem like an insurmountable task of sifting through positions advertised online that don’t necessarily align with your career goals. Rather than relying on these postings, I’ve found it advantageous to think outside the typical “job search” box and to use the many resources available to you. These resources include not only the Center for Work and Service, but people you know, skills you have, and interests that drive you. Below are a few tips that I’ve found incredibly helpful when searching for a career with nonprofit organizations.
- Being honest with yourself about career goals and interests will help you structure the rest of your search. Determine what it is that you would like to do based on your skills, interests and qualifications.
- Familiarize yourself with the hiring timeline; positions are posted with greater frequency during the beginning and middle of Spring semester. Check out online resources like Idealist (www.idealist.org) or Commongood Careers (www.cgcareers.org) to see what advertised positions are available.
- Make use of the CWS Targeted Drop-In Appointments. If you’re still getting a feel for what it is that you want to do in the nonprofit sector, or aren’t sure how to execute other processes, come in and meet with a CWS counselor.
- Use the CWS Career Strategies online workshop! With tips for networking and connecting with employers, this online resource is a good way to get started (www.wellesley.edu/cws/career/strategies).
- Get to know employers in the field in which you want to work. This may mean researching the organization online or setting up an informational interview with an employee at the organization. It will help you get a feel for personal fit as well as professional interest.
- Connect with professionals in the field. These may be people you know already or those who work at companies or positions you find inspiring. In either case, don’t be afraid to reach out!
- Join the Wellesley Alumnae Network group on LinkedIn and consider joining the Wellesley Alumnae in Nonprofits subgroup too! Wellesley alumnae want to help Wellesley students – don’t miss out on this valuable tool to gain advice and insights into nonprofit careers from the women that have come before you.
If you see a position you’re interested in – apply quickly! Positions are filled faster in the nonprofit sector, so it’s generally better to apply within a week or two of posting.
And, as always, please check out MyCWS for the latest events at the Center for Work and Service. Good luck with your job search!