My peers and I spend a lot of time talking about what’s wrong with the sector. However, I have chosen to work in the nonprofit sector and continue to see enormous personal and professional growth. Given that it is easy to point out where nonprofits fall short when it comes to supporting young people, what are some things that are going right?
- Growing professional development and service programs: Last week I shared Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Public Service: A Review of Leadership Development Programs in the US, an excellent list of professional development programs for people of color interested in public service. This is just one resource; there are a myriad of opportunities for young people to prepare to become nonprofit and public service leaders. Some colleges and universities have public service programs for alumni or for the larger community while some nonprofits exist solely to support young leaders. Either way, the support is there!
- Ability to create your own path: As I work in the nonprofit sector I am amazed by the sheer diversity of professional opportunities available. There are accountants, lawyers, fundraisers, bookkeepers, graphic designers, doctors, membership coordinators, educators, program analysts, and more. Some have PhDs or MBAs, others have professional certificates, while some have years of hands on experience. Even the size of the organization affects the work you will do. This diversity means is that young people can be exposed to various career paths, gain the skills they need quickly, and take on a great deal of responsibility early on in their careers.
I would love to hear personal experiences and thoughts on what’s working in the sector. What other aspects of the nonprofit sector that are beneficial for young employees and can nurture leadership and public service involvement?
Two aspects of the nonprofit sector that help young people thrive http://bit.ly/kIePim professional devel and opportunity for diverse work
[Reply]
Two aspects of the nonprofit sector that help young people thrive – by @ajlovesya #nmba http://bit.ly/jqukvo
[Reply]
Your second point is what really draws me to the sector. I feel there is virtually unlimited potential for developing my own unique career path. I love the opportunities to have a great deal of responsibility at a young age, to potentially become a consultant, or to specialize in a particular area…
I also think that the community, particularly in social media, of young nonprofit professionals is exciting and inspiring!
[Reply]
Two aspects of the nonprofit sector that help young people thrive http://bit.ly/k2WF4I
[Reply]
In my experience, nonprofits can be pretty flexible in terms of letting younger staff take on new responsibilities that are learning opportunities. I think that its very valuable to be able to learn new skills that translate into new opportunities down the road. (Of course, this depends greatly on the size and culture of the organization.)
In comparison, in my experience in the government sector, roles are much more formally and strictly defined, which means that its harder to get to try your hand at something new without changing jobs.
[Reply]
RT @YNPN_TC: Two aspects of the nonprofit sector that help young people thrive http://bit.ly/k2WF4I from @ajlovesya
[Reply]
RT @YNPN_TC: Two aspects of the nonprofit sector that help young people thrive http://bit.ly/k2WF4I from @ajlovesya
[Reply]
Two aspects of the #nonprofit sector that help young people thrive – http://ht.ly/54uNO
[Reply]