idealist.org

EVEN IF YOUR DREAM JOB DOES NOT materialize at first, keep it in sight. There are often opportunities to grow into new positions in many nonprofit organizations.

You might take a job that isn't a perfect fit while you are looking for your dream job. Don't get discouraged if this happens—even idealists have to pay the bills. No matter what job you end up in, try to take away from the experience as many skills as you can to strengthen your application for your next job. Almost any job can teach you something—how to work better with others, develop your computer skills, or master a new phone system, for example. As long as you know that the job is temporary and you continue to look for work that you want to do, something will eventually come up. Remember not to lose sight of your dream job—don't settle for a job you don't like just because it's safe and brings in some money. Persevere until you find the job you truly want.

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1. What is the nonprofit sector?
   
2. What to expect from working in the nonprofit world
   
3. Where do you fit in the third sector?
   
4. Finding your dream job—or at least a position in that ballpark
   
5. Other ways of entering the nonprofit sector
   
6. Finally...
   
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