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Many people working in the nonprofit sector find the experience rewarding and fulfilling. They know their work helps people and improves their communities and they enjoy the less formal work environment that is generally offered by a nonprofit job. Working in the nonprofit sector is not, however, without its stresses. Entry-level nonprofit salaries tend to be lower than in the business sector, the issues dealt with can seem overwhelming, and some organizations face fiscal constraints.

If you are looking for work in the nonprofit sector, you won't get any stock options, but you will meet and work with interesting and passionate people who are committed to their work and are optimistic about the future.

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As opposed to businesses, which sell products and exist to make money for their owners or shareholders, nonprofit organizations exist to promote a cause or a provide a public service. There are many kinds of nonprofits, including organizations that promote the environment, arts and culture, scientific research, and economic development. Over 1.2 million nonprofit organizations exist in the United States alone, employing around eleven million people. Most countries have some form of nonprofit or community organization, and many more international nonprofits (often referred to as nongovernmental organizations or NGOs) have been established to respond to natural disasters, serve war ravaged areas, and work on environmental issues and development.

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Some people are lucky enough to have a vision of what they would like to be doing in 20 years. Others have no idea, and are testing the waters to see where they fit in the broad range of opportunities available in the nonprofit sector. Regardless of which group you are in, ask yourself the following question: If you could do anything you wanted right now, given your educational background and experience, what would it be?

Some people don't really care what position they fill as long as they are helping to promote an issue about which they are passionate. For others, the actual work they do is more important than the specific issue. Take the time to think about what you would really like to be doing with your days, and not just which issues matter to you. Particularly in larger organizations, there are many jobs—accountants, fundraisers, administrative assistants—that support the organization's mission, but are not directly involved in promoting the issue around which the group was established. Personal story. Consider the type of nonprofit work environment that would best suit you. Do you want to work for a large organization or a small one? A group that has been around for years or one that is fairly new? Before you start your search, try to determine if your dream job involves, for example, research, advocacy, direct service, working indoors or outdoors, or doing policy or administrative work.

Having a clear idea of the kind of work that interests you will help you be more selective when you see all the positions that are available in the nonprofit sector. Moreover, knowing what you seek in a position makes you a more desirable candidate to prospective employers, who will see that you want this particular job for a reason, and not simply because you are desperate for work.

Most entry-level nonprofit jobs don't pay high salaries. Therefore, if during the next few years you are comfortable with a salary that covers your basic living expenses and little more, you will vastly increase the range of jobs available to you.

On the other hand, while common misperception about nonprofit organizations is that they are strapped for cash and have difficulty finding the funds to pay good salaries, keep in mind that this is not always the case. If you are joining an established or well-funded organization or if you have many years of experience, you should not feel badly about negotiating for the highest salary you can get. Personal story.

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. Personal story.

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There are several ways to go about finding a job in your field of interest—you should try all of them consistently and simultaneously:

• Identify and contact organizations that are working on issues that interest you.
• If you attend a college or university, use the career services department at your school or go to your school's office of volunteer and public service.
• Take advantage of all the contacts that you, your parents, friends, colleagues, and college alumni have in the field.
• Check out professional associations in your field.
• Contact your local nonprofit association.
• Review the Help Wanted section of your local paper.
• Get the word out that you are looking for a job—you'll be surprised where leads appear.

If you're in school right now, take advantage of the career center, alumni networks, volunteer service offices, and career fairs. Once you're out of school, it becomes more complicated to find a job while holding down another. The wealth of job-search resources available at your school is something you will not have easy access to when looking for a job after graduation. (If you have already graduated, check with the career center at your school to see if they also help alumni find jobs). From helping to hone your resumes and write effective cover letters, to making connections and setting up first interviews, the services offered by your career center at school provide a unique springboard and support community for finding your first job.

The Internet offers many opportunities for expanding your job search. Visit all the nonprofit job websites, as well as the sites of specific organizations that deal with your interests. Use Idealist to help you locate organizations in your field, and subscribe to My Idealist—you'll get free daily email updates of jobs that match your interests and location. Many organizations list job openings on their websites, and some have weekly or monthly newsletters that list new positions.

Your options to connect with organizations based in another country may be limited by the languages you speak, whether you can obtain a work visa, the salary the organization can afford to pay you, and how much it will cost you to get there. These obstacles, however,should not discourage you from trying to find work abroad. If this is what you want to do, the Work Abroad Overview and Calendar from the University of Michigan is a great resource.

International nonprofits based in your country may be your best bet for finding work abroad. Many of these organizations list their job openings, internships and volunteer opportunities on their websites. These listings provide you with a sense of what types of jobs are available, and the qualifications required for the positions. Keep in mind that it's often more difficult to find a salaried position in an international agency without previous field experience or a relevant graduate degree. An internship with such an organization will provide you with the field experience that could eventually materialize into permanent employment.

If you are just entering the job market, you may need to develop your job skills. Don't worry—your local library or bookstore should have a selection of books that can help you identify the skills that you may not realize you have, and develop strong resumes.

In addition to basic skills like typing and computer abilities, volunteer and internship experiences are highly valued by prospective nonprofit employers. These experiences also are a great way for you to determine what type of work interests you the most. Volunteering or interning gets your foot in the door. An internship usually requires a larger time commitment than a volunteer position and may have a stipend, whereas a volunteer position will not. In both cases, you will make connections, be exposed to the types of work available in your field, and be among the first to hear about new positions opening up in the organization. Personal story.

Don't panic if you haven't done much in the way of gaining non-paid experience before looking for work—this doesn't mean you won't be hired; it simply means that your application is not as strong as it can be. It's never too late to volunteer.

Another option for enhancing your resume—and increasing your skills base—is to take relevant courses such as business and nonprofit management, accounting, and grantwriting through a continuing education program at your local university or college. Personal story.

Finally, posting your resume online, with links to schools and previous jobs, is very convenient for sending your job applications by email, and for sharing your resume with friends and colleagues.

Once you identify an organization that you think you would like to work for, it's always helpful to set up an informational interview with someone who works there. Such interviews with staff members can give you insight as to how such an organization is run, the process by which they hire new staff, and how to get into the field. Always remember to bring two or three copies of your resume to these interviews so that the person you are meeting can easily pass them on to any colleagues who may be looking for someone like you. See these personal stories for some good questions to ask.

You might be reluctant to take the "who you know" route for getting your job. Get over it—this is sometimes the only way. Speaking with people who currently work in your area of interest will give you an idea of the types of work that are available and how they got involved in the field. The people you contact usually will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with someone who is just starting out. Don't expect miracles from such contacts; you probably won't get a job offer over the phone, but do expect encouragement and inspiration from the conversation. And, if you hit it off, they might even have a good lead for you. Before you speak to someone, be prepared. Do your homework on the job and on your field of interest so that you are not asking questions you could easily research yourself. You don't want to sound incompetent and waste people's time.

One final and very important note about informational interviews and personal contacts. Always send a thank you note to the people who spoke with you. Surprisingly few people take the time to do this, and you'll leave a favorable impression if you do.

Sending blanket resumes to organizations for whom you want to work is a shot in the dark. If you decide to do this, call beforehand and get the name of the human resources person so that your letter arrives and is directed to a specific person rather than a general department. Personal story.

Also, make sure to follow through and contact the organization after you've had your interview. This story is a perfect example of how such persistence can yield positive results.

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There are many organizations, both in the United States and around the world that offer one- or two-year programs that include room, board, and a monthly stipend. Specific activities can include teaching in inner cities, and working in community development and environmental conservation.

For those of you with an idea for a project you would like to work on or a study you would like to conduct, a fellowship in public service can provide you with the financial means to carry it through.

Keep in mind, however, that obtaining a fellowship or a long-term volunteer opportunity often involves a longer and more complicated application process than simply applying for a job. Most of these opportunities require you to write essays, go through several interview stages, and submit a proposal. Staying informed about deadlines and application requirements is essential for taking advantage of these programs.

If you've been looking for a job without success, don't get discouraged—try a different route: volunteer with an organization working on the issue that interests you. Remember, the more experience you have, the more desirable a candidate you become for a prospective employer. You can volunteer for a few hours a week or full-time—whatever your current school or work schedule allows.

Also, larger corporations often have a volunteer or philanthropic department. Depending on the industry, you might be able to find nonprofit-like work in a business setting. Personal story.

You may find that in order to obtain your dream job, a graduate degree becomes a necessity. The more meaty job opportunities in the nonprofit world require a considerable amount of previous experience or a masters degree in a related field. Going back to school offers you the opportunity to establish more contacts, get a sophisticated internship (experience!), and increase your knowledge about a specific segment of the nonprofit world. Keep in mind, however, that graduate degrees are expensive, especially in the United States. If you're planning a career in the nonprofit world, consider what your salaries might be, and how much money you will be able to afford to send off to the loan company each month after you graduate.

Common graduate degrees for people working in the nonprofit sector include masters in education, nonprofit management, public health, public policy/administration, social work, and urban planning. Check out this article "Graduate Programs in Non-Profit Management" for more information on these degrees.

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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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