Welcome to the mid-career transitions webpage dedicated to women in transition. As a member of this group, you face both the opportunity to share your skills and experience with the nonprofit world, but may also face an unfair gender bias in the workplace. Still, remember that the nonprofit sector has a larger proportion of women (and women leaders) than other sectors so this may provide opportunities for both employment and leadership development. Whether you are transitioning from a career in the work world, a career raising a family or caring for aging relatives—sometimes referred to as the “fourth” sector—or both, you have an abundance of skills and qualities to offer. This resource page does not imply that women need different resources than other professionals. Rather, it is about identifying communities and resources that are developed by and specifically for women career transitioners.
The following resources will help you connect with resources as well as other women going through transition:
The Transition Network is a community of more than 2,500 women—predominantly from the New York City area but with branches in formation throughout the country—who are taking control of their career transitions. Most are in their fifties and sixties, and represent a myriad of professions in business, government, health care, academia, not-for-profits, and the arts. Members are working, retired, volunteering, consulting, and often seeking new opportunities. The organization is a resource to meet their concerns and interests with a variety of activities and opportunities for learning and making new connections. The Transition Network leadership is composed of women who have pioneered changes in their professions after having successful earlier careers.
The Transition Network is also a gateway for information and education about next or post-career choices. You can explore paid and non-paid work opportunities by developing new talents, new careers, or new ways to volunteer.
The website includes information about meetings, workshops, and opportunities for members.
WomanSage seeks to educate women about financial literacy, health, and job transitions. In Orange County you can apply for a “transition makeover.” Although most of WomanSage’s work is in California, they do have groups in Arizona and Connecticut and are looking to expand. Their site provides information on their mission and events. It also offers a mechanism to stay connected through blogs.
Women@Work Network aims to help women at every stage of workforce reentry. There is a fee for most of the services offered on its website, such as online Microsoft Word training and a resume review, but the job board is available for free.
Women at Work provides career services to help women and men from all backgrounds in the Los Angeles area. By becoming a member (there is a fee) you gain access to their individualized career counseling sessions, workshops, and classes. While their website offer no skills training, it does provide information on the organization’s offerings.
Women Work! advances economic justice and equality for women through education, advocacy, and organizing. Their website is a networking tool that tracks legislation and has a career center with info on education, resume skills, job search, etc. It also hosts handy pages on skills assessment and transferable skills.
Email us if you would like to suggest additional organizations and resources for this page.
