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Entry points and learning strategies

Check out Chapter 5 "Becoming a Stronger Candidate" in the Idealist Guides to Nonprofit Careers for First-Time Job Seekers and for Sector Switchers.

To newcomers to the nonprofit sector, getting started in a career can seem challenging.

Explore starting places for becoming a stronger job candidate, progressing in your career, and ultimately achieving your life's professional mission.

  • Education
    Formal academic coursework and social-impact degree programs as well as community-based skill-building workshops and non-credit classes can develop your professional skills. The networks you build and field experience you get can help launch you on your way. Check out the Idealist Grad School Resource Center, and attend an Idealist Grad Fair in a city near you.
  • Fellowships
    Short-term specialized assignments in public service roles often offer you a cohort, training, financial support, and a chance to reflect on your experiences. Your participation in a fellowship program can influence your direction and open doors for you.
  • Internships
    Whether you're a recent college grad or an established professional, committing to project-based work at an organization can enhance your skill sets, resume, and knowledge of how the sector works. Remember that by law, internships are to be educational.
  • Service Corps
    Taking six weeks up to a couple of years to serve in a corps domestically or internationally can offer you a great deal more experience and autonomy than you'd get in any other entry-level position at a nonprofit. Most U.S.-based service corps are open to people aged 18 and up.
  • Volunteering at home and abroad
    Giving your time to an organization or a cause is a uniquely nonprofit way to develop your know-how and networks, to effect causes you're passionate about, and to extend the human resource capacity of organizations in your community.

Volunteering isn't always a way to get a job at an organization, but it's a not a bad way to close a gap in your resume, meet new people, and spend time if you are in between jobs.

Read more

Link to "Becoming A Stronger Candidate," Chapter Five in our Idealist Guides to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers and First-time Job Seekers.