Nonprofit Job Market
The Washington Post's "Live Online" forum today was about nonprofit career trends. For anyone looking for NP work, especially in the D.C. area, the transcript might be helpful. My question and response was:
Illinois: Can you say anything about non-profit jobs for people with law degrees? Specifically, if I wanted a career w/a government-reform NP like Public Citizen, would I be better off to start at the bottom and work my way up (w/out a law degree), or to get the law degree before beginning my NP career? Thanks.
Jacqui Salmon: I guess the important part of your query is, what do YOU want to do? Do you really want to go to law school now? Or are you just not that interested right now and would prefer to start a career and THEN go back to school?
It's best to sort out your priorities rather than trying to fit them into what you think various nonprofits-or companies, for that matter-want. 
She's probably right, of course. Again the question: Do I really want to go to law school now? Yes. And no. Ambivalent imbroglio.
Another highlight was this helpful post:
People seem to have a lot of questions about what skills are needed in nonprofits. As a devoted lifer in nonprofits, here's a list: writing, communication, organizing, volunteer coordination, public relations, ad placement, media outreach, education work, publications production, web design/maintenance, clerical, government relations, accounting, database management, fundraising, research, policy analysis, legal, human resources. I'd bet just about anyone could find a place he or she could be utilized.
That list is encouraging because I've not only done a lot of what's on the list, I'm also very proficient at many of those things, and they're things I enjoy.
And finally this advice:
I've been in the nonprofit world for about 5 years. Knowing people really helps, but knowing organizations helps even more. Identify the types of organizations you'd like to work for and narrow your search. Then visit their websites -- most places do post jobs on their websites -- it's hard for us to find good people who fit our needs. Writing and organizing skills are critical. Even consider sending a letter and resume asking them to keep you in mind for future job openings might help. But the more you know about your specific area of interest and the organizations that are working in that area, the better for you.
Still more evidence that I'd be great at NP work and that I could probably find a great job if I'd just commit to it. Ambivalent. Imbroglio.
Posted August 13, 2002 11:28 AM | law school
