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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?

Many newcomers to the nonprofit world 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.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to young people seeking out work in the nonprofit sector is that the salaries are indeed lower. But there is more to this issue when you take a closer look.

Disregarding the "feel-good" benefits of nonprofit work, living well on a nonprofit salary as a recent college graduate is very doable. Young adults around the world prove this every day. Starting salaries in the nonprofit sector are often very similar to starting salaries in other industries (excluding investment banking and consulting). Nonprofits often have excellent benefits packages, and many Year of Service Programs enable college graduates to defer student loans for the duration of the program.

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.

Continue to "Finding your dream job—or at least a position in that ballpark" >>>

Read more...

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...