The Non-Profit industry is comprised of a variety of organizations, charities and foundations that are mission driven and strive to serve their communities. Employment opportunities include a multitude of functions and roles that serve purpose in these organizations.
Education Consulting and Ed Tech companies offer great opportunities to flex business skills in consulting, product management, user design, and other functions, all in service of advancing opportunities across education levels.
Recruiting approach
Job seekers in the non-profit space should look for organizations that align with their personal values, making professional work more meaningful. Building practical, transferable skills, and being adaptable to new technology, is essential for candidates looking to stand out and succeed in today’s mission-driven workforce. In the Education and EdTech industries roles such as operations, financial and technical are created to improve educational institutions.
Does this industry embrace applicants who are looking to pivot? Rely on previous experience?
Previous experience in the non-profit and education industries is highly valued but not always required. Of value is the experience itself that has allowed a candidate to build upon transferable skills and functions. Important skills to showcase if pivoting to a new industry are demonstrated connection to the cause, project and people management, and supporting the mission of the organization.
Networking
Networking is a critical component to showcasing your commitment to the cause and to identify the problems/ opportunities facing organization or clients. This information best helps you translate how your skills and experience can help the organization.
What to expect in recruiting
Many organizations will follow a specific interview protocol, and inform candidates ahead of time of the process format, etc. They will also review the next stages which can include a case or behavioral interview, and with whom final interviews will be. Often final interviews will include Board members if at a non-profit and the hiring manager and/or team members at both educational firms and non-profit organizations.
What does full-time recruiting look like in this industry? Are internships the best path to a full-time role? Full time recruiting for non-profits and education is typically unstructured with networking opportunities and job postings occurring throughout the year; they can have a short timeframe between the application due date and the start date. It is important to remain open to opportunities and tap into the alumni connections that may assist in the recruiting process. Some consulting firms (Redstone Strategy, Tyton Partners and Bellwether Education Partners) have extended full-time return offers to summer interns, and will highlight annually when predicted hiring forecasts create this opportunity. The majority of full- time offers for graduates are made in April through June.
What does internship recruiting look like in this industry?
Internships are generally posted over a wide range of dates, beginning in mid-November through just in-time internships in April. Employers that have multiple openings will host coffee chats and presentations to connect with those candidates interested in their industry and to build recruiting momentum.
RESOURCE GUIDE
- Who Went Where (CMS)
- CDO Summer Exploration: Non-Profit
- MacArthur Foundation Employment Resources
- https://cdo.som.yale.edu/resources/primerli-industry-courses/
- Hey CMS, how can I… (CDO website)
- Outcomes Index (CMS)
- Salary Database (CMS)
- Offer Timeline (CMS)
- Offer Job Source (CMS)
- Offer Trends (CMS)
