Sightings | Alumni News
Career Matters: Planning for a Career
Shift to Nonprofits?
Q. After five valuable years
working in an environmental consulting firm, I’m ready to
get back to the values that brought me to the Nicholas School
in the first place. How can I make the transition into working
for a conservation-related nonprofit?
A. Assistant Dean for Career
Services Karen Kirchof suggests that you begin by assessing
your finances and geographic constraints to ascertain what
adjustments, if any, may be necessary to work in the nonprofit
sector.
Then start determining whether your skills fit
your dream job by perusing related job postings, noting the
skills that frequently appear in these postings. Armed with
that information, craft a resume that not only reports your
tasks and accomplishments but shows how they can translate
into your new career. Emphasize experience in people, program
and financial management, which will likely be welcomed in
any nonprofit environment.
If your career has moved you away from the field
of conservation, be sure to list volunteer work, community
service and activities that reflect your connection to conservation
issues and programs. Don’t have such experience? Then try
to get “reconnected” before your job search begins.
Consider volunteering at a regional conference
of your favorite conservation organization or paying to attend
a national meeting of professionals in the field you wish
to enter. You will not only meet people who might further
your job search, but you also will learn about the hot topics
in the field and how your skills can bring value to a conservation
organization.
Finally, Kirchof says, take advantage of the
resources the Career Services Office offers all alumni, no
matter how long ago you graduated. She and her staff are happy
to review your resume and discuss job search strategies, and
you can find valuable job leads through the Nicholas School’s
Alumni Career Network. Information is online at www.nicholas.duke.edu/career,
or call 919-613-8016.
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