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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Government & Non-Profit |
Is the non-profit sector worth taking a look at? |
I am a 21 year old male with a major in sociology. What may be some good non-profit jobs to look at? I am in Minnesota The non-profit sector may be worth looking at...IF you have an interest in serving the underlying cause that supercedes your need for income generation. Another route that you may want to consider is graduate school. Hear me out. Most people erroneously look at graduate school like undergrad----I have to take a test, apply, then take out loans, sit in class all day, etc. Graduate school for some people may look like that, but it doesn't have to. Most Research I level (and some of the lower levels as well)institutions have fellowships available for desirable graduate students. While they are competitive, they certainly exist and are awarded. You might find that a fellowship might compensate you just as much as that non-profit job. Furthermore, you would be moving yourself toward a more marketable and professional position. Even if you are not competitive enough for a fellowship, there are still graduate assistantship opportunities. Generally, you work a bit, researching, teaching, etc. and you receive compensation for your efforts. Often, tuition is waived or dramatically reduced. Finally, as a graduate student, you will have the opportunity to improve your chances at obtaining a viable career in the non-profit sector, if that is what you really aim to do. And, don't be afraid to consider other fields of study. Most programs do not require a specific undergraduate major in order to enter a graduate program. And, consider the fact that as a grad student, you may be able to be paid to be a teaching assistant abroad, and that graduate students typically take only 3 courses at a time (semester). Yes, non-profit work is worth looking at, IF one is so motivated. However, if one WERE so motivated, one would not ask anyone else, consider the money, etc. One would consider it a mission. Throwing it out there like this suggests that what you really are doing...is trying to find something to do. Don't waste time on jobs that pay little and are not what you really want to do (if you did really want to do that, again, you wouldn't be asking this). Source(s): Personal Experience. Graduate school, on a fellowship or assistantship, is a great place to waste time while you figure out what you REALLY want to do with your life. It is challenging, looks good on a resume, adds an additional credential...and pays at least as well as low-paying or non-profit jobs, with much less required in terms of actually showing up and trying to act like an adult. There are always a need for help in mental health agencies. Also organizations that concentrate on aging issues, etc. One thing to keep in mind is that most non-profit agencies do not pay very much but usually offer things like flex time, cheap insurance, etc. Occassionally you'll also get a take home vehicle too. Another thing to remember is that they are supported by funding so if the county, city, or state funding that agency cuts the budget, you can be subjected to being laid off. To find nonprofits near you, go to www.guidestar.org. I think it's great to work for a nonprofit: you wake up in the morning feeling that the world is a better place because of the work you do. |
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