One Creative Way into Non-Profit Work

It's a common story: idealist college grad wants to get a job at a non-profit organization, and disregard financial prosperity and even practicality to make a difference in the world.

But it can be difficult to get your foot in the door in the non-profit sector. A degree alone is often not enough to qualify you for employment. Even entry-level jobs seem to require a year or more of "real world" experience. You've got the drive and ambition, but need a way to support yourself, and volunteer work and unpaid internships just aren't going to cut it.

The summer after I graduated from an elite mid-western university, and I hadn't had a whole lot of interesting job offers yet. I had applied to dozens of non-profits throughout my senior year, but always seemed to be under-qualified. It didn't seem fair- I had worked hard in school, had the drive for the job, and was more than willing to start from the bottom and work my way up. I had a few interviews, but nothing materialized. I decided on a whim to accept a position as an AmeriCorps*VISTA. A few weeks later, I packed my bags, moved across the country, and found myself in a new city working at a non-profit in a position I loved, with so much responsibility.

I'm here to tell you about an option I had initially disregarded. AmeriCorps is a nationally-recognized service program, generally setting volunteers up with a year-long position at a non-profit organization, public agency, faith-based or community organization. It's sometimes referred to as the "Domestic Peace Corps." The main reason I ignored the AmeriCorps job postings for so long was the meager living stipend- usually around $1000 per month. But I found that the program had so many other benefits that it was worth it to look into it a bit more.

First of all, there are positions for every interest-education, public safety, health, poverty, immigrant and refugee rights, children's and women's issues, the environment, and so many more. You can become involved in direct service, or elect a position that is more behind-the-scenes. Also, you can choose where in the country you want to go, with new projects across the US starting every week.

Then there is the education award. At the completion of your year of service, you can elect to receive close to $5000 to put towards classes or college loans, and now even Outward Bound trips. You may also defer loans and won't need to pay interest during your year of service.

AmeriCorps provides health benefits, professional development trainings, and a relocation stipend, to name some other financial assistance you may receive. Once it's all added up, you'll have received much more than $12,000 for the year, a number that will look much more like entry-level pay. And guess what- with a little creativity, you can live on $1000 or less a month.

A few thoughts: this is going to look great when I apply for grad school, and this year is going to give me the experience I need for a (higher-paying) job I want. And sure, I don't have a fancy apartment or a lot of money to travel. Now. But just wait until I get that dream job in a year or two... besides, money isn't supposed to matter to us idealists, is it?

So take advantage of this not-so-sneaky way gain legitimate work experience for a future in non-profit work. Visit the AmeriCorps website for more information.

Source:

"AmeriCorps." Corporation for National and Community Service. URL: (http://americorps.gov/)