Creating Your Career in Non-Profit & Education

The Non-Profit Industry

	Jennifer Cunningham
	Industry Specialist, Education and Non-Profit

	(714) 278-7465
	jcunningham@fullerton.edu

If you would like a career with a mission, if you want to feel that your work connects you to human and global issues, you may want to pursue a career in the non-profit industry. Regardless of your major, you can find opportunities to build your career in the public service industries such as non-profit, education, or health and wellness. If you would rather contribute than compete consider a career in the non-profit sector. The Career Center has programs and services to help you with research, planning, and networking in public service careers.

Working for a "non-profit" organization does not necessarily mean "not profitable."

Benefits

• Ability to use professional skills on others behalf
• Ability to develop a large and varied skill set
• High sense of ethics and standards
• Sense of personal well-being from service to others
• Opportunity to work with compatible and caring colleagues
• A humanistic, people-oriented approach to personnel management
• More than just a "job"
• More job flexibility

Challenges

• Limited upward mobility in one/small organization
• Limited training
• Financial rewards may not match level of responsibility
• Lack of adequate resources
• Limited funds may reduce job security
• Volunteer/staff roles may be ambiguous

Sample of Non-Profit Organizations:

• Credit Unions
• Art Galleries/Museums
• Educational Organizations
• Treatment Centers
• Boys and Girls Club
• Religious Organizations
• Senior Services
• Government
• Hospitals
• Red Cross
• United Way
• Peace Corps
• Shelters
• YMCA