What To Expect When Transitioning From A Corporate To Nonprofit Job

Working a corporate job can become mundane for certain professionals. Lining the pockets of nameless and faceless executives simply is not rewarding for many. Finding a job where you truly care about what the organization is working towards might seem impossible. The reason that this seems to be impossible is that you have not considered all of the nonprofit organizations out there. Changes of any kind can be stressful for those that tend to be set in their routine. The environment is a nonprofit organization versus a corporation in an ultra-competitive department can be night and day. The following are things that you should expect when transitioning from a corporate to a nonprofit organization for work. 

Finding A Nonprofit Mentor Can Help 

You might have a goal of taking over a nonprofit after a period of time. Finding a mentor when it comes to any type of business can be immensely important. Bouncing ideas off of this person that has run a nonprofit before can be a very valuable way to invest your time. Not all individuals will be willing to mentor you so it might take time to find the right person. With virtual meetings being possible, you might be able to put out a request on a platform like LinkedIn for a nonprofit mentor. 

Understand Nonprofit Environments Differ

Some people think that leaving the corporate world will take all of the stress out of their professional life. Each nonprofit will differ but it generally will be a less stressful environment. Being too harsh on part-time employees or volunteers is a recipe for disaster for most nonprofits. The reliance on donations is something that will truly be stressed. If you are the fundraising director, there will be stress to hit annual goals. Don’t automatically believe that work will be a breeze when transitioning to a nonprofit. 

Take Ownership Of Projects

Pouncing on the projects that you will enjoy can show ownership. You might want to work your way up a nonprofit so you can start making major decisions. You will have to climb up the ladder like you would in a corporate environment. Showing that you can handle multiple kinds of projects is also important when looking to manage in the future.

Some Skills Are Quite Coveted 

There are skills like nonprofit accounting that are always going to be coveted. Knowing how to use MIP Fund Accounting is a great example of something that can be very valuable. This is one of the most popular pieces of technology that helps government and nonprofit organizations. Your skills could really benefit the nonprofit through saving money and allocating money intelligently. 

Leaving your corporate gig might be something you’ve been waiting for until it is financially viable for your family. Nonprofits might not give you the financial rewards you were looking for but can make a positive impact in your life and community. Looking forward to going to work daily is possible if you find the right cause you connect with.