BINGO! That had been my experience, too. We wondered all the reasons why and just what is that correlation between those who choose the practice of law and those who advocate for nonprofit missions? Over the years I also had mentored lawyers seeking to move from the practice into nonprofit work. I can quickly tick off the names of at least a dozen colleagues who did just that -- and pretty effectively, I might add.
I'm not suprised that folks sought out my colleague, Jim. He's a CONNECTOR.
Recently, Kansas City Star careers columnist and business, economics and workplace writer Diane Stafford offered advice to individuals seeking to shift to the nonprofit sector. In it, she offers two critical pieces of advice: (1) Get with a Connector (someone who can connect you in the nonprofit community); and (2) Connect your skills and passion by seeking positions that relate to transferable skills and volunteer work.
Here's Diane's article from The Kansas City Star, March 25, 2012. You can find it online to share with friends at http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/27/3516302/diane-stafford-shift-your-sector.html .
Diane Stafford: Shift your sector with a connector
By DIANE STAFFORD
This is for would-be sector-shifters - you who have spent your work lives in the business world and now want to do "meaningful" work.The good news: You probably have skills and experience that are transferable from for-profit to nonprofit jobs.
The bad news: You have stiff competition from people who have spent their work lives furthering the mission you want to pursue, and nonprofit "lifers" may be skeptical of your switch.
The reality: You should show passion for your target nonprofit's mission.
"In a tighter job market, there's a flood of people coming in to apply when nonprofits post openings, so it's best to get with someone who is a 'connector' in the nonprofit community," counsels Jennifer Furla, a nonprofit recruiter with HCap Search.
"And if you're making the leap, you need to be sure you have the right fit for the organization, because you'll have to advocate for yourself."
Katey Tryon, who does nonprofit executive search at Tryon & Heideman, emphasizes that "connector" role.
"If you're coming from the business world, it helps to have an existing connection - an individual or volunteer work - in the nonprofit," Tryon advises. "If you don't have those, you should get them."
How? Do some boots-on-the-ground volunteering. Develop contacts in your target field. Make sure you care about the mission. Then be ready to show that you've not just volunteered on your own but have a track record leading volunteers or committees.
Both recruiters recommend starting a sector shift with research and informational interviews to learn more about your target industry, association, philanthropy or social service.
Don't waste your time pitching a talent that's not needed.
Furla also urges sector-shifters to look beyond the big agencies for smaller organizations that may need your financial or marketing expertise.
And Tryon suggests using the American Society of Association Executives as a resource to find nonprofit organizations and recruiters.
For other articles on jobs and employment featuring HCap Search and Christopher and Long partners, click on:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/workinglife/article1054518.ece , "If You're Looking for Work, Tell Everyone"
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/12/13/2647902/to-job-hunters-keep-chins-up-during.html, "To Job Hunters, Keep Your Chins Up During December Dog Days"
