Tips in Nonprofit
The Service Moves:
Page 5
As a national leadership development program which engages
more than 80,000 Americans in service at nonprofits, schools,
public agencies, and community and faith-based groups,
AmeriCorps has consistently attracted and developed
gene rations of mission-driven talent. In celebration of the 20th
anniversary of AmeriCorps, we asked a number of program
alums from our networks to reflect upon their terms of service
and share some career lessons learned along the way.
8 Career Tips in Honor of AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary
1
Find what you love and then build your skill set. During my service year, I had to do everything in a small
development department, such as meet donors, manage volunteers, write grants, talk to the press, engage
companies, and manage marketing projects. I draw on that broad base of experience every day.
2
Don’t just look as if you’re a good fit for an organization. Make sure the organization should be a
good fit for you. Culture fit is a huge part of thriving at a nonprofit.
3
Practice "The 24 Hour Rule” in the workplace. Whenever I receive an email that I have a strong
reaction to, I wait 24 hours before responding. Always allow yourself some time to process and
think through the best approach to a difficult situation.
4
When looking for a job, apply to positions at organizations where you have some sort of contact or
network. I’ve sought out positions where the hiring manager was an AmeriCorps alum.
5
Follow the advice of civil rights leader Howard Thurman, “Don't ask what the world needs. Ask
what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have
come alive."
6
Pay attention to the parts of your job that you love. What are you doing when you just lose track of
time because you're deeply enjoying the work?
7
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people
I know didn't know what they wanted to do with their lives in their twenties. Some of the most
interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
8
Don’t forget to network! It's not what you know, it's who you know.
Source: Http://commongoodcareers.org/blog/detail/20-career-tips-in-honor-of-americorps-20th-anniversary