Career Q & A
By Michael Mayne with Natasha Hargovan
November 15, 2004
I have worked in nonprofit agencies for seven years,
and this is my only professional work experience. At times I think
I'd like to work in a for-profit company. I am afraid the environment
will be so different...do you have any tips on making such a
decision?
Choosing to leave the not-for-profit sector is not an easy
decision to make,
especially when you have built up a considerable amount of experience.
There
are several factors to consider, both personally and professionally.
First off, let's debunk a myth. Just like in the not-for-profit sector,
there are many different varieties of companies and cultures in
the for-profit
sector. And while some not-for profits are more business oriented, some
for-profits are more socially responsible, both towards society and their
employees. What really needs to be considered is how you will fit into a
specific organization.
While some people believe it is more acceptable for people to move from
a for-profit to a not-for profit, many people have successfully made the
change from not-for-profit to for-profit.
How successful you will be in making the transition to a new environment
will depend on your specific skills, education, and experience. However,
many jobs have transferable skills. Depending on the position
you are applying
for, the skills and experiences that you've gained in the not-for-profit
sector can be very valuable in marketing yourself to employers
- especially
when changing sectors.
Review the list of transferable skills below and check the ones you feel
you possess.
Advise people
Analyze information
Anticipate problems
Budget money
Buy products/services
Calculate/manipulate numbers
Communicate
Coordinate activities
Consult with others
Cope with deadlines
Delegate
Demonstrate
Design
Develop
Edit
Encourage
|
Find information
Follow directions
Handle complaints
Listen
Interview people
Investigate
Learn quickly
Mediate problems
Meet the public
Memorize information
Observe
Perceive needs
Persuade
Plan
Program
|
While you've just demonstrated that you have several skills that are needed
in both not-for-profit and for-profit environments, in order to make this
decision you really need to consider what you want to get out of your job.
For example, what are your needs, values, and interests? In what kind of an
environment do you work best? How much money do you need to be making? What
is it about your current job that isn't working for you? What are some of
the rewards your current position offers? What would you need
from a new position
to make the move worthwhile?
This is where research, and most importantly, informational
interviewing (with individuals who can help you to find out more
about any proposed moves you are contemplating), can be essential.
By speaking to people who have the type of job you think you would
like to do, you can get an insider's perspective on what the job is
really like. Getting a handle on what you specifically want will give
you a better sense of whether or not the for-profit environment is
right for you.
Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a
Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a
Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has
been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is
currently President of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.
To submit a question for a future column, please e-mail it to careercoach@charityvillage.com. No identifying information will appear in this column.
