Those of us seeking to move from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit world have sometimes found that the idea of such a considerable change can occasionally dampen our enthusiasm, dismay our families, or confuse HR departments that receive our resumes. I am one of those seeking to work in roles which don’t perfectly match my prior experiences, and yet I am learning to enjoy practicing outside of my old "box” by using my skills for nonprofits that I believe in.

I appreciate the words of Thomas Edison, who understood that new kinds of thinking, exposure, and effort could be the catalyst for solutions as yet undiscovered. As I seek new experiences to equip me on my nonprofit journey,  I’ve been glad to find that Donors Forum is offering career-changers like me an accurate and motivating road map.

"Nonprofits 101: Introduction to Being a Nonprofit Professional, was offered as a kind of boot-camp experience to the stated needs of two groups of people,” Laura Zumdahl, Donors Forum's Vice President of Nonprofit Services explained. “Those who are just starting their careers, and those who are bringing their years of experience and achievement from different areas into the nonprofit sector. Both of these groups have asked us: ‘Where do I get a thorough overview?’” The response of Donors Forum was a two-day workshop in February offering a solid introduction to nonprofit board leadership and best practices, key financial concepts and reporting, fundraising sources and strategies, the importance of communications and branding, nonprofit advocacy and public policy, and program evaluation concepts.

Those of us attending were encouraged to define our strongest interests within the nonprofit sector–and were provided with some of the latest and most relevant books, articles, and other resources for further learning. There was even a lively introduction to the history of American philanthropy and Illinois nonprofits (along with a major “shout-out” to Jane Addams). Throughout the two days, my fellow adventurers and I were offered a window into unique nonprofit language and culture, so that we can experience less of a jarring sense of immigration as we step forward into new roles.

Anyone who Googles the simplest career-change article will be repeatedly encouraged to “network, network, network,” and will be instructed to seek out those who are already well versed in the field they want to enter. To that end, Nonprofits 101 was structured so that participants could interact with each other, hear each others' stories, and begin building a network of peers who could identify with their goals while sharing ideas. The group represented a broad cross-section of currently practicing nonprofit staff, and those with different backgrounds outside the sector, including some self-identified former CFOs and “recovering attorneys”. It was exciting to make connections with a wide variety of talented individuals who share the drive to use their abilities to change the world.

The closing event was an energetic panel of Illinois nonprofit professionals who gave participants free rein to pose any challenging questions. Those brave leaders included a nonprofit executive director, a director of development, and the president of a local nonprofit professional network; all of whom offered distinct perspectives and candid insights into their work experiences. Talk about human resources!

As this workshop demonstrated, whether you are at the start of your career journey, taking a deliberate turn toward a new undertaking, or even embarking on an encore career after years of a different kind of work, you can find a lot of helpful information and skillful advisors along your route, if you pursue them. As it has been said, “There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

— Christine Holt, Communications and Development Volunteer

If you missed Nonprofits 101, watch Donors Forum's website and this blog for upcoming workshop dates.