You’ve heard this many times before. The key to getting your dream nonprofit job is to network, network, network. Well, that’s because it’s true. Even in the technology age, you simply cannot restrict your job search to online job boards and email. Back in the day, before Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, nonprofit leaders actually made connections face to face most of the time. A phone call was more preferable to email, and it wasn’t uncommon for hires to be made without a formal interview. These days, technology has made communication much less time-consuming, but the old-fashioned ways of networking still hold true. Most jobs are not advertised online. That means many nonprofit positions are still filled by someone who knows someone. If you’re a young nonprofit professional just starting out, it can be a daunting process to advance your career when you don’t know anyone. Here are three ways to build your network just like nonprofit leaders did in the olden days.
Join a Professional Association: The best thing about nonprofit associations is that they provide you with a ready-made network as soon as you pay your membership fee. Some of the membership dues can be a little pricey, so I suggest you join the ones that are relevant to you. If you want to get into nonprofit fundraising, I recommend the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Want to work at a nonprofit association? Join ASAE & the Center for Association Leadership. Interested in philanthropy or working at a foundation? Check out Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy. And no matter what kind of nonprofit job you’re looking for, you will always meet likeminded folks through the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network or your state nonprofit association through the Council of Nonprofits.
Serve on a Committee: This follows from strategy #1 above. Most professional associations have committees that are made up of its members. Volunteer to join the events or membership committee of the association that’s the most relevant to your career goals. You will not only get to know your fellow association peeps better, but your face will be out there for all to see. The key is to build strong ties with those that might be able to help you get a job or advance your career in that particular field. You’ll end up learning so much more about your peers and build your leadership skills in the process. A win/win/win for everyone.
Attend Nonprofit Conferences: Again, this can get a little pricey, but having the opportunity to meet hundreds of nonprofit professionals in one place is usually worth it. You will meet peers your age as well as experienced nonprofit leaders who could be your next boss. Top-notch annual conferences to attend include: Independent Sector, Craigslist Nonprofit Boot Camp, NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference, and annual meetings held by your state nonprofit association. Please, whatever you do, don’t forget your business cards!