Non-Profit and Social Services
Students from all backgrounds can find a place at a non-profit and/or social service organization. Just like their for-profit counterparts – there are a range different jobs types within one company that can be a match for your particular skills and interests. Nonprofit organizations (also know as NPO's) have many paid positions available in roles that range from PR and marketing to development, volunteer coordination, case management and much more. And even if you don't think you will pursue non-profit work long-term, chances are you have a talent they need. Non-profit does not mean no-paycheck – but it does mean mission-driven with a focus on the community it serves rather than the “bottom line.” Examples of nonprofits include social service organizations, many museums, charities, and cultural organizations.
What it Takes
- Your job search arsenal includes a portfolio website, resume, and business cards.
- Track your projects, volunteer work, and internships early on using a master resume.
- Network. Nearly all hiring/offers for work come through relationships.
- Volunteer. This is the third biggest city in the country and there are a lot of opportunities out there. Volunteering can be a great way to learn more about the different functions of an organization and see where your interests and strengths lie. Find organizations that inspire you and get involved!
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Sample Job Titles
With so many different kinds of organizations out there, there is not one set list of titles. You will see many the job titles listed on these career resource pages as options at non-profit and social service organizations. However, the non-profit industry is on of the largest employers in the country and can be broken down into major sectors:
- Health Services
- Education
- Social and Legal Services
- Civic and Environmental Advocacy
- International Relations and Development
- Arts and Culture
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Job Boards
When searching for jobs, it can be most relevant for you to seek out the website of an organization you feel passionate about. Consider searching by CAUSE rather than JOB. Applicants sometimes select the organizations they want to work for and then flex their role.
However, if you want to go the job board route, here is an array of options:
NPO.net: Large Nonprofit Jobs board
Idealist: Large Nonprofit Jobs board
Commongood Careers: Recruiting firm (mid management and up)
Foundation Center Jobs Board: Foundation and Nonprofit Jobs by state
Nonprofit Time Jobs Board: Job search maintained by Nonprofit Times
Chronicle of Philanthropy Jobs Board: Jobs board maintained by Chronicle
Careers in Nonprofits: Nonprofit Org placement firm
Nonprofit Staffing: Nonprofit Org placement firm
YNPN Chicago Career Center: Nonprofit Org career center
Progessive Exchange: List serv and job board
Future Leaders in Philanthropy: Wide ranging nonprofit job board
Indeed.com: General Job Board
B Corp Jobs Board: B Corps are am emerging classification of companies with a social impact
Moja Link Moja Link Jobs Board
Encore Careers NPO jobs - geared toward older audience thinking of second careers in causes
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At Columbia
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Events