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"The pay is different in nonprofits," one rep emphasized, "but you feel like (you) are making a difference." Another rep from a social service agency suggested that the "wealth" for nonprofit employees comes in part from "helping children and families and seeing positive outcomes." However, a third, who had moved from management consulting to nonprofits, said she was "surprised by how many jobs pay a decent salary" and that, if "you don't have a lifestyle that's completely out there...it is totally do-able." Employers noted that income in nonprofits is typically reinvested in programs/services whereas in businesses surplus income may be used for shareholder dividends or high end salaries.

Some students have the impression that nonprofits are "crazy, mismanaged and confusing -- not the most efficient places." However, strong skills in project management, time management and interpersonal communications within a professional environment are highly valued in nonprofits and will serve you well in a nonprofit career. "Communication and respect for fellow colleagues" is very important.

One representative, formerly a high tech recruiter and currently with an organization which serves severely emotionally disturbed children, discussed his previous perception of nonprofit employees as "earthy, granola, tree hugging" types. He found that in reality nonprofit settings are made up of groups of "caring" workers.

This sentiment was echoed by many reps at the fair who suggested that nonprofits are typically staffed by "people who are dedicated and passionate about their work." Several employers stressed that the people they work with and the common goals they share are a real benefit of nonprofit work.

When asked to characterize the differences between corporate culture and nonprofit culture, one employer said they are "worlds apart." He suggested that one difference is that nonprofits take a more "holistic" approach to their employees -- they can be much more interested in whether or not employees are happy.

There are more opportunities for employment in nonprofits than you might think. One rep reported that in her experience, "Students don't know what their options are at nonprofits." She emphasized that nonprofits, like businesses, have staffing needs in many areas for students who have majored in a variety of disciplines. A common assumption is that nonprofits only offer jobs involving direct service or teaching, but nonprofits also need managers, accountants, information technology assistants, publicists, researchers, etc. For example, a social service agency dedicated to helping people with addictions estimates that 75% of their positions involve direct service and 25% involve adminstrative duties including finance and accounting. "Nonprofits are a really good stepping stone into any arena."

One rep summed things up by saying, "If you have a field you are interested in, go and get involved!" Due to the number of volunteer opportunities often available at nonprofits, getting experience in and exposure to nonprofit work is usually easier than getting the same type of experience in a corporate setting.

Employers at the Nonprofit Career Fair also suggested the following:

• Get experience and exposure while still in school - volunteer, intern, work part-time.
• Be willing to take an unpaid internship; if necessary, couple it with a night job (or other part-time job).
• Know the population (clients) you'll serve. For example, social service organizations often serve low-income communities.
• Have a passion for the kind of endeavors the nonprofit focuses on, whether social services, advocacy or something else. "Know what your interests are and really pursue those interests."
• Longevity of exposure is important -- show that you have had an interest in the field you are hoping to work in through exposure that goes beyond one day of volunteering in the very recent past.