Ellen Mahoney ⋅ Belmont, MA Harvard Business School ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Mike: Approach non-profit roles exactly the same as for-profit. Research them as you would any organization. Although non-profits pride themselves on being mission-driven, candidates have to have more than just passion for the field. Read job descriptions carefully and make sure your skills line up. also, google non-profit search firms and send your resume to contacts within them. In higher ed, we've seen terrifc success stories where candidates with a military background have brought their multitude of skills to roles. Good luck! Ellen

Craig High ⋅ Austin, TX University of Texas at Austin ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Mike... I've been on both sides of the fence during the past 20+ years. Both are similar in that the focus is still on the numbers. NP's still have to survive and compete against both the private sector and other NP's. Cultures vary from organization to organization in the NP world, but all seem to be focused on survival and enhancing creativity to do more with less. I've never really noticed that much of a difference between the NP and FP world myself, but my experience has been primarily in human service and health care arenas.

Best of luck in your endeavor. You military experiences will pay off to your benefit in either area.

Best,
Craig

Daniel Latch ⋅ Northridge, CA ⋅ 25 years experience

re: My career path points to P&L responsibility with a small to mid-size company

Hey Mike,

I work with NPOs and have seen some with people doing a job, like in most organizations and others where there is passion and energy. Be sure you interview people in the positions you may fit and find out if you share a passion for the way that position is filled.

If you are looking to build a career helping others, consider talking with me. My organization supports NPOs and we are always looking for socialpreneurs, business oriented souls who want to make a life of creating more good in the world. It's not a job. It's a business.

Daniel