Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Supply Chain Coordinators at International Rescue Committee
For those interested in humanitarian work and social impact, Dustin suggests that even if it's not exactly the focus initially envisioned, "doing paid and unpaid internships with local nonprofits" or seeking entry-level temporary assignments are great ways to start, as is prioritizing learning and finding mentors invested in professional growth over immediately seeking high-level executive roles because "even if you did, it would be very difficult for you to, to be effective" without prior introspection and practical experience.
Entry-Level Opportunities, Nonprofit Sector, Humanitarian Work, Internships, Professional Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Dustin Weil
Supply Chain Coordinator
International Rescue Committee
University of Minnesota
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Humanities
Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Paid and unpaid internships with local nonprofits or larger institutions (NGOs) are a great way to start in the nonprofit sector, offering opportunities to create value, be useful, and learn about the intersection of yourself and the work.
2. It is not realistic to expect high-level executive roles right away; working your way up and doing the introspection and day-to-day learning is crucial for long-term effectiveness in humanitarian work.
3. Seek full-time paid employment relevant to your chosen career path, even if it requires some compromise, and prioritize finding managers, leaders, and mentors invested in your professional growth who can provide constructive guidance.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider?
What entry-level positions exist in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider?
If you're an early-career person interested in breaking into the nonprofit sector or doing humanitarian work that emphasizes social impact, this might not be what you want to hear. However, I think doing paid and unpaid internships with local nonprofits can be a great way to start.
Alternatively, working with larger institutions like the NGO I work for, if you can get an entry-level temporary assignment, might be a good way to hit the ground running. This allows you to create value and be useful right away, while also learning about your own intersection with the work. It helps you decide earlier rather than later if this is something you want to pursue long-term.
It's unrealistic to expect high-level executive roles right away, even if you're brilliant. Most people don't get that opportunity. Even if you did, it would be difficult to be effective without having worked your way up and done the introspection and day-to-day learning beforehand.
So, if you're interested in learning about yourself and how you perform, and whether you truly resonate with humanitarian work, try to find a way to get involved. Even if it's not your ultimate goal, gaining full-time paid employment relevant to your chosen career path is great. This can sustain you in the short term and help you mature professionally.
Seize those opportunities. There may be some compromise needed, and it might not be exactly the focus you have in mind. However, the key will be to have managers, leaders, and mentors who are invested in your professional growth. They will nurture you and provide constructive guidance so you can improve yourself over time.
Emphasize learning; that's chapter one. What chapters two through X look like will depend on what you discover in those early stages. So, go ahead and get started, even if it's part-time or as a volunteer. Try to learn and build relationships with others involved. This will help you figure out if it's worth it for you and where you want to invest your time and effort long-term.