What A Supply Chain Coordinator At International Rescue Committee Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Nonprofit Industry
Dustin emphasizes that entering the nonprofit sector with a desire to do something meaningful requires more than just qualifications and efficient task performance; cultivating "genuine symbiotic relationships" built on mutual commitment and trust is paramount. Dustin believes that without a supportive network, even with the right qualifications and performance, one is "unlikely to be happy" or achieve meaningful success.
Networking, Relationships, Career Development, Workplace Challenges, Honest Opinions
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. Importance of Symbiotic Relationships: Building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships is crucial for long-term success, more so than just having the right certifications or skills.
2. Focus on People: Prioritize getting to know people, demonstrating commitment to shared success, and building trust to foster a supportive professional network.
3. Beyond Technical Skills: While certifications and efficient task performance are important, cultivating deep, long-term relationships is essential for happiness and meaningful success in the field.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
When I was starting out in nonprofit work, I had a vague sense of wanting to do something meaningful with my life, but I didn't have a clear idea of what that would look like. I had even less of an idea about what I would need to do or have to be successful.
With hindsight, this is advice I would give to my younger self. If I were starting out, I would emphasize how important it is to have genuine symbiotic relationships with other people.
You might have studied symbiosis in biology class. Some species of animals can coexist in a mutually beneficial way, and that's what I mean as a professional, not just in the nonprofit sector, but as any executive or person with extensive responsibility.
The importance of relationships cannot be overstated. This means truly getting to know people over time, demonstrating mutual commitment to shared success, and building trust.
Here's why I say that: You could do everything else right, like getting the right certifications or reading the right books, and even performing your tasks efficiently. But without those deep, long-term symbiotic relationships, you're likely to be unsuccessful.
If you don't have those relationships, if you don't have a good network of mutually supportive people who encourage your growth, you're unlikely to be happy or achieve meaningful success, even if you do everything else right.