Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Development And Communications Managers
Many entry-level nonprofit positions exist, and prior agency experience offers a significant advantage. Gaining "a wide knowledge base" and exposure to "fast-paced, competitive cultures" in for-profit agencies helps candidates avoid developing "bad habits" sometimes seen within the nonprofit sector, providing a "real leg up."
Nonprofit, Agency Experience, Communication, Entry-Level Positions, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Gianna Sollitto
Development & Communications Manager
Groundwork Southcoast
Bryant University
N/A
Communications
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Sales and Client Management
Disabled, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Many entry-level roles exist in the non-profit sector.
2. Experience in for-profit agencies can be a valuable asset, providing a broader skillset and competitive edge.
3. Exposure to diverse work cultures, such as those in agencies, can help avoid developing bad habits sometimes found within the non-profit sector
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
There's a ton of entry-level work in nonprofits; it's totally out there. I think working in for-profit agencies prior to entering the nonprofit space was valuable.
I had nonprofit experience, then agency experience, and then I really cemented my career in nonprofit work. I think agency work, if you can explore it a bit, is beneficial.
Nonprofits want to see you're a "nonprofit person" and that being mission-driven is your thing. But being able to sell the wide knowledge base that agency work provides can give you a real leg up.
Honestly, a lot of people who have only been in the nonprofit sector can develop bad habits or cultural things that they take from one nonprofit to another. So, having a taste of the more competitive cultures at agencies is a real asset.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/giannasollitto
Twitter: x.com/GiannaSollitto
Instagram: www.instagram.com/giannasollitto/