What Type Of Person Thrives In The Nonprofit Industry According To A Program Coordinator At ECOSLO
Grant, a Program Coordinator at ECOSLO, emphasizes that flexibility and creativity are crucial for success in the environmental non-profit sector, stating, "you gotta be willing to be flexible...and be willing to roll with the punches." This adaptability is essential for navigating unexpected challenges, such as unforeseen issues during volunteer event planning, requiring quick problem-solving and a "let's figure it out" approach.
Flexibility, Creativity, Passion, Adaptability, Problem-Solving
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
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Traits
Grant Helete
Program Coordinator
ECOSLO - Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic State University
N/A
Environmental & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for thriving in the environmental non-profit industry. Unexpected challenges require creative problem-solving skills.
2. Passion for environmental issues and the specific mission of the organization is vital for job satisfaction and success.
3. A willingness to "roll with the punches" and find solutions to problems is key, as plans often need to be adjusted on the fly due to unforeseen circumstances.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
I think it's similar to what was mentioned previously about being flexible. If you're going to work in a nonprofit, you have to be willing to be flexible. You have to be willing to do as much as you can with what's available and be creative.
I think people who are flexible, creative, and willing to roll with the punches will thrive in this industry. Those who can say, "All right, let's make this work. Let's find ways to adapt and adjust," will be successful.
I also think people who are really passionate about the area, especially the environmental industry in San Luis Obispo County, are going to thrive. If you're passionate about the area and the mission, you'll be able to succeed.
Having the ability to be flexible is key. It's about being able to say, "This is not ideal, but we're going to figure it out and make it work."
I've had to do that for tree planting events where something goes wrong. Especially with volunteer event planning, you can plan extensively, but one or two things going wrong can quickly force you to adapt.
All your plans can go to waste. So, that's a core part of it. We've had plantings where, despite all our planning, an unmarked irrigation line was hit, and we had to deal with that.
Or, we might have to find a way to move things without a truck. There are many small things where you'll have to adapt and adjust to make it work.
So, if you're going to work in nonprofits, be willing to be creative and flexible.
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