What a Program Coordinator at ECOSLO Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Environmental Nonprofit Industry
Grant, a Program Coordinator at ECOSLO, unexpectedly found "a lot more accounting work" than anticipated, highlighting the significant role of finances in the environmental nonprofit sector. This experience led to the recommendation that aspiring professionals familiarize themselves with budgeting and software like QuickBooks, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy for career success in this field.
Financial Management, Budgeting, Non-profit Management, Data Analysis, Software Proficiency
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
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. Financial management is crucial in environmental work, including budgeting and program funding. Consider familiarizing yourself with tools like QuickBooks and budgeting basics.
2. Proficiency in software like Excel is highly valuable, even more so than initially expected. Don't underestimate the importance of these skills.
3. Nonprofit roles often involve more accounting and financial responsibilities than anticipated. Take initiative to develop these skills early on through online courses or other means.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I do a lot more accounting work than I thought I would. That's probably one of the main things: I wish I had learned a little more about how to use QuickBooks or something similar.
I do think Cal Poly teaching me Excel was important. So, I would say to all ENBM grads or students, don't discount Excel. If your teacher ever teaches you Excel, don't discount that. Try to remember how to do it.
Finances are definitely a bigger part of the industry than I ever considered. Especially as my roles have changed within EcoFlow, they've become a bigger part of it. So, that's something I wish I had learned a little more about: finances and program funding.
I think that's really important to know. If you're getting into nonprofits, I would recommend taking a little online course here or there to familiarize yourself with basic budgeting for programs. That's good to know.
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