What a Strategy and Impact Manager at Meals on Wheels America Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Nonprofit Industry
Morgan's career path unexpectedly diverged from their initial plan of a long-term commitment to one field, highlighting the value of "trying out different roles" and discovering a strength in "building relationships with...community-based organizations, government organizations, or corporations." This adaptability, learned through experience, proved highly transferable across various sectors, a realization that would have been beneficial early in their career.
Career Exploration, Networking, Relationship Building, Nonprofit, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Morgan Hultquist
Manager, Strategy & Impact
Meals on Wheels America
University of Arizona 2014
N/A
Political Science, American Studies
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Business Strategy
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. The non-profit sector is diverse, offering various roles beyond initial expectations. One might start in an administrative role and transition to other areas like working with partners (community-based organizations, government, corporations).
2. Building relationships with various stakeholders is a transferable skill applicable across different fields, even if one decides to leave the non-profit sector. This skill is valuable regardless of specific job functions.
3. Exploring different roles within the non-profit sector is valuable for self-discovery; identifying one's strengths and preferred working style takes time and experience. There is no one-size-fits-all career path.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would've told you before you entered the industry?
I think for this question, I'll go back to what I mentioned earlier because it was really important to me. I approached my overall career by entering my first position at an anti-human trafficking organization.
That was where I expected to stay for the next 20 to 30 years, whether with that organization or another within the field. For me, that wasn't the case; it was really about trying out different roles.
I started in administrative roles and moved to an executive assistant position. I had fun with that, but it wasn't where my strengths lay. I finally figured out that working with partners, whether community-based organizations, government organizations, or corporations, was something I really enjoyed.
This ability to build relationships could be carried through almost any field I worked in. I would also say that if I ever decided to leave the nonprofit industry, which I don't see happening, I would still have useful skills.
This was something that I think would have been helpful to know going into my first day of my first job, but I figured it out a little later. For me personally, this has been very successful. I know this isn't the case for everyone, and either way is perfect. It just matters what matters to you and what works for you.
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