Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

College students preparing to graduate this spring are facing extraordinary uncertainty about their career prospects. Not only is the job market tight, but they also confront increased competition from experienced nonprofit workers who have been laid off and businesspeople who want to change careers. So what can new graduates do to land their first professional job? How can they stand out in a crowd of more experienced applicants? What should a college senior be doing now to prepare for a future career in the nonprofit world? And how can people who have been working for a few years for charities and foundations make the most of their opportunities?

Related Articles

• Rethinking Nonprofit Jobs(11/13/2008)
• A Handbook on How to Start a Nonprofit Career(9/4/2008)

The Guest

Shelly Cryer is a career consultant and the author of The Nonprofit Career Guide: How to Land a Job That Makes a Difference. As a consultant, Ms. Cryer helped create American Humanics' Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careers, a research and advocacy project in Kansas City, Mo. A transcript of the chat follows.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    Hello and welcome to today's live discussion. Today, we're pleased to have career consultant and author Shelly Cryer as our guest expert. She'll be taking your questions on starting and building your career in the nonprofit world.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    As always, you are invited to share your questions and comments by clicking on the "ask a question" link on this page and typing in your message. Ms. Cryer will attempt to answer as many questions as possible during the next hour or so.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    This is a text-only discussion, so there is no need to call in for audio. We'll provide a full transcript once the event is over at http://philanthropy.com/live.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    With that out of the way, let's get started.

Shelly Cryer:
    I'm delighted to be participating in my second online chat about nonprofit careers with The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

The current economy is daunting for many individuals hoping to launch or advance a nonprofit career. There is no denying that many nonprofits are either feeling the impact of the current financial crisis in real time, or are bracing themselves for its impact. Some nonprofits will hold off on filling vacant positions until they feel more secure. And some employees considering retirement or making a professional move may choose to hold onto their current jobs. So, competition for good jobs is increasing.

But there is also no denying that the nonprofit sector is NOT going away and organizations STILL need experienced, passionate workers. In fact, in a bad economy, many nonprofits need to do more. Some nonprofit sub-sectors will actually EXPAND during these tough times. And the best nonprofits are positioned to ride out this current storm.

There are still jobs out there. And good ones. Jobs that will allow you to support yourself, pursue your passion, and feel good about the work you contribute to the world. The trick is making your application stand out and positioning yourself as the candidate an organization can't live without. I look forward to answering your questions and providing advice that will help you do that.

Question from K, mid-sized nonprofit:
    I have been working as a grant writer for about two years--my first "real" job out of college. I've been told that I'm doing great work including on a few very large proposals, and I want to take on more responsibility. Bigger projects take more time though, and I already have a very full workload. How can I take on more responsibility without running myself into the ground? As a two-person team handling $5-million in annual grant revenue, our department is just me and my supervisor, so there is no one else I can delegate work to (unless we hired another person and adding staff is a bigger battle than I'm prepared for). I really like the organization I work for, but sometimes I feel like my only option to "move up" is to look elsewhere. Thoughts, advice?

Shelly Cryer:
    Your department sounds like the perfect place for a professional internship program, and you sound like a great person to develop and implement one. Consider which responsibilities a more junior level person could handle. Develop a rigorous job description for a development intern and post it at the career services offices of area undergraduate and graduate programs. Try to secure funds within your organization to be able to compensate the student $10-$17 an hour (depending on where you are located). Or, if there is an American Humanics program near you, try to secure a NextGen Leader intern (who has access to a $4,500 grant to cover the stipend of a nonprofit internship - see www.humanics.org for details).

Your management and mentoring of the intern will contribute to your own professional development. And the contributions the intern makes to your department would free you up to take on more responsibilities.

Question from Paulette Pierre, grantmaking foundation:
    Being a non-traditional graduate student and mid-career changer, I am trying to wait out this economic downturn by gaining as much nonprofit/philanthropy experience through internships. Is this a good strategy or should I just look for a full time job in the sector?

Shelly Cryer:
    Experience is key, so you are smart to concentrate on getting as much great experience as possible. But if you are not being paid, or not paid full time wages, then be sure you are demanding and gaining the most you can from your internship experiences. Make sure you are working in a field that is consistent with your professional goals. Be intentional about the work you are doing and develop a formal job description. Request regular reviews from your supervisor. Network thoughtfully with other people in the organization. Even consider asking to meet with board members. Start pressing your colleagues for their contacts so you are building your network and are positioned to launch your formal job search with gusto when the time feels right to you.

In addition, I am a big advocate of developing fund raising experience, regardless of the type of work you want to do. Having some fund raising and development experience is highly marketable. Try to work on a grant proposal or conduct prospect research. If the organization produces a special event, volunteer to help with it. Consider taking a course with a local nonprofit support center on some aspect of fund raising. Put these skills on your resume, or at least talk about them when you interview. Every nonprofit employer values a candidate who thinks about how his or her work will intersect with fund raising ... especially in this economic climate.

Question from Deborah career in transition:
    Will you address tactics for seasoned business professionals seeking entry into non-profit as viable careers?

Shelly Cryer:
    Depending on how many potential "sector switchers" are on this chat, I am happy to spend more time on this question. (I get it more and more.)

A few initial thoughts for the business professional seeking nonprofit employment:

1. GET NONPROFIT EXPERIENCE. You have to demonstrate your commitment to a specific field of nonprofit work. Regardless of your age or extent of professional experience, you will need to volunteer or intern at a nonprofit.

2. THINK STRATEGICALLY ABOUT TRANSLATING YOUR BUSINESS SKILLS. If you are in sales, think about fund raising and development. If you have done marketing work, frame your work so it resonates for a nonprofit leader looking to ramp up her communications department. Ask people in your network for feedback on your resume to make sure it "speaks" to the needs of a nonprofit recruiter.

3. BUILD A NETWORK. It is critical for every job seeker - but especially sector switchers - to have a vibrant network of individuals you are communicating with about your job search. Identify experts in the field who can help you. Organize informational meetings all of the time. Stay in touch with the people who seem the most enthusiastic about you. Go to events sponsored by organizations where you would like to work. Network. Network. Network.

It's the word-of-mouth referral that so often lands you the job. And for someone leaving business for a nonprofit, the word-of-mouth will help you make your case ... the person who can say to an executive director colleague, "Jane, you have to meet with Deborah! She has the most interesting experience that is a match for that [grant writing] position you have been trying to fill. She comes out of the for-profit sector, but I have never heard someone speak so passionately about [human rights in China]. You have to meet her!"

4. CONCENTRATE ON YOUR COVER LETTER. For the sector switcher, your cover letter is vital. It is a key vehicle for "making your case" for how your business skills translate to a given nonprofit position, and it allows you to communicate your passion for the mission of the organization to which you are applying. Ask members of your network to give you feedback on your cover letter.

5. BE PERSUASIVE BUT RESPECTFUL. You want to be a great advocate for yourself. But I often hear nonprofit leaders complain of a certain arrogance that business professionals bring to their interviews at nonprofits. Great nonprofits are very professional organizations. Value your own experience, but don't de-value that of the nonprofit professional. Be open to hearing about the skills you might not have. Go into the informational meeting or interview having done good research about the group. Ask great questions. Show interest in the point person's own professional experience. Communicate that you understand the similarities and differences in nonprofit and for-profit work.

Question from Robert:
    This fall, I plan to enroll in Indiana University's M.A. in Philanthropic Studies program. I have received some positive feedback about this program's reputation for excellence, but I'm curious to see what you think; and whether or not you are aware if such a reputation exists widely among nonprofit professionals? Thank you.

Shelly Cryer:
    I generally don't think I am equipped to comment on specific academic programs. However, you are correct that this program has a great reputation. I also have worked with a number of professors in the program, and they are superb.

For anyone considering graduate work, the reputation of the program is not the real question. It's a matter of whether a specific program matches your specific goals and makes sense at this specific time in your life. It's worth it to visit the campus and meet with deans, faculty members, administrators, and students. Understand why you are going to grad school and how you believe it will help you in your life goals, and then make sure the program will serve your needs. And if you enroll, be intentional about your course of study, extra-curricular activities, and networking you do as a student.

Question from Hannah, small nonprofit:
    Hello, I am interested in starting a nonprofit organization. The organization will be an after-school mentoring program that takes place in a space that has the look and feel of a coffee house. I have experience working with children at other nonprofit organizations, but little knowledge of how to begin my own. I am currently working at a start-up business and, although it is not related to what I want to do, I feel that this experience may be helping me to prepare for this future nonprofit endeavor. I would like to continue working at the job I currently have but keep my mind on my future goal and hopefully do all that I can to plan for it. I guess my questions are: how can I make the most of the next year or so, in terms of planning/preparing for my nonprofit, while working full-time? What sorts of things should I learn and how can I begin to get the nonprofit off the ground? Any advice would be great! Thanks.

Shelly Cryer:
    On starting your own nonprofit --

First, it's important to make sure that even if you have a great idea, the best way to IMPLEMENT that idea is through starting a new nonprofit. Do your "due diligence" and make sure that it is not an idea that can be advanced by partnering with an existing nonprofit. There are lots of benefits to bringing your idea as a program to an existing group.

Talk with everyone in this arena, in your geographic area, and get their feedback. See if the top names in education and mentoring agree with your vision and that it requires a new entity. See if they are willing to serve on an advisory council for you. Begin developing contacts who could eventually serve on your Board of Directors.

If you do your homework and still believe that a new nonprofit is needed, then learn about starting an 501-c-3. Check out Anthony Mancuso's HOW TO FORM A NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Visit the charities and nonprofits section of the IRS website (http://www.irs.gov/charities). Explore the resources offered by your local state association of nonprofits (visit http://www.ncna.org) and the office of your state attorney general.

Then you'll want to develop a "prospectus" for your organization and idea. It might be a 2 page fact sheet that explores the need, what you will deliver, the budget required to launch it, your advisers and board members, and why you are uniquely qualified to implement the idea. This is a document you can circulate to potential funders and partners.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    A quick scheduling note for those who are interested in the topic of starting your own nonprofit organization. We'll be hosting a live discussion on that topic on Tuesday, May 12, at noon Eastern time. We'll have more information available soon at http://philanthropy.com/live.

Question from Jessie, Centre College:
    I graduated a year ago and am currently in a contracted position that ends in May (in Kentucky). I'm looking to find a job in Washington or Oregon but am struggling with having few to no contacts out there. With such little experience combined with a big relocation, I have had no success the last four months even landing an interview. I fear that employers are overlooking me due to both of these factors -- any advice?

Shelly Cryer:
    Job hunting "from afar" is very difficult, and especially so in the nonprofit sector, where many organizations do not have recruitment budgets. If possible, you need to let prospective employers know that you can cover travel costs to attend an interview.

You also need to develop a network in your target cities in your target states. These advisers are the folks who can serve as your "ambassadors" on location -- they can represent you and be your eyes and ears.

If you can, you will want to make a trip to the places where you want to work, and schedule an action-packed week of informational meetings while you are there. If you can't do this, try to do the same outreach by setting up telephone informational meetings. This will help you build your networks on location as well.

Question from Jason Ratliff, Brigham Young University :
    What resources would you suggest new college graduates use to find leads on entry level positions in the non-profit sector?

Shelly Cryer:
    One of my biggest pieces of advice is to get away from the computer, at least part of the time. Despite the extraordinary wealth of information that the Internet provides, it pulls you away from the most effective strategies for job hunting. The best resources are the people in your network -- individuals who are leaders in the field that you are interested in, who you cultivate to help you find a job that matches your skill sets.

In addition, research the best print and online resources for your particular sub-sector. If you are interested in the environment, identify the best journals and magazines out there. Familiarize yourself with the organizations doing great work in this field. Attend meetings, conferences, and other special events connected to the issue and targeted organizations. Stay apprised of developments in the field.

Independent of my doing this online chat, I am ha uge fan of The Chronicle of Philanthropy. In all of my presentations across the country, I tell every nonprofit job seeker that they should read COP. It provides such comprehensive information on the nonprofit sector. Every nonprofit leader reads it, just about.

In addition, if you still have access to your college campus, you'll want to stay close to your office of career service, faculty members, and others who can help you in your search.

Question from Anne, AmeriCorps VISTA:
    If you don't have a personal contact at an organization and they specifically request no phone call inquiries regarding a job posting, how can you follow up with them to ensure they received your application and to assert your interest?

Shelly Cryer:
    I tell people to approach this question on a case-by-case basis. If a certain amount of time has passed, I think it is reasonable to follow up some way. If they have been explicit about no phone calls, you might choose to send an email, or a simple "snail mail" follow up letter.

The best situation, however, is that you have established a vibrant network of contacts, and someone in your network knows someone at that organization, and can follow up on your behalf. For any job you apply to, know who the senior staff and board members are. As you are networking with other people, ask about their friends and colleagues in the field. Identify "who knows whom" and keep this tracked in your job hunting notebook. Then, place a call to a contact and ask them to make an inquiry -- and pitch -- on your behalf.

Question from Sandra, AmeriCorps NCCC:
    What U.S. cities have the most no profit jobs available? I'm really interested in Florida.

Shelly Cryer:
    Nonprofit employment - like overall U.S. employment - tends to be concentrated in the mid Atlantic, south Atlantic, and east north central (Indiana and Illinois) regions. Metro areas experiencing the top level of growth of new charities are Atlanta, Las Vegas, Orlando, Houston, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, and Nashville. These are the places experiencing the most GROWTH of the sector.

But it is probably more important to identify the type of work you want to do and the types of organizations you want to work for -- and where you have professional leads -- to inform your decision about where to live and work.

Question from Jareb Price, recent IU Center on Philanthropy graduate:
    How can those of us who have invested the time and effort in pursuing professional training in the nonprofit world but who do not yet have the experience to bolster our resumes distinguish ourselves?

Shelly Cryer:
    It's great to have solid training. But you're right that you need experience. Figure out the type of work you want to do and the type of organization you want to work for and try to find meaningful, rigorous volunteer or internship positions. Consider positioning yourself to secure a board appointment -- this is a great way to get nonprofit experience, and the best organizations are interested in diversifying their boards, including with younger people.

There's no real way to bolster your resume to communicate experience if you do not have it. In that case, you should work to get experience. And also try to frame some of your academic training to be "experiential." Have leaders in the field give you feedback on your resume and cover letter.

Question from Ali Johnson, jacksonville public library:
    I'm a fairly recent grad, Dec. 07, relocated to Jackson, Fla., with a fairly poor job market and unemployment rate, I've applied for numerous jobs, have excellent skills, resume, interview techniques, etc., but I can't find a permanent job and don't have much of a network to call on here

Shelly Cryer:
    Get out a legal pad of paper. Start creating lists of organizations that you are interested in. Identify key staff and board members. Craft a powerful letter that describes who you are and what you want to do, and details why THAT PERSON and their organization is of interest to you. Ask for an informational meeting. Be clear that you are not asking them for a job, just wanting to learn about their work and experiences, and career path. People like to talk about themselves, and if you make a compelling case for why they should give you 20 minutes, you will be able to start building your network. Every time you land an informational meeting, ask that person for 3 more contacts. Follow up promptly on all leads. Stay in touch with the people who provided the leads. Say "thank you" in formal letters every step along the way.

Question from Maria, smallish non-profit:
    Hi there. I'm a 26-year-old non-profit professional and have been at my current organization almost two years. My organization is very resistant to giving raises and my current salary is well under the "industry standard". In the current economy, how do you suggest bargaining up?

Shelly Cryer:
    Being armed with data is helpful. You seem to know that you are being paid below industry standard. Consider putting this together in a memo, in writing. But more importantly, develop an argument for what you are contributing to the organization and your value. Ask for a meeting. Approach the conversation as a collaboration with your supervisor.

Check out NEGOTIATION GENIUS by Deepak Malhotra. He provides stellar advice on these difficult negotiations.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    We're at the midway point in today's discussion -- a good time for me to offer a reminder on how to post a question or comment. Simply click on the "ask a question" link on this page to share your questions or comments. Thanks.

Question from Shannan:
    I am an administrative secretary to a vice president of development at an university. I am interested in a career in development but between my duties as an administrative secretary, which involve typing, filing, mostly standard office work, I do not have much time for added responsibilities, etc. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to get started? And is there a book that that you recommend for me to read about getting into a development career?

Shelly Cryer:
    The Foundation Center is a wonderful resource and provides many classes on skills connected to fund raising and development. Check out their website and if there is a satellite office near you. Also check out the course offerings at your local nonprofit support center or state nonprofit association. They often present grant writing and related classes. You'll probably have to set aside evening and weekend time to do this. Read the Chronicle of Philanthropy and other fund raising-related publications. See if the AFP Association of Fund raising Professionals has programs near you.

Talk to your boss about what you are interested in and see if you can work with him or her to carve out some time to allow you to explore this work. You may be surprised with how well that will go over -- if you can make the case that you CAN keep up with your responsibilities while taking on some new ones, your supervisor may be impressed and want to support you.

In addition, start networking with other development professionals in your community. Schedule lunches, coffee breaks, or after-hours drinks with leaders in fund raising. Find out what events they attend.

Question from alice, small nonprofit:
    Is it true that given the economy more nonprofits are or will be relying on consultants for work that used to be performed by full time (with benefits) employees to cut costs? If so, is now the time to dive into a consulting career even if it means giving up a somewhat stable current position?

Shelly Cryer:
    I'm not sure that this trend has been documented or quantified, but it is something we hear anecdotally. And the freelancer workforce is definitely growing. There is a wonderful way of life connected with consulting to nonprofits - and it is how I have worked for nearly 18 years - but there are risks involved. You need to make sure your skills and experiences are those that work within the consulting arena. You need to make sure you have a cushion to allow you to have the time to develop a client base. And you need to be prepared to deal with the uncertainty of "feast or famine" which many consultants experience.

Question from Jane:
    How should an IT person present themselves to a nonprofit, if they wish to change their career path away from IT ? I have almost 27 years in IT, but am hoping to use my management experience both in IT and sales/retail/wholesale as my jumping-off point into non-profit work. I am a terrific organizer and have done a lot of technical writing.

Shelly Cryer:
    I suggest you identify the types of positions you believe you are qualified for and are interested in, and craft a sample cover letter for them. Then, share that cover letter and your resume to individuals in your network who have nonprofit experience, and see how they react to the way in which you have communicated your experience. Also, see if you can position your IT experience as an added "perk" to your candidacy. Even if you are switching fields somewhat (or completely), leverage your IT experience as a bonus for the nonprofit.

Sales experience can often be translated into development and fund raising experience.

Make sure that you can demonstrate commitment to mission. Zero in on a sub-sector you are interested in, and make sure you get some volunteer experience in it. There's a lot of competition out there, and you are competing with nonprofit employees who often have a lifetime of demonstrated commitment to mission ... something nonprofit employers care a great deal about.

Comment from Kerri Keller - Kansas State Univ.:
    Hi Shelly, Looks like you having a great response to the chat. I have enjoyed reading your responses and hopefully we will be able to link to your transcript later.....Kerri

Question from Alexandra, American Humanics grad:
    My biggest challenge in starting my non-profit career is knowing what is an entry level position. Some positions sound really interesting: program management, volunteer coordiantor, etc. But every organization is different and the position titles don't always suggest a hierarchy. How do I know what I can apply for? Is it a big mistake to apply for a position that might be a little out of my league?

Shelly Cryer:
    This question raises an important point about jobs in the nonprofit sector. Never trust a job title -- they mean radically different things at different organizations.

I don't think it is a big mistake to apply for a "reach" position, but it is a mistake to waste your time applying for jobs you are truly not qualified for.

The answer is RESEARCH. Learning about the organization, having a network of people in the field (and in that physical community), being able to learn about an open position off-line, through referrals and people who know the organization will provide you with the information you need -- information that will let you know if the job is a good one, if you are qualified for it, and how to frame your experience when applying for it.

Question from Stephen Bauer, American Humanics:
    Internships are vital to helping secure employment in the nonprofit sector. What advice do you have for students trying to secure internships with nonprofits?

Shelly Cryer:
    Great internships are WIN-WIN's for students and nonprofit organizations. They can help an organization advance its mission, and they can provide students with meaningful, concrete experiences and skills to help launch a career.

Students exploring an internship should be discriminating. Make sure that the prospective organization takes the program seriously, has thought about the job, and is providing meaningful work to the intern. You can help in this ... if you are interested in an organization but they don't have a job description for the internship, offer to write one yourself. Recognize that there often is a fair amount of admin work with nonprofit internships (and jobs generally), but make sure there is substantive work that is part of it.

Try to be paid for your work! If the position is unpaid, offer to spend part of your time supporting the development department to secure a small grant to cover your stipend. Be creative in exploring funding options -- on your campus, in your community, and through the organization itself.

Question from Virginia, pursuing non-profit career:
    Might be a basic question, but what's the difference between non-profit and not-for-profit. These terms seem to be used interchangeably.

Shelly Cryer:
    It's the same thing!

Question from Jason Ratliff, Brigham Young University :
    What resources would you suggest new college graduates use to find leads on entry level positions in the nonprofit sector?

Shelly Cryer:
    There are a number of websites that concentrate on nonprofit jobs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Idealist.org, OpportunityNocks.org and others. These can be very helpful. But you want to target your search as much as possible, and find the best resources for the type of work you want to do, the nonprofit sub-sector you want to be a part of, and the geographic area where you want to live.

And I know I keep saying it, but the very best resources for the job seeker are PEOPLE and having a great network of individuals who are supporting you and your search.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    If you're looking for more information about building and advancing your career, please keep in mind that the Chronicle offers a lot of free advice from credible sources on our careers page: http://philanthropy.com/jobs.

Question from Rose Marquart, San Jose State University - Career Center:
    Hello, Can you please offer your top tips for navigating the nonprofit job search for college grads during these tough economic times? Thank you.

Shelly Cryer:
    This tough economy means that the job seeker has to be even more professional, more diligent, and more active than ever before. Your cover letter and resume must be perfect. Your network of contacts must be stellar. You need to approach your search AS A JOB and really have a system in place for how you are researching organizations and individuals, tracking your outreach efforts, noting all of the leads you get, following up promptly on everything, and saying thank you at every juncture. Ask for feedback at every step. Test your communication vehicles with leaders in the field. Force yourself to get out there and network constantly. Your weekly planner should be packed with events, informational meetings, conferences, etc. Have business cards printed up that you can hand out. Make a list of your family members, friends, professors, past professional contacts, and reach out to them. You can't be shy.

Question from Alexandra, American Humanics grad:
    Do you know anything about the non-profit career field abroad? There are so many non-profits in the world that might provide a college graduate with the opportunity to work in another country. Is that possible? What resources are available for an international job hunt?

Shelly Cryer:
    Yes, there are fascinating opportunities with organizations that do international work and need people to work in the field. However, many field placements go to staff members who have experience within the organization ... many groups are reluctant to place someone overseas who has not been tested within their offices. So, find a way to get your foot in the door at an organization that has opportunities in the field you are interested in, even if it means starting out with a position based in the US.

Question from Judy Aungst, John Carroll Universtiy:
    When seeking networking opportunities or moving to a new area you mentioned it is important to identify key staff and board members for the organizations in which you have an interest. Are there particular resources available or that you recommend to help one do this?

Shelly Cryer:
    You can do a great deal of research about an organization online. Most organizations with a web presence list their staff members and board members. You also can read online or ask for a hard copy of their annual report.

There are directories of nonprofit organizations in your local library.

Also, when the federal government grants an organization nonprofit status, the organization is required to file a Form 990 annually. (Some orgs are exempt.) Completed Form 990s are available through GuideStar, at Foundation Center libraries, and on request from the organization itself. These forms can tell a reader a great deal about an organization, including its financial condition, how it raises and spends money, and compensation for staff members. The Form 990 is a good resource for learning more about an organization, especially as you try to determine your earning potential.

Question from Andrew G. Johnson & Wales CDO:
    What are some of the unique characteristics Non-profits look for in recent graduates as opposed to the for-profit sector - both in interviews and on resumes?

Shelly Cryer:
    Nonprofits want to see commitment to mission, demonstrated in the work you have done or volunteer opportunities you have pursued. They want you to have focused expertise ... it is not enough to tell a nonprofit recruiter "I want to make a difference in the world." You must be able to describe your passion specifically, and why that organization is a place you want to work in that it matches your passion.

Regardless of the position, nonprofits are eager to have employees with great communications skills. And experience with nonprofit fundraising is a real asset.

Question from David, grad school:
    I am graduating from a dual masters program and am interested in re-entering the nonprofit world. My concern is that now with the economic downturn and the experience that I have I will be deemed "too expensive" for nonprofits to afford me. What can I do as a new graduate to put myself in the best position and lock down a great job?

Shelly Cryer:
    I don't believe that just because of your education a nonprofit employer will consider you unaffordable. Your job is to have done your research in your region to understand what salary you can expect, and make sure you are comfortable with that. If you're not, then you are too expensive. There are no cookie-cutter salaries in the nonprofit world, but you can get a sense of what organizations are paying and what you can expect.

Question from Abby, higher education:
    I am an established professional working in student affairs. I just completed an MPA degree and am wanting to begin work in a nonprofit, but all of the openings I am encountering are either for entry level positions or are for very specific high level positions that I have some, but not all of the experience for. How does one change industries into the np sector and not begin at the bottom?

Shelly Cryer:
    Part of the trick is parlaying your experience to be relevant to the type of nonprofit you would like to work for. Your resume needs to TELL A STORY about you and your work and development of skills, experiences, and increasingly expanding responsibilities. It also has to tell the story of your commitment to the mission of the organization where you want to work.

I believe that there is a certain amount of "dues paying" that is expected. So be sure to get volunteer experience in the field where you want to work.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    Unfortunately we are out of time. Thanks to everyone for the great questions, and thanks to Shelly Cryer for all of her fantastic feedback.

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    A transcript of the chat will be available at http://philanthropy.com/live/. Thanks to everyone for participating!

Peter Panepento (Moderator):
    Please join us next Tuesday, April 28, when we'll explore how to write and design the most effective direct mail appeals.