The New Non-profit Kid on the Block

My recent relocation from an East Coast metropolis to colorful Colorado has left me a little disoriented. The transition from working lots of overtime in a familiar city to searching for work in a strange town is enough to leave anyone feeling a bit lost. I suspect that I am not alone in my search for the perfect non-profit job. This article by Allison Jones, a NYC non-profit maven, touched upon all of my insecurities and offered some simple advice.

Her observation that, as non-profit employees, our personal and professional lives are inextricably intertwined underscores the importance of finding a job about which we can be passionate. She recommends that transplants with existing employment utilize coworkers and supervisors as a support network. Beyond that, she points out that the Young Non-profit Professionals Network or Chamber of Commerce are great resources. For those of us who don't have coworkers to turn to, I decided to add a few of my own strategies for successful professional integration into a new community.

1. Sign up for LinkedIn. That this may seem like a no-brainer, but it is amazing how many people have not taken advantage of this networking nexus.  While other social media provide entertaining diversions and a chance to reminisce about high school hijinks, LinkedIn is completely geared toward professional growth. If you feel like you're drowning in your current social stream, follow this advice, filter out the lolcats, and start connecting with like-minded locals. 

 2. Be a joiner. Find local branches of professional organizations and attend their events. From AIGA to the local Young Professionals, there is a veritable library of organizations dedicated to networking. Many of these groups will have websites with their own job board and events calendar. Not only are the events a great way to meet people in your desired field, they also frequently provide an opportunity for you to get to score some free booze at a hot spot in your new hometown!

3. Check the job boards. For someone in a new town, knowing where to find job listings is key. Job boards like idealist.org, coloradononprofits.org (or a similar site for your respective state), and the non-profit section of craigslist are great places to start. Add to those the job board for the professional organization that you just joined, and the employment section of the newspaper and you'll likely have more options than you know what to do with. Make sure that you research companies of interest before applying in order to avoid scams.

4. Google. A good old-fashioned web search for non-profit organizations in your new town can be very revealing. Many organizations post employment opportunities on their websites. While you're there, you can do some research on the company to beef up your cover letter!

5. Consume local media. When it comes to learning about a new culture, immersion is key! Eating at local establishments, joining a sport and social league, and consuming local media will all help you feel the flavor of your new home. Don't limit yourself to the mainstream newspaper; morning radio shows, local cable channels, and alternative daily/weekly publications can be invaluable.

6. Take your business cards EVERYWHERE. Seriously. Take it everywhere. You never know when the person sitting next to you at a bar might turn out to be a recruiter for a major company (true story!).