Watch Out for Pitfalls When Transitioning to Non-Profits

Moving to a nonprofit organization from a for-profit company sounds easy and straightforward, but the shift can be jarring. Nonprofits often operate with different resources and goals, which leads to unique procedural and cultural systems. Whether you're interested in working for a small charity or a large educational organization, an awareness of the potential pitfalls can help ease the transition.

Resistance from Existing Staff

A nonprofit organization frequently needs to fight for funding, relies on volunteers and gets by with just enough staff. To succeed in the face of these challenges, employees at nonprofits often work long hours, pitch in to help with mundane tasks and make do with few luxuries. When you transition from the corporate world, you might encounter resistance or skepticism from staff members who doubt your ability to handle the adversity. During interviews, be prepared for questions that target your intentions, your commitment, your dedication to the organization's mission and your awareness of the issues that nonprofits face.

Language Issues

When you're trying to transition from a for-profit business to a nonprofit organization, it's important to watch your language. Nonprofits tend to use a different set of terms to describe the organization, its activities and goals; using the wrong words can mark you as an outsider from the start. As a general rule, stay away from traditional business jargon, and avoid acronyms such as ROI, EBITDA and CAGRs. Refer to the group as an organization rather than a company or corporation. On your resume and in job interviews, replace for-profit terms with language that demonstrates an insider's understanding of the nonprofit world, where workers talk in terms of major donors, outcomes and development.

Culture Shock

As the name suggests, a nonprofit organization has different end goals than a for-profit company. Instead of making money, it focuses on benefiting the public interest. This mindset often has a significant impact on the organizational culture. Where a company may have a strong leadership and decision-making hierarchy, a nonprofit might use a more collective process. Nonprofits with longtime staff members might resist to change, while others have high turnover rates that lead to a less-defined culture. Nonprofit cultures tend to be complicated, and each one is different. Research the organization so you can choose words and behaviors that demonstrate your ability to fit in.

Flexible Responsibilities

In a standard business, employees often have defined roles and responsibilities. In a nonprofit organization, employees are more likely to take on a wider range of duties. You might find yourself handling tasks that would be assigned to an assistant in a for-profit business, or your supervisor might ask you to take on projects that are outside of your expertise. To succeed at a nonprofit, you must be flexible and maintain an open, willing attitude.

The transition from a for-profit to a nonprofit organization isn't always smooth. If you can stick it out, however, the end result is rewarding work for a worthwhile cause. Anticipating the potential pitfalls reduces surprises and helps you navigate the process with grace.

Image courtesy of Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter at Flickr.com