Nonprofit Industry Expert Lisa M. Dietlin Offers Advice to Job Seekers: Consider a Career in the Nonprofit Sector

Nonprofit expert Lisa M. Dietlin suggests unemployed workers and individuals considering a career change look to nonprofit organizations where thousands of jobs are available for skilled and passionate people

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 12, 2009 -- With economists reporting more than two million jobs lost last year and the unemployment rate rising to a level unseen in a quarter century, nonprofit expert and philanthropic consultant Lisa M. Dietlin suggests job seekers consider including the nonprofit sector in their job search. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the country. These organizations have the same need as the corporate world to hire skilled, talented and experienced people to fill positions that include fundraisers, executives, managers, IT programmers, lawyers, educators, receptionists, maintenance and support staff. The most needed individuals are those who can fundraise, but there is need in other areas too.

"The economic crisis is forcing white and blue collar workers to reconsider their place in the job market; while a record number of jobs have been lost in American companies, there are thousands of opportunities available in the nonprofit sector which includes healthcare, arts, environment, education, social services and many more fields," says Lisa M. Dietlin, president and CEO of Lisa M. Dietlin & Associates, a Chicago-based nonprofit and philanthropic consultancy. "Nonprofit organizations offer salaries and benefits just like for-profit companies, but nonprofits offer the additional benefit of personal fulfillment. In a nonprofit, an individual has the opportunity to apply their skills and experience to a cause or service that inspires their passion."

Lisa M. Dietlin's suggestions for finding a job and building a career in a nonprofit organization:

Search Online Resources

The newspaper of the nonprofit world, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, offers a job service that is updated daily with fresh job listings. It also has a guide that details the things-to-know about moving into a nonprofit career: www.PhilanthropyCareers.com. Idealist.org has thousands of jobs in its job bank. It offers valuable advice about networking and resume building: www.Idealist.org. There is no cost to search for jobs on these sites.

Follow Your Passion

If you want to enter the nonprofit world, consider entering a field that you are passionate about: arts, healthcare, education, youth services, seniors, literacy, etc. Nonprofit work can be personally and professionally fulfilling.

Network

Reach out to friends and colleagues; do three things every day to find a job including making calls, sending emails, telling everyone you know what you are interested in doing. Be sure to follow up on all leads.

Advance Yourself

Consider taking classes, online courses and attending conferences that will enable you to learn about working in a nonprofit organization.

Volunteer First

Not sure if the nonprofit sector is for you? Volunteer your time with an organization you care about before deciding to pursue a position.

About Lisa M. Dietlin & Associates

Lisa M. Dietlin & Associates assists entrepreneurial individuals and nonprofit organizations in developing transformational philanthropic strategies. Serving as a philanthropic agent, Lisa M. Dietlin & Associates' expert advice, structured counsel and major gift programs are becoming the prime model for philanthropic leadership. Lisa M. Dietlin is a nationally known speaker and published writer on issues of charitable giving and philanthropy. She is the charity contributor and philanthropic advisor with CBS 2 Chicago.

# # #