February 12, 2004 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Q. I have eight years of experience in arts administration, both fund raising and program work. I have a master’s degree in English literature, but have begun to wonder if having a nonprofit-related credential would strengthen my résumé. I have been looking into various certificate programs in fund raising and nonprofit management. Do these programs carry any weight with potential employers?
A. A nonprofit academic credential is not essential, nor is it nearly as important as significant experience in the nonprofit field, says Rebecca Worters, president of Capability Company, an executive recruiter in Raleigh, N.C., that works solely with nonprofit clients. When she searches for an executive director or development director, she says, she looks for leadership, determination, common sense, experience, and a track record of success in positions of increasing responsibility. If you already have eight years of experience, your best bet is to take on the kinds of responsibilities that will allow you to demonstrate your contributions to future employers, she says: “If you can point to specific achievements, such as new or expanded programs that you developed, dramatic increases in revenue streams that you generated, or your effective bottom-line financial management, those will carry far more weight with employers than a certificate program or degree.”
Participation in such educational programs is much more important for people who have little relevant experience or who are switching into a nonprofit career, she says. In those cases, being involved in a program does show initiative and a commitment to the nonprofit world and can provide a career boost.
If you do choose to enroll in a nonprofit-management program, consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages of online and classroom courses, says Joe Watson, chief executive officer of StrategicHire, a recruiting company in Reston, Va., that works with nonprofit clients. Although online programs are more convenient, many employers prefer more-traditional courses, says Mr. Watson. He recommends that if you do choose an online program, you should seek one with an institution that is accredited and has a good reputation. You might even seek out a hybrid course that incorporates both classroom and online instruction.
To learn more about nonprofit-management education — including online programs — read a recent Philanthropy Careers Special Report on the subject. State and regional associations of nonprofit organizations provide training opportunities or can point you toward them; go here for a listing of such groups. Also consult the comprehensive guide of nonprofit-education programs, compiled by a Seton Hall University researcher, Roseanne M. Mirabella. Click on “Nonprofit management education research” to obtain the listings. And see this previous edition of Hotline for more advice on the subject.
Got a question about job hunting, recruiting, or managing in the nonprofit world? Send it to us at hotline@philanthropy.com.
