August 18, 2004 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Q. I’m currently serving in the U.S. Navy and would like to enter the nonprofit field when my tour of duty is up. One option I’m considering is starting my own charity. Can you direct me to resources that would help me learn more about fund raising, program development, and finding a mentor?
A. Before you launch a new charity, make sure that there aren’t organizations already tackling your chosen mission, advises Christopher Cullen, executive vice president for marketing and communication at the American Legacy Foundation, in Washington. Mr. Cullen served in the U.S. Navy after college, and went on to a career in business before making the switch to the nonprofit world. “Comprehensively scan the ‘issue landscape’ before starting,” he urges. You’ll want to know who’s out there, he says, and who your “natural competitors” are for financing and positioning.
In fact, a good way to gain firsthand knowledge of the nonprofit landscape is to land a job at a charity that works in your area of interest. For more information about searching for employment, check out Philanthropy Careers’ Job Seeker’s Primer for information about navigating career fairs, talking to recruiters, crafting a perfect cover letter, and more. Find advice on making the transition from the military to the job market on Transition Assistance Online, a Web site specifically for service personnel who are re-entering the civilian world. Also, be sure to tap into the career resources that are available on your base.
Before you leave the service, you might be able to get a jump on your nonprofit career by volunteering at a charity that works in your area of interest. The best way to get to know people who make hiring decisions is to volunteer — and it’s also a good way to view how charities operate up close. (You might even find yourself a mentor this way.) A previous edition of Hotline addressed how to turn a volunteer position into a paid position.
If you decide that you really would like to start your own charity straight away, Philanthropy Careers has compiled a list of resources that can point you in the right direction.
Got a question about job hunting, recruiting, or managing in the nonprofit world? Send it to us at hotline@philanthropy.com.
