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the hard question
A
ccording to the Australian Bureau of
Statistics, the not-for-profit sector now
employs more than 880,000 people in
Australia, and Emily Walker is one of a grow-
ing band of employees pursuing more personal
fulfilment through considered career changes.
Walker had a successful career in the adver-
tising industry, but the buzz of working with
highly creative people in a leading Sydney
agency was no match for her desire to make
a difference. She is now thriving in her role
as Corporate Relationships Manager at Camp
Quality, a not-for-profit organisation bringing
optimism and happiness to the lives of children
and families affected by cancer.
"There's something powerful about know-
ing the energy I've put into the day ultimately
makes a difference to the families. The organi-
sation and the culture is fantastic," she says.
While the functional aspects of her role such
as account management and media liaison are
similar to her previous responsibilities in ad-
vertising, Walker is now more able to harness
her passion for helping people, and she finds
there are elements of the culture that compa-
nies in a range of industries could learn from.
"We have a graffiti board and when you leave
the office each day you have to write a positive
message as you're walking out the door. Even
if you've had a bad day you walk out feeling
great about what you've achieved that day and
it forces you to think about something posi-
tive," Walker says.
Roles in the not-for-profit sector can be per-
sonally and professionally satisfying, but the
decision to change careers is an individual
one and shouldn't be taken lightly. There are
a range of ways you could give back to soci-
ety depending on what you are setting out to
achieve.
For example you could get involved in vol-
unteering, training a children's sporting team
or helping out at a charity event. People with a
background in leadership may also like to offer
their skills as a mentor for another organisa-
tion if their skills are transferable.
If you are considering applying for a job with
a charity, spend time thinking carefully about
your motivations and what it is you are setting
out to achieve.
L
David Kennedy is Director of social trends
consultancy Grain Fed Research and
Managing Partner of Sydney-based wealth
management firm, Pacific Advisory.
Making the transition from climbing the corporate ladder to seeking out a role
within a charitable organisation can be a highly rewarding experience, but as
David Kennedy explains, it pays to do your homework before making the move.
to charity champion
Not-For-Profit Career Change Tips
1.
Reflect on why you want to make the
career change and what you hope to
achieve by working for a not-for-profit
organisation
2.
Determine whether there are alternative
roles in your current workplace that may
allow you to feel you are making a difference
3.
Write a shortlist of organisations you
would be interested in joining and ensure you
identify with their mission, values and culture
4.
Talk to as many people as you can that
work in the not-for-profit sector
5.
Get in touch with a recruitment
agency specialising in the NGO sector
6.
Consider engaging a career coach
7.
Check job web sites such as Seek and
My Career for vacancies
8.
Explore ways you can help in the
community such as volunteering
9.
Use your existing network to access
opportunities and introductions
10.
Consider how your career change
will affect your family and lifestyle