Why I choose nonprofit

When ever the topic turns to job hunting in a conversation, especially with today’s economy, I feel that more and more I am getting confronted with the question “why not work for a for profit?” If jobs are so hard to come by and I need the money (lots of it) to pay off my student loans why don’t I retire my dreams of working in the non-profit sector (at least for now)?

Reflecting on my experience as an intern here at Oregon Independent College Foundation I can tell you a number of reasons why I’m still pursuing a nonprofit career. You’d be mistaken if you thought it might be the luxury of having your office in an old dormitory or raising a million dollars with a staff of three. Charming nuances that bring a smile to my face and make for a good story, but not the reason I’m still bent set on having a nonprofit career.

More so, it’s the ability to feel that in selling your organization you’re helping people. Not in the superficial infomercial way that convinces people they need things they don’t really need, but in a way that addresses real needs present in society and offers a service to assist. I find myself being most passionate about my work outside of the office when I’m having candid conversations with friends about the struggle of affording higher education and the frustration in finding proper financial assistance.

I love coming to work knowing that I’m making a difference to someone. That’s what keeps me positive about the world I’m living in and energizes me to push through the challenges. When I can channel my past frustrations into a platform for creative solutions for the future it makes my struggles worthwhile and gives me motivation that will likely last a lifetime. I think for me personally it also allows me to be a better employee because it inspires drive and creativity.

The simple fact of the matter is that I need a greater purpose behind my work than just making money. I want to address needs not to gain stature and self-assurance, but because that’s what makes me come alive and I see it touching peoples lives every day. Part of it too, perhaps a more selfish motive, is that I want to enjoy my work and I know that serving people brings me joy.

I know that it’s not everyone’s passion and that there are certainly people gifted with talents meant for the for profit world and they can make a difference too. I don’t think there’s a superior choice, that’s not my point. I believe that individuals pursue one sector or another because it rings true with who they are – their beliefs, their values, their intellect, their talents. You see it’s not just my mind that is set on working non-profit, it’s my heart too, and that tends to be a powerful guiding factor in my life.