Gwen writes:
For the past 11 years, I have been married and worked on writing novels and children’s books (which have not been published yet). I have a Ph.D. in education administration and prior to this had a business of my own. I am in the process of getting a divorce and am trying to get myself retrained to reenter the job market. What I would like to do is to go into the nonprofit industry. I have enrolled in two fundraising courses to get a certificate in fundraising and also trying to get a certificate in public relations. I have signed up to take the fundraising certificate exam. What’s the best way for me to break into the job market?
The Career Doctor responds:
Wow, you have quite an interesting background and it will be a challenge to create your resume to package everything you have done in a manner that would help you make the career change you seek — but it is certainly not impossible. It will require identifying and using transferable skills you have mastered and applying them to the skills required in the job you seek in the non-profit industry.
But the first thing you should do? Make a list of non-profits in your area and inquire whether they need volunteers for fundraising or public relations. My guess is just a bout every one of the organizations you call will resoundingly say yes.
Once you have your foot in the door, and once you complete your certifications, you will then have the transferable skills, certifications, and current experience (yes, volunteering counts as experience) to make the jump from volunteer to paid staff.
Making career changes is never an easy process, but I encourage you to keep moving forward. Having a career that you enjoy and have passion for is so much more important than working in a career you dislike but are compensated well.
