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Today's post is written by JMC student, Azra Salihovic, and is the fourth (and final) in our series of posts from the James Madison Alumni Career Day. Check out the first, second, and third here). 

Not one of the six alumni I spoke with thought they would be working for a nonprofit organization after graduating from MSU’s James Madison College, yet here they all were sitting on the Nonprofit Panel at JMC’s seventh annual Alumni Career Day event. All came from various backgrounds and had different experiences working in the not-for-profit sector, but all shared valuable advice with students interested in working for nonprofit organizations in the future.

Julie Burtch, current Development Director for Habitat for Humanity and 2004 JMC graduate, noted that internships and volunteering is the best way to get hired and noticed by an organization, since many nonprofits tend to hire from within. Ms. Burtch, for example, held several positions and internships prior to her current position with Habitat for Humanity, including grant writing positions, working as the Program Assistant for REO Town Commercial Association, and then later taking over as executive director for the same organization.

Other useful advice for students interested in finding opportunities in the not-for-profit sector included:

• Building strong relationships or “networking” is crucial for both better serving the organization and your own career goals
• Learning how to fundraise through volunteer or internships, since many nonprofits depend on donor funds or grants for survival
•  Researching nonprofits you are interested in working for by looking at their fund dispersal and their IRS forms through guidestar.org.

If you've had a positive experience networking with MSU Alumni, or attended the event, please leave a comment!