Some jobs are not advertised, but you are invited to apply based on referrals.
My first paid NGO job was with KAF-Zim as a Programme Officer in 2002. The Res Rep asked for referrals from his network, 2 leaders I have volunteered for, separately recommended me for the interview.
At any stage in your career, you will not have the required skills or experience from paid wok, you can develop this from volunteer work.
I learnt program design and coordination from volunteer positions I held in high school, college and even now 20 years into NGO global work.
You can learn about and get into NGO work via volunteering.
1996/Form 6 I helped build a bridge in Mwenezi πΏπΌ at the Young Christian Students (YCS) Work Camp.
2006 I got an INGO job. I included this & other volunteer work in my CV & Career Portfolio I applied & interviewed with
Volunteering should be mutually beneficial. You gift your time and skills to the receiver. You gain a space to grow skills, gain experience or showcase them for referrals /CV development
I use this career development tactic. E.g support to YCS in 2015 with strategy development.
Often work experience and skills you want are not part of your paid job. Volunteering can help you to build skills, multiple career paths & job options that futureproof you.
E.g I learnt youth leadership development in this way, with YCS in Zim, SYWON in Swaziland & youth groups
Volunteering your time and skills at any career stage, can profile you, connect you to key people for career growth or job search.
I search for 2 volunteer speaking events per year. E.g. in 2016 I was part of theSpace Zim initiative, which connected me to #futureofwork networks.
As you progress in your career, recognition of the knowledge, skills and expertise your have by your professional peers. You can gain leadership experience by volunteering to be part of industry oversight bodies or Boards.
E.g. I'm on the @humentum_org Global Learning Council.
Volunteering for a project or an initiative can be a space to practice and develop your skills, which helps with career growth.
Social media now enables us to do this with anyone
and get global exposure.
Networks are key for business, job search and career success. Your school alumni is a source of volunteer & networking opportunities.
I'm Coordinator in Fletcher Old Students Association Committee. I host & manage a weekly Connecting Hour Program that helps me profile my skills.
Volunteering can be a strategic career development or job search tactic. It helps if you:
- have goal/s
- find an aligned volunteer opportunity
- ask for a job description and a Volunteer Contract
- invest time
- review and learn
- ask for a reference after
- enjoy!
If you found this useful, follow @EnnieChipembere for more tweets or threads on job search advice, job application support, job search plan development, CV review and interview preparation services.
Please retweet the 1st tweet so we help others access.
The global career trends below have been made worse by COVID.
- the job market is tighter than pre-COVID times
- jobs don't last forever
- upward promotion is now limited
- there is more lateral growth
- organisations become flatter
- restructures and retrenchments are often
To future proof your career try the "New Traditional" approach:
- define your own success
- change roles often
- don't attach to 1 company
- be a lifelong learning
- build a robust network inside & outside
- enrich your job with growth projects
- have 3 career paths for options
Tips on how to get into NGO work or transition and grow in the sector from a Career Coach who has worked for 20 years in the sector...π
A thread... π§΅
1. The NGO sector is professional like any other industry, so the usual advice for job search applies:
- have a Job search plan
- know what you offer
- research the market
- develop key documents
- profile yourself
- network
However, contextualise everything to the NGO sector.
2. Assess yourself - be clear about who you are and what type of NGO work resonates with you. So knowing your passion, purpose, vision, values, interests, personality etc helps.
Map what you can offer in NGO work - your education, training, transferrable skills, experience etc.
How to Identify the Life Crutches Holding You Back....π₯
You need to change. Everyone knows it too. Help has been offered. You have tried to change, but somehow there is that one reason you always give.
That's a Life Crutch.
Some examples and How to Change...ITS A THREAD!
2/10 Crutch #1 ~ EXCUSES
Think about excuses you give repeatedly in varying versions for not addressing growth-limiting behaviour. E.g. the two I used a lot before = I don't understand finances; running is not for me;
If it sounds like an excuse ACT!
3/10 Crutch #2 ~ STORIES
There are repeated stories you spin and tell yourself and others for not taking action. E.g. I have tried that before and it didn't work; In my family we are all like that;