Question:  I am a licensed social worker who has been putting time in at law firms and finance companies on Wall Street for the past two decades.  I have been promoted regularly and earn an executive salary.  At the same time, I have taken social services courses to keep current with elder care and addiction management.  The last set of courses reminded me how much I want to return to the not-for-profit sector. 

Years ago, I founded a successful social service organization that ran well until I had to take on family concerns.  Do you have any ideas about how I can get back to this area of interest when most employers look at my finance and legal accomplishments and want to place me in those kinds of roles?

Answer:  I would need to study your resume in detail to really give you concrete feedback. However, I do have some more generalized thoughts to consider.

First, consider creating a profile or summary at the beginning of your resume which tracks both your social services and your Wall Street skills together.  That way, readers should not erroneously assume your focus is solely on your finance and legal skills.  You should also find a way to highlight your entrepreneurial skill and the foresight and planning it took to launch the successful social services venture.

Second, many not-for-profits actually look for senior leaders with a corporate background because such experience helps ground the organization. There is certainly a perception that corporate graduates tend to focus more consistently on quality and efficiency, and that will work to your advantage.

Another strategy to consider is taking an interim step where you serve in a visible role on a national, not-for-profit Board. Ideally, one of your corporate colleagues is already affiliated with a great board and could recommend you.  The exposure will build new NFP connections out of your corporate network, and each connection will develop traction, leverage and new possibilities.  Evidence of your commitment to NFP missions and social outreach will support your transition.

A return to your specific area of interest is most definitely doable. Actively group and communicate your skills and experiences not only the way you want them to be seen, but also so they are seen, collectively, as a win-win package. Point what you have to offer in the direction you want for your career rather than have it passively be decided for you.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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Last updated on June 28th, 2016 at 01:50 pm