Corporate Professionals Transitioning Into the Nonprofit Sector: Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side?
Friday, May 1, 2009
By: Erica M. Pagano

As we continue to hear about the economy's crippling effects on corporate America, we are also witnessing its significant strain upon the nation's nonprofits. But all is not lost. Now, more than ever before, the nonprofit sector has a hidden opportunity - a new wave of professional talent interested in leveraging their skills towards a greater good.

Some 9.5 percent of corporate US workers between the ages of 44 and 70 have moved into the social sector (nonprofits, schools and other civic institutions) and half of “trailing edge” boomers between 44 and 50 say they, too, want to make the switch, according to a recent survey by the MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures. 

What are the key motivators for making this transition, which Bridgestar refers to as “bridging?” 
For some it’s a strong desire to foster a lifelong passion for a specific cause; for others, it’s a call to pursue rewarding leadership opportunities that can be more difficult to find in the for-profit sector. 
And, with a hot spotlight on public service, thanks to President Obama’s interest in growing voluntary public service programs, the number of those transitioning to the sector may grow larger still.

According to Gary Kaplan & Associates, a generalist search firm, “The opportunities that lie in the nonprofit realm for an executive with skills gained working in for-profit corporate America are diverse and exciting.  In a world where talented executives always seem to be in short supply, there are consistent opportunities in a nonprofit venue for career satisfaction, stability and longevity.” 

In addition, in today’s challenging economic environment, many for-profit professionals who have found themselves out of a job are casting a wider net, realizing that corporate talent is needed in the nonprofit sector as well.  According to a recent Bridgespan Group study, the nonprofit sector in the United States alone must find at least 330,000 senior executives by 2016 to fill the gap created by managers’ retirement from nonprofits and growth in the number of such organizations. “A leadership deficit is prompting nonprofits to look outside their ranks for managers,” says Bridgespan Group Chairman Thomas Tierney.

Let’s keep in mind that while transitioning is an attractive choice for some, one does not have to cross the “bridge” into full-time nonprofit work to be able to use his or her skills to make a difference and provide alternative capital to a nonprofit.  Volunteering is a great way to start.

However, for those who have decided to cross the “bridge”, what do you need to know in order to transition successfully? Is the grass greener on the other side?

OnPhilanthropy spoke with Angela Cobb, formerly of Allstate and Deloitte and now the Chief Diversity Officer at Teach for America, to hear more about her journey and what she believes are common myths, key challenges, and practical tips for successfully transitioning into the nonprofit sector.

Why cross the bridge? 

onPhilanthropy (OP): What motivated you to work in the nonprofit sector and what are the rewards in doing so?

Angela Cobb (AC): I am fortunate that I have been able to use the work I am passionate about, which includes recruiting, diversity and community outreach, in my career both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.  However, there were some key drivers and rewards such as a yearning to touch the community more directly, an opportunity to get immersed in the life of a community and wanting to do something transformative in education which for me is the great equalizer.  I was looking for a specific nonprofit to work for and Teach for America met all of my criteria.

OP: Some nonprofit organizations are skeptical about hiring individuals from the for-profit sector. What do you feel are the most common myths and how would you combat these myths based on your personal experience?

AC: I do not believe there is a significant misalignment between the for-profit and nonprofit sector.  If someone is passionate about your organization and has the right skills needed to further the mission does it matter that they came from the for-profit sector? There is also a ‘romanticism’ perception of the nonprofit sector that this path is a smoother one.  You deal with similar and different challenges, and the work is no easier because everything you do and the decisions you make are directly impacting the mission of the organization.  Often times it may be harder to leave your work at work.

OP: The for-profit and nonprofit sectors are different with respect to culture, organizational and management structures, and financial management approaches.  What were the biggest challenges you faced in your transition?

AC: My challenges apply to any new organization you join, whether it is for-profit or nonprofit. They included learning a new organization and its culture, building a network, learning how to get things done, and creating the role I am in because it is a new role.  For me, my transition has not been a completely different experience largely because of the organization I work for which operates on a larger scale, has amazing stewardship, a wealth of available resources and a solid track record. 

OP:  Based on your personal success what do you believe are the top five things you need to ensure a successful transition? 

AC: First, you need to do the right due diligence which involves researching the organization, their mission, programs, etc.  Second, learn the culture of the organization by meeting as many people as you can and asking tough questions.  Third, learn the space the organization exists in.  Fourth, learn the role you are seeking and how your skills directly transfer.  Lastly, be realistic and have clear expectations.

About the Author

Erica M. Pagano is a Managing Director in the Corporate Social Engagement group of Changing Our World, a national consulting firm assisting corporations, nonprofits and philanthropists in successfully accomplishing their goals. She can be reached at epagano@changingourworld.com.

For more information about skills-based volunteering and opportunities visit the following online resources:
http://www.taprootfoundation.org/, http://www.entrepreneur.com/, http://www.smartvolunteer.org/