What are Non-Profit & Social Enterprise Careers?
A non-profit organization is an entity whose primary objective is to support some issue or matter of private interest or public concern for non-commercial purposes. Non-profits are mission driven, as opposed to profit driven entitles. They are engaged in an incredibly vast array of issues including the arts, education, politics, religion, research, social justice, and social services. Most non-profits are registered with the IRS as 501(c)(3) "public charities." Private foundations are the non-profits that give money either through grants or by running their own programs.
Social enterprises are organizations that address a basic unmet need or solve a social problem through a market-driven approach. An important facet of a social enterprise is that they focus on a “triple bottom line,” meaning they are not simply seeking profits, but also effecting social impact, and focusing on environmental sustainability. So while they may not be non-profits, social enterprises are similarly dedicated to social good. Social enterprises include a range of organizations, including democracy and governance, NGOs, economic growth, energy and infrastructure, environmental protection, health, water and sanitation, and youth development.
Would you Thrive in Non-Profit and Social Enterprise?
- Do you want to create social impact in your community or the world at large?
- Are you an innovator, disruptor or change agent?
- Are you concerned with the sustainability or consequences of strategic decisions?
- Do you enjoy developing potential in others?
- Do you want to make a difference in people’s lives?
- Are you passionate about a cause that you want to further?
- Are you motivated by a strong sense of social justice?
How can you Learn More about Non-Profit & Social Enterprise?
- Check the Non-Profit & Social Enterprise Interest Cluster Box (located within Career Interests on the drop-down menu under your name) in Handshake to receive info about upcoming events, internships and jobs
- Participate in career chats with alumni and parents on Handshake that will provide you with a "day in the life" experience of different careers
- Read the online Vault Career Guides which include the Vault Guide to Nonprofit Careers, the Vault Career Guide to Education, and the Vault Guide to Social Services Jobs
- Attend alumni, parent and employer-led Non-Profit panels and workshops throughout the year - check Handshake events for more details
- Browse idealist.org to find non-profits in your geographic area
- Get involved with the CMC Kravis Lab for Social Impact and be a CMC Community Impact Fellow
- Get involved with the Mgrublian Center for Human Rights
- Get involved with the Kravis Leadership Institute
- Explore the National Council of Nonprofits website
- Explore Certified B Corporations
- Explore the Social Enterprise Alliance website
- Explore the Business for Social Responsibility website
- Explore ideas42 (the Behavioral Science for Social Good website)
- Join 5C Tech for Good
- Join CMC Advocates
- Join Food Recovery Network
- Join Student Connection
- Join Claremont Colleges Red Cross
- Join the College Knowledge Club
- Join SOURCE non-profit consulting
- Join 5C Students and Alums in Education
- Join 5C Jumpstart
- Join CMC Amnesty International
- Volunteer or participate in internships in the local community during the academic year, be it in schools or non-profits
What should you know about Recruitment in Non-Profit & Social Enterprise?
Non-profit & social enterprise recruitment largely occurs off-campus. There are a vast number of volunteer internship opportunities in the non-profit sector, so it is advisable to select a cause that matters to you and an organization that shares your values. Many students find entry-level roles as part of communication or social media teams, although there are also many opportunities for project/program managers, administrators, and fundraisers. Recruitment typically takes place from February - May, and tends to be more "just-in-time," i.e., as positions open up and need to be filled.
Who's your Non-Profit & Social Enterprise Career Coach?
Freya Hurtado '09 - fhurtado@cmc.edu
Freya (she/her/hers) works with students, employers, and alumni associated with the following interest clusters: Accounting & Financial Services; Government, Law & Public Policy; and Non-Profit & Social Enterprise. She also serves as the Pre-Law Advisor for students and alumni, provides guidance for those applying to MBA programs, and supports the Claremont Colleges students on the Washington Program. Prior to joining Career Services, she worked in data analytics and operational efficiency in the energy utility space. Freya graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in Economics, Mathematics, and the Financial Economics Sequence, and she has her MBA from the Walter A. Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Freya enjoys cooking and baking for others, traveling, playing strategic board games, solving puzzles, watching Broadway productions, and reading novels.
