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What are the hardest parts of getting involved in the small business/non-profit organization world in pursuit of management career opportunities ?

I am pursuing organizational management in college and want to pursue a career in the management of non-profit organizations or small businesses. What are some of the main challenges I should prepare for when pursuing this career so I know what to expect when entering the professional world? Are there any steps I can take in college to set myself up for success? What kinds of connections or opportunities should I be on the lookout for when entering the job market? #Spring25

career business spring25 business-management non-profit
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Mark’s Answer

These are two separate careers. Understand what makes them different. Getting involved is easy. Earning enough to cover rent is also something you need to consider. Follow the steps below to take action.

Mark recommends the following next steps:

Learn the differences between small business and non-profit business
Determine what role you want to play
Volunteer for opportunities in your area. Perhaps get a jr. board position.
Both require leadership. Take as many courses in leadership as you can and find a role that you can practice it.
nonprofitready.org has free courses online.
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Katie’s Answer

Alyssa: I haven't worked for a non-profit, but I did work for a small business while in college. I noticed that even if you have a main role, you often have to handle other tasks not in your job description. It's helpful to take various business courses in school, even if they aren't directly related to your field. I focused on finance and accounting for my degree, but I also took classes in marketing, organizational behavior, pricing, strategy, and computer information systems. Although my main jobs have been in finance, I've used skills from other courses, too. In a small business, you need to be versatile!
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Michelle’s Answer

Take the pressure off yourself by focusing on what you like to do. Enter your freshman year with a mindset of discovery and learning what is of interest to you. You are bound to find something in the college class catalog that sparks an interest or clarifies what you dislike. Move through the college experience with an open mind and heart to meet new people and use a part of your brain in new ways. Meet with professors and community members that are doing interesting things and ask them about their career and how they made decisions while in college. Best wishes. You’ll be fine.
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