Graduation Year: 2016
Majors/Minors/Certificates:
Major: BAIS in Business Studies
Certificate: Nonprofit Management
Certificate: Entrepreneurial Management
Minor: Political Science
Current City & State: Cedar Rapids, IA
Current Position & Organization: Treasurer, Board of Directors, National Alliance on Mental Illness - Linn County Chapter
How did your NM certificate help you get to where you are today?
The NM Certificate prepared me for board service, by teaching me that just because your organization is a Not-for-Profit, does not mean money isn't hugely important. I believe I saw many of my peers learn this lesson as well. There are a lot of really great ideas out there, and you can ABSOLUTELY get started with no capital. But if you don't have or can't generate revenue, volunteerism has its limits. To really expand the reaches of your NPO, and help achieve your mission, money becomes very important, so you need to view your organization as a business: How are we bringing revenue in, and what expenses do we have and foresee?
What career advice do you have for current NLP students?
I'm not sure I'm far enough into my career to give truly insightful career advice. When it comes to the Non-Profit sector, be inquisitive. Follow what you care about. Reach out to individuals within that sector or organization and see if you can buy them coffee and pick their mind. In my experience, the Non-Profit sector is rife with individuals who want to help build the next generation of philanthropists. Ask what you can do to help. For some, that may be volunteering at events. As you begin to grow and establish yourself in your career, you may find a board or committee that needs your strengths, as well as a younger perspective. No matter what - get involved.
Lastly, if you have any interest at all in leading a Non-Profit by serving on a board, committee, or in executive leadership, I cannot recommend Joan Garry's Non-Profits Are Messy podcast enough. That will give you insight into challenges boards of all sizes face, and may help you prepare for the next challenge. https://blog.joangarry.com/nonprofits-are-messy-podcast/