Should I switch non-profit work for the corporate world?

This week’s question

I currently work for a non-profit. The other day somebody senior in the organisation took me aside and told me she thinks I’m too good for my role and that I should look for something with much higher pay in the private sector, to better support my young family.

I had been thinking the same. I’m very interested in corporate intelligence or risk analysis, and these have significant overlaps with my current work. But all my professional contacts are in non-profits or academia. How should I go about attempting to make the shift? Anonymous, 30s

Jonathan’s Answer

Senior people taking an interest in your career is to be applauded, and your contact has shown that they are looking out for you, albeit with a focus on financial reward to support your family. The fact that you’ve been thinking the same suggests you may be ready for a move, not just for money but to follow your interests in corporate intelligence and risk analysis.

First, you could apply your existing skills in corporate information and analytical thinking to the decision itself, assessing the underlying premise that the private sector would suit you better. Sir Stephen Bubb, executive director of the Gradel Institute of Charity at New College, Oxford university, suggests that “It’s an old-fashioned view that you cannot have a good career in a non-profit.” There are about 1.5mn jobs in non-profit organisations across many areas of the economy and public service in the UK. “For example, a third of all medical research is funded or conducted by charities,” Bubb continues. “Indeed, many non-profits now work in areas in competition or in collaboration with private companies; the old barriers between the private, public and third sectors are now more porous.”

Start by information interviewing to work out your options. Begin with known contacts (you could start with your supportive senior colleague) and they may connect you to others in the for-profit sector. You’re seeking to learn if the work content is more interesting and stimulating, and if the pay and conditions are actually better. With a young family, you’ll be juggling many aspects of the role, including flexibility to work from home, salary, benefits and travel required. And do consider what role comes after this next one. Will it open up more choices in future?

Information you collect on the private sector will inform your choices more fully. At the same time, it’s worth exploring how you can develop your role and contacts from your current position.

Keep your filter — that the job should be in the private sector — secondary to the question of finding the right role that is intellectually rewarding, personally meaningful, and preferably well remunerated. You’ll then be able to explore a wider range of career options. 

Bubb also observes that the non-profit world can be “less bureaucratic and hierarchical and provide a strong avenue for talent and ambition in a way that might be more difficult in a big corporate entity”. By keeping an open mind about both the corporate and non-profit world, you can assess a range of possible next moves on their own merits. “Non-profits are often at the forefront of developing policy, innovation and new ways of working,” says Bubb. “Your current sector could be so very exciting.”

Readers’ advice

Absolutely switch. Money gives you more options in life, and also provides a lot more protection and safety. It is possible to have a for-profit career that is both meaningful and fulfilling. Doutora

Apply and expect to start with a more junior position while you adjust to the for-profit world. The Grass is Greener

If you know no one in your target sector, the best way is to carpet bomb it with regular, multiple applications and approaches to recruitment firms. This will polish your application and interview approach. Extra Time

Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email: dear.jonathan@ft.com