Whether an individual is a part of a for-profit or nonprofit organization, the skills they gain from their position don’t have to be tied strictly to their respective industry. Rather, if one makes the decision to transition from a for-profit to a nonprofit, or vice versa, any insights gleaned can be applied in every future role they take on.
Even so, making the leap into a new industry isn’t as easy as it sounds, and being able to determine what things will make a professional an asset to their organization is critical to a successful shift to the nonprofit sector. Below, 16 Forbes Nonprofit Council members each share one skill or characteristic that will serve a new nonprofit professional well as they begin a career in the nonprofit industry.
Members of Forbes Nonprofit Council share key skills or traits that can help those transitioning into the nonprofit sector.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Flexibility
Every organization is navigating through rapid change. When you arrive at a new job, expect that what you learn on day one may be different from what you learn on day 100. Change can be stressful, but it is also a chance to learn new skills and show how well you adapt. Being open and flexible to the opportunities change can bring will only benefit you throughout your career. - Jennifer Sirangelo, National 4-H Council
2. A Task-Oriented Mind
While it's easy to stay focused on the compassion demanded by the work, an efficient nonprofit has employees who are also task-oriented and understand the goals and tasks required to accomplish those goals—whether it is helping a youth build skills for a new job, an early childcare provider helping a young child learn to share or a home health worker helping their client feel more comfortable. - Deidre Lind, Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles
Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only organization for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations. Do I qualify?
3. The Ability To Read And Understand Others
As an executive leader in the for-profit industry for over a decade, I found that the one transferable skill that really serves me well in the nonprofit industry is my skill in understanding what the person in power wants and creating a partnership that embodies it. Body, verbal and written language are important, so being able to read all three will prove to be beneficial for you as a nonprofit leader, especially when seeking funding. - Tameka Womack, Clayton State University
4. Empathy
An employee's ability to empathize with others is pivotal. Therefore, as employees transition to work in the nonprofit sector, they must understand and respond with empathy while dealing with the pressing needs of the community they serve, knowing the impact of their contributions on the lives of those they serve. - Dr. Lilian Ajayi-Ore, Global Connections for Women Foundation
5. A Studious Nature
The one skill I would characterize as the top one is becoming a student and a well-read member of the nonprofit community. I regularly tell people that a subscription to the Chronicle of Philanthropy is a great place to start, followed by a historical study of the nonprofit industry. The skills from the for-profit world need to be balanced with an understanding of this new world. - Bill High, The Signatry
6. Sales Abilities
Having a sales professional background in my opinion is a great skill set to have as you transition into the nonprofit world. As a sales professional, you learn to overcome objectives through effective listening skills and then showing value in your presentation. Most nonprofit leaders I have seen are more operationally sound rather than sales-driven. - Christopher Dipnarine, 4MyCiTy Inc.
7. Clear Goal Articulation
I moved into nonprofit leadership in 2020 after over 20 years in the for-profit world. The one skill that would best serve any professional making such a transition would, in my opinion, be setting clear goals for the team. I have observed that too many organizations have teams that are not aligned around clearly articulated and understood goals. Everything else flows from there! - Sebastian Corradino, Archway Communities
8. Project Management
Project management skills will serve a nonprofit professional well. Nonprofit work is outcome based, and because those outcomes are real individual and societal shifts, it's important to be aware of and track the steps it takes to get there. It’s motivating to be aware of the impact nonprofit professionals make on a daily basis, particularly when dealing with large, seemingly intractable issues. - Neha Gill, Apna Ghar, Inc. (Our Home)
9. The Ability To Achieve Outcomes
For-profits focus on achieving outcomes for customers, and this same focus is critical for nonprofit stakeholders. Getting outcomes that nonprofit stakeholders need is how a nonprofit remains successful. When an individual can combine getting outcomes with the mission focus of nonprofits, everyone wins. - Randy Wolken, MACNY - The Manufacturers Association
10. The Ability To Build A Mission-To-Execution Model
After a 20-year career in the for-profit world, I would say the top transferable skill that will serve a new nonprofit professional well is the ability to build a mission-to-execution model. This system will make it clear how the strategy or mission, impact business model, operating model, organizational chart and management operating system all work together to deliver impact. - Damian Rivera, ALPFA - Association of Latino Professionals for America
11. Management
Management skills are crucial in both the for-profit and nonprofit arenas. Team members, paid or volunteer, require clear direction, defined responsibilities, reachable benchmarks and reasonable deadlines. Strong management skills are needed to lead the team. A nonprofit, like a for-profit, functions more effectively when well-managed. - Victoria Burkhart, The More Than Giving Company
12. Adaptability
Most people are familiar with IQ and EQ where IQ measures intelligence and EQ measures emotional intelligence. Since we live in a fast-changing environment, the newest skill set to look for is AQ or adaptability quotient. While this skill has been important, a person’s ability to adapt to a changing environment has been exponentially elevated these days. AQ prioritizes the skill of learning new skills. - Robert Santana, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast
13. The Ability To Innovate
Innovation is key in any operation. You will either change and grow or remain stagnant and die. Harness the expertise and competitive spirit from the private sector and use it to spark innovation in operational strategies, revenue generation and talent acquisition. It will make all the difference in whether the organization makes a long-lasting impact or simply keeps up the status quo. - Kimberly Lewis, Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc.
14. Budget Management
As someone who came from the for-profit sector, I know that the No. 1 transferable skill when moving to the nonprofit space is being able to effectively manage a budget. Creating, communicating and adhering to a budget is a critical skill that can ensure a nonprofit’s longevity and overall impact. A budget essentially is your operating plan in numbers. If you understand the ins and outs, you will be ahead of the curve. - Howard Chi, SF SPCA
15. A Sense Of Curiosity
Being inquisitive is critical. There are so many transferable skills, but bringing your sense of curiosity is key. Be curious about how the nonprofit sector works and functions, and spend time understanding the culture. The nonprofit world has its own rhythm and way of collaboration and partnerships. Prioritizing your curiosity will help you understand how and where to apply your skills further. - Jennifer Thompson, National Association of Social Workers New Jersey/Delaware
16. The Ability To Determine What Drives Success
When I was a business consultant, I had to learn the drivers of success for the industries of my clients. Learning the drivers of success in the nonprofit sector is vitally important for all, including people transitioning to the nonprofit sector. Being in a perpetual learning mode allows a person the opportunity to innovate. Innovation can only arise as a result of profound knowledge. - Jesse Bethke Gomez, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
