Ask any 3rd grade student what they want to be when they grow up, and they will proudly name one of many popular, lucrative careers: doctor, veterinarian, lawyer, professional athlete, even the occasional astronaut. No one ever says, "I want to work for a non-profit."

While it is rarely a childhood dream (as there is little glory and just as little money), many people find themselves drawn to the non-profit sector. In fact, over 1.7 million people in the U.S. currently work in the non-profit arena. Working in this industry can often provide the fulfillment that other jobs may be lacking.

Whether it's helping at-risk students stay in school, raising money to fund breast cancer research, or feeding the local homeless community, helping others can increase our own self-esteem. It can give us purpose and direction in our lives. Non-profits can also strengthen communities by pooling support from individuals, small businesses, and large corporations.

Working in a non-profit can offer the incentive of doing what you love to do, of using your talents, skills, and abilities to their fullest capacities. If you're great at writing, lots of opportunities are available for skilled grant writers to help raise funds. If your talent is public speaking, every organization needs good spokespeople to spread news of their successes and recruit others to support the cause. Even accountants, secretaries, and IT professionals have a place in non-profits.

The decision to choose a non-profit organization over a more profitable career is not an easy one; I struggled with this myself in college. I knew in my heart that my goal was to work for a cause, but the prospect of going to college and still earning as much as a shift-manager at a fast food chain discouraged me. My final decision came when I realized that I could only be happy at a job where the hours I put in would really make a difference to someone in need. In retrospect, it was the best decision I ever made.

Though the hours are at times rough, the pay is measly at best, and the efforts are often thankless, everyday in a non-profit is an opportunity to change a life. What more could you ask for?

Learn more about this author, Ms. Geisel.
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