Skip to main content
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
SFU Co-op Student

Celine
When you work for a non-profit, it’s almost guaranteed that your efforts will contribute to making the world a better place—and that makes the occasional stress well worth it.

Many students enter communications with the hopes of landing a glamorous, high-paying job that allows you to be creative and wear a power suit without feeling ridiculously overdressed (which isn’t a terrible aspiration whatsoever). However, I’m going to make a case for why you may want to consider a less glamorous, but highly rewarding career in the non-profit sector. If any of these characteristics describe you, you can pretty much be sure that you’ll find satisfaction working for a non-profit.

1. You Enjoy Working in a Casual Environment.

I’m not saying that all non-profits have casual work environments or that all for-profits don’t. What I am saying is that most non-profits are likely to be more relaxed and less formal in terms of management style, work attire, and overall work environment. If you like wearing jeans more than once a week, consider working for a non-profit (that’s a pretty compelling reason, right?).

2. You are a Fierce Advocate.

If you are extremely passionate about a certain cause and are determined to create change, the non-profit sector is made you. For me, one of the best things about working for the Canadian Mental Health Association is being surrounded by people who are motivated by more than a paycheck, but by a mission (how epic is that?!). These are professionals who have been personally touched by mental illness in their lives, or in the lives of loved ones, and have found a greater purpose from their suffering. That is nothing short of incredible.

3. You are Compassionate.

We all know that the field of communications is quite broad—you could find yourself promoting anything from businesses, to products, to entertainment. But if you want to improve the well-being of people, directly or indirectly, you should seriously consider working for a non-profit. Non-profits are people-centered hubs for those who care deeply about the plight of others.

4. You Love a Challenge.

Non-profits typically don’t have the financial capability that larger businesses enjoy, and this can sometimes pose a challenge to employees who work with limited resources. However, this will push you to exercise your creative juices and be resourceful when solving problems and working around these limitations. If you’re up for the challenge, apply for a position in the non-profit sector!

5. You Want Meaningful Work.

When you work for a non-profit, it’s almost guaranteed that your efforts will contribute to making the world a better place—and that makes the occasional stress well worth it. I personally love knowing that every tweet I draft helps a person learn about mental health services that are available to them, or that every dollar raised from a fundraising campaign helps a young personal living with mental illness or substance use issues get a post-secondary education.

If you, like me, have decided that it is not enough to make a living by marketing toothpaste (just kidding—where would mankind be without toothpaste?) and are looking for a rewarding career that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives, then, I repeat: work for a non-profit.

SFU Co-op Student
visibility  68
Apr 22, 2016

You Might Like These... Prospective, Professional Development, Career Exploration

Co-op students jumping in the air
The Co-op Connection Helps Retention

In this blog post, Heather shares with us why co-op is an important experience for all students, whether it be to further career aspirations or to gain future employment opportunities. 

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

Working on campus
The 10 Minute Commute – Resources and Useful Information for Working on Campus

Have you ever thought about working in a place that you are familiar with?  Perhaps a Tim Horton’s close by? For many students the idea of working at SFU might be a great option, if you prefer a 10 minute jaunt to work after class or an opportunity to learn more about how a university operates.

You Might Like These... Indigenous Career Journey Stories

Cynthia smiling
Cynthia George Taha | Registered Nurse

"With the uncertainty and changes in healthcare systems for our people and a separate health authority plan that will marginalize our people, I decided to be where my skills and services will be most beneficial." Read more to find out how a girl from Wetsuweten Nation became a leader in the Nursing field. 

a cup on the desk that says "Hustle"
4 Steps to Prepare for Graduating University

If you’re steps away from graduating, read on to see how I prepared to make the post-graduation world less intimidating.

Lampa’s first time wearing her uniform after receiving it in the mail. A proud moment.
Lessons from My First Work Term in the Civil Service; During a Global Pandemic

Thinking about working remotely for your next co-op term? Political Science student, Maja Lampa describes her experience adapting to remote work during her first season with the Federal Government and how she found meaningful work in uncertain times.