International Career (Govt or Non-profit)

<p>I currently work at a private consulting firm and I really hate it. I've been building my resume around finance and I've realized that I can't stand a job that requires me to sit in a desk for 40 hours a week. </p>

<p>I am making good money right now as an undergrad. 2-3 thousand dollars a month working part time BUT I just hate grinding out numbers, looking at interest rates, and trying to figure out how much money I can save for people who already have millions in their savings acount when theres millions around the world dying from starvation.</p>

<p>Im also taking accounting classes right now and thats driving me pretty crazy too. I KNOW that I can make bank if I did take the route in a privitized financial career like accounting, asset management, investment banking but I dont know if I want to do that for rest of my life.</p>

<p>I want a highly active job (I spend at least 10-15 hours at the gym) that involves international travel, high social interactions and yet makes a respectable amount of money and has room for upward mobility. This job has to also impact the world in a positive light. anyone know of such career?</p>

<p>Im seriously contemplating joining a nonprofit international organization upon graduation like the peacecorps, teach for america, or even privatized govt sectors like nsa or cia.</p>

<p>I used to think making alot of money would eventually lead to happiness but even with alot of 0s in my bank account, I dont feel at all satisfied. What do you guys think? Can you guys recommend me a career.</p>

<p>If you want to volunteer after graduation...go for it. It is the best time to phase it in and if you are searching for a career path, it may place you on the road to one.
Your college/univ. can be a source of volunteer options (they don't just help students find jobs), so check with your career service center or student life center to find out about various opportunities.
Beyond the Peace Corps, many options may be religious-based,(eg. Mercy Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps,) but there are lots of opportunities out there to use the skills of recent college grads.</p>

<p>Brian, I feel the same way you do. Kind of. I'm going to be attending the Ross bschool at University of Michigan next yr..and that's exactly what i'm fearing...staring at a computer for 40 hours a day for making rich people richer and not making any social impact in the world. I'm really into volunteer work..I've done stuff in many 3rd world countries..and I too would love an active job, that involves traveling, and "making a difference." So my plan is to do something in nonprofit business..but its kind of vague, and I don't know exactly what...so any comments would be appreciated..</p>

<p>You could be a forensic accountant helping to bring down white collar criminals--the rich, spoiled, sociopaths like Ken Lay, or an FBI agent investigating criminal activity... I think these careers make a difference in the world, because some of them even help bring down terrorist rings and oppressive corporate scandals...</p>

<p>Accounting isn't really my thing though. I'm interested in poverty, 3rd world countries..stuff like that. Is there any organizations/businesses/careers I can look into with a business degree?</p>

<p>The field of microfinance/microcredit might suit you well. These organizations loan small amounts of money (~$100) to many poor families in 3rd world countries and provide financial services to the poor to help lift them out of poverty. There are a good number of organizations in this field, some of the biggest being Grameen International, Unitus, and Opportunity International</p>

<p>well, i think the best bet for you would be to work at one of the "big shot" NGO's like Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders and manage their finances. These organizations are bigger than you might think and the business aspect of them is often overlooked but i think you'd fit right in. However, you won't be making as much money as say an investment banker, no duh, but i think you'd make a respectable living most defenitly. </p>

<p>"ooohhs!!" and "aaahs!" from saying you work for the UN will come free of course :D</p>

<p>World Bank, IMF, those sorts of organizations; think tanks.</p>

<p>Even non-profits need you to do something.... Maybe as you say finance/acct isnt your thing ... but what do you want to do at a non-profit .....You dont want ot just be overhead...</p>

<p>e.g. can you be a logistical specialist? get stuff from here to there? Do you know how to grow something, plant something, build something ... just trying to get your ideas flowing</p>

<p>---- I did a quick google search here is an example</p>

<p>Job Title Development Associate<br>
Job Type Full Time<br>
Position Type Development<br>
Location New York<br>
Salary Range<br>
Computer Skills Intermediate<br>
Job Summary The Doe Fund is a non-profit organization that empowers people to break the cycles of homelessness, incarceration and welfare dependency through innovative work and housing programs. Our mission is to develop and implement cost-efficient, holistic programs that comprehensively meet the needs of a diverse homeless population.</p>

<p>Perhaps you have seen the "men in blue" of our flagship program, Ready, Willing & Able. They work in the Community Improvement Project, providing street cleaning services throughout Manhattan, Hudson River Park, and neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Jersey City, and Philadelphia. Work crews sweep streets, bag garbage and refuse, clear gutters, steam clean sidewalks, shovel snow and remove graffiti. In addition to providing paid work for the trainees, the Project provides a valuable service to these neighborhoods and helps to change perceptions of homelessness, as well as the participants' perceptions of themselves. Dressed in bright blue uniforms, the visible presence of Ready, Willing & Able trainees and the tangible evidence of their dedication and hard work refute the idea that the homeless are unwilling or unable to work. </p>

<p>The Development Associate will be part of the Development team and raise funds through direct mail campaigns and special events. The Associate will be involved in all aspects of our mission.<br>
Responsibilities Duties/Responsibilities:</p>

<ul>
<li>Writing donor acknowledgements, personalizing solicitation letters and miscellaneous correspondence, performing gift entry in Raiser's Edge 7, conducting internet based donor/prospect research, interfacing with donors</li>
<li>Assisting in the execution of special events from conception to realization, including: maintenance of invitation/RSVP lists; working with designers to create invitations, journals and other printed materials; securing donated items for auctions; performing on-site event management; and other tasks as assigned<br>
Qualifications Personal Traits:</li>
<li>Attention to detail a must</li>
<li>Excellent communication skills, with demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire through the written word</li>
<li>Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work independently</li>
<li>Excellent organizational skills, ability to handle multiple projects, and proven ability to meet deadlines</li>
<li>Team player</li>
</ul>

<p>Desired Education/Experience </p>

<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree required </li>
<li>1-2 years experience preferred, preferably in a nonprofit setting </li>
<li>Knowledge of Raiser's Edge 7 preferred </li>
<li>Proficient with Microsoft Office </li>
</ul>

<p>How to Apply:
Please email or fax your cover letter and resume.</p>

<p>The Doe Fund offers competitive salary range and a comprehensive benefits package.</p>

<p>The Doe Fund, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Date Posted: 7/12/06<br>
Application
Procedure Email Resume<br>
Contact
Kenise Etwaru
Director of Human Resources
The Doe Fund, Inc.</p>

<p>Thanks! This really helped.
I'm okay with finance..just not hardcore accounting.
And of course i know I won't be making as much as other careers in business..but thats not the point. =)</p>

<p>check out idealist.org - they post job openings in the nonprofit sector. if you do a search for your particular skills and interests, it'll show you what kind of jobs are available!</p>