If you want a career in the social sector, here are a few tips to remember.
For ages on end, social service was only considered a hobby, or something to pass the time. It was also viewed as something that was only accessible by certain sections of society — the rich, who would donate only to get tax benefits, the elderly who had time and money on their hands, or students and young professionals who were utilising their gap years to add to their resumes.
Rarely was the social sector considered to be a legitimate space for career options. This is possibly due to several myths and prejudices surrounding non-profits and the social sector at large.
However, these myths are slowly being dispelled and attitudes and perceptions are altering making the social sector not only acceptable but also a desirable space for career opportunities.
The following are a few pointers to keep in mind while exploring a career in the social sector:
Build an educational base
Reputed institutions of higher education are now offering full-time degrees as well as diploma programmes in development studies, social work, gender studies as well as NGO management.
Building a theoretical base with one or more of these degrees gives one a broad perspective on the social sector, the problems that plague it and also ideas through which one may work towards alleviating the issues that affect disadvantaged communities.
Advantages to working in the social sector
There are several benefits to working in the social sector, the most important being job satisfaction. Knowing that you have been able to transform tears into smiles, sadness into happiness, that you were able to guide someone onto a brighter path is priceless.
The social sector is also comprised of young enterprising individuals as well as seasoned professionals, and this combination exposes you to a variety of changemakers who are doing their bit to share their resources with those lesser privileged.
A few cautionary points
While many are slowly realising the advantages of having a career in social work when compared to those in the corporate sector, there are a few points to keep in mind. The returns are rare and spread apart and the work can be physically and emotionally draining.
One also has to be prepared to deal with anything and everything — be it red tape, paperwork, engaging with a volatile community, supporting abandoned elders, rehabilitating homeless children, withdrawal of monetary donations, amongst others.
Above all, one needs to be able to balance their larger vision of society with practicality. Being too idealistic or too pragmatic will only cause further obstacles in executing your projects.
Gain exposure via volunteering
If you are curious about the social sector, but hesitant to plunge in headfirst, volunteering or interning with an existing non-profit organisation is the best place to start.
Through this, you would gain enough exposure which would help you identify if you can commit fully to working professionally in the social sector.
Choose NGOs that work across spectrums of beneficiaries or on a variety of focus areas so that you may maximise your time with the organisation, expanding your knowledge of the social sector.
What makes the social sector even more unique is that it evolves with time and there is always something for everyone to be involved in. There is immense scope for work, and the paybacks are very fulfilling and satisfying.
The social sector is no longer viewed as something that one engages in to pass time; it is a dynamic, vital segment with multiple opportunities to learn and grow.
