Alumni/ae of YDS have a long history of service in the not-for profit sector. Our graduates work in programmatic and administrative arms of agencies and organizations across the US and beyond.
How to prepare for work in the field.
Volunteer. Many, many non-profits prefer to hire former interns and former volunteers. The more you volunteer, the greater your experience base and also the larger your professional network.
Network. Take advantage of the alumni career network and set up informational interviews. Go to conferences and meetings. Meet as many individuals in the field as you can.
Consider an internship in an area of interest. Academic year and summer internships through the Office of Supervised Ministries are a great start. Summer (not for credit) opportunities abound. Consider these programs:
Yale Alumni Community Service Fellowships
Yale President’s Public Service Fellowship
The Beatitudes Society Summer Fellowship
Idealist (clearinghouse for both jobs and internships)
Finding positions after graduation.
Note that hiring cycles for not-for-profit work are short. Typically positions are advertised once vacant and filled within a month or two of advertisement. This means that while a student will spend lots of time in the fall term of his or her graduating year networking and preparing documents, it is unlikely that he or she will begin applying until February or later. There are always exceptions, though, so do keep your eyes open!
Applications typically consist of a resume of no more than two pages and a thoughtful, site-specific cover letter.
The following sites are good starting points for finding positions:
City Limits (mostly non-profit jobs in New York City)
Idealist This web page provides links to jobs (and volunteer opportunities) in non-profit organizations world wide. Search by position or location.