College students across the nation are feeling the crunch as they become prospective employees during a time of financial turmoil.
    An uncertain economy breeds uncertainty in the job market, and this year, more than ever, it is important for students to understand their options when it comes to succeeding as a professional.
    As students progress in their schooling, they become well acquainted with both the public and private sectors.
    Students are generally familiar with the availability of jobs within the government and business, but it is atypical to find college students who understand the opportunities within the nonprofit sector.
    Also known as the third or independent sector, the 2007 Nonprofit Almanac values the nonprofit sector at over $1 trillion within the U.S. economy.
    Most Americans envision nonprofit organizations in only one way. Our idea of the nonprofit sector usually comes from the picture of soup kitchens or other “handout” organizations that provide immediate relief or need to individuals in the community.
    While these types of nonprofit organizations are certainly valuable and important, the opportunities for employment in the nonprofit sector extend much further.
    It is clear within the past few months citizens have become wary of both the public and private sectors. What role should government play in the financial crisis? How should we deal with big businesses that have contributed to the problem? The nonprofit sector provides an alternative means of solving social problems. 
    When federal spending for social programs is cut, nonprofit organizations are able to fill the gap and address the needs of communities across the nation.
    As Leslie Crutchfield and Heather MacLeod Grant point out in their book “Forces for Good,” “leading social sector organizations are rising to the challenge, finding ways to address the world’s problems by working with, and through, government and business to launch innovative solutions.”
    The nonprofit sector is in critical need of qualified, motivated and talented individuals to fill the jobs tackling important challenges of our time. The sector provides students the opportunity to apply their skills and interests to create valuable change in the world.
    Job openings exist in fields in many areas, like environment, arts, health, economic development, advocacy, hunger, education and international relief. Within these areas, nonprofit organizations need employees with vital skills including fundraising, management, accounting, marketing, public relations, event planning and program implementation.
    Of course, I might be biased on this subject as a student in the nonprofit leadership studies minor, but all personal attachments aside, it is apparent that the nonprofit sector is a significant yet overlooked component to American society.
    In fact, charitable giving, philanthropy and voluntary associations excel in America more so than anywhere else in the world.
    If social problems are going to see solutions any time in the near future, then it is critical that student leaders consider these opportunities when searching for a job. The sector not only provides adequate financial support, but it also combines passion with personal fulfillment - and how many job-seeking college students can argue with that?



Molly Hamm is a senior in English. Please send comments to opinion@spub.ksu.edu.

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