Nonprofit Social Service Directors

The best way to explore this field is by doing volunteer work for a nonprofit social service organization such as a hospice, shelter, or community outreach organization. Volunteering will give you exposure to the work environment, as well as the situations an organization's clients face, and help you develop your listening and communication skills. It can also give you an understanding of the way nonprofits work and the kind of expectations employers will have.

Talk with an nonprofit social service director about his or her career. Ask your school counselor to help arrange an interview. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? Perhaps you could even job-shadow a director to learn even more about the field. Since many people first enter the field as social workers, you should also consider conducting an information interview or job shadowing experience with one or more social workers.