Comments on: Finding and Hiring Generation Y Nonprofit Leaders

By: The Rise of the Starry-Eyed Nonprofit Entrepreneur « Colleen Dilenschneider- Know Your Own Bone

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:04:03 +0000

[...] mentioned this study before, but I think it’s a powerful one: according to a 2006 study by The Bridgespan Group, [...]

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:20:45 +0000

Thanks for the link love- this is a really interesting article, to think that the non-profit sector could be an in-demand industry soon…

By: jenmy

jenmy — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:21:16 +0000

I think you’re right on the dot Colleen. Those are the key attributes to look for: passion, education and well-roundedness. I think that applies to any job regardless being public or private sector.

Being a recent business grad myself, I’ve noticed that there is a shift towards working for companies that are more “socially responsible” or even in the not-for-profit field. I personally worked in the non-profit sector for four years while at university and during my summers. I did it because I was passionate about the cause (philanthropy, intellectual disabilities) and got great work experience. That being said, I’ve made the shift to the corporate side and I would like to stay in it for a few years but that doesn’t mean I’m not involved with NPOs. I volunteer and donate my time and money when I can.

Gen Yers are interested in this field! Not too worry about the deficit!

By: Aaron Stiner

Aaron Stiner — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:07:59 +0000

I appreciate you providing the perspective of both the hiring manager and the potential employee. Hiring decisions are successful when open conversation leads to understanding of an individual’s potential fit and contribution to an organization. That cuts across generations and takes both parties to make hiring a positive experience.

Thanks for the post!

By: nonprofitadvice4success

nonprofitadvice4success — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:39 +0000

Good post Colleen. I am alwasy interested in learning more about how Gen Y thinks since I work with a lot of them and have hired a few. I am a young Gen Xer. There are a lot of us so don’t count us out yet for the next leadership positions. I think it is interesting since we seem to bridge the gap often betwen Baby Boomer and Gen Y who just don’t seem to communicate well with each other. Couple thoughts I had on your post. First, for all Gen Y people I recommend studying up on Gen Xers, we will likely be the ones hiring you in the next few years, we are middle management now. Also, while I think the need for new leaders will grow a lot in the next couple decades I also think competition will be fierce as baby boomers work longer and the recession keeps people in the work force with a lot more experience than has been typical in the past. I totally agree with your Jack of All Trades comment. Also, as someone who has hired Gen Yers recently I can tell you I look for TALENT. That is to say I want someone well educated and savvy but what I really want is someone who is naturally talented and who can pretty much do anything asked of them or quickly figure out how in an expeceptional way. Thanks again for the post. Stop by my blog anytime.