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Reasons to Intern for a Nonprofit

Why doing a nonprofit internship could be a great idea (even if you’re not planning on a career in the nonprofit sector).

Yes, we’re biased, as we only offer internships with nonprofit organizations, but we strongly believe that interning for a small charity, one that is doing important work on a grassroots level, is both an enriching personal experience and a strong career move. Even if you’re not pursuing a cause-driven career, doing a nonprofit internship can give you a uniquely valuable work experience. By having the opportunity to work with a small team for a meaningful cause, you’ll get to see the difference your work makes in the organization and the community it serves. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Here are five reasons to do a nonprofit internship:

nonprofit internship

YOU’LL HAVE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY

When you join us for a nonprofit internship, you’ll be a large part of a small team. This means that your input really matters; you can take on an important role. It’s a vastly different situation from the standard corporate internship, where you are likely to be a small part of a large team, and you might do quite a bit of administrative work. When you intern for a nonprofit, you can expect to have challenging tasks and as much responsibility as you feel comfortable with. It makes for a hugely valuable work experience.

nonprofit internship

YOU’LL DEVELOP MANY SKILLS

Another benefit of being part of a small team is that you’ll be able to have a varied set of tasks. When you intern with a nonprofit, your role is likely to be fairly flexible, which allows you to learn about different elements of your organisation. Instead of being stuck in one department, you can gain experience in a variety of fields, and develop a varied skill-set. Being part of small nonprofit also means you’ll work in a dynamic work environment that encourages you to adapt a flexible way of working; something that can come in handy in your future career.

Charity internship

YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE TO A WORTHWHILE CAUSE

An obvious (but not unimportant) benefit of interning with a nonprofit organization is that you’ll be doing cause-driven work. Whether you’re part of a social impact initiative, an environmental organization, or a wildlife conservation program, you’re contributing to an important cause. And since you’re working on a grassroots level, you’re likely to witness the impact in the field during your internship. It’s a rewarding and inspiring experience.

nonprofit internship

YOU’LL BUILD AN INTERESTING RESUME

Adding a nonprofit internship to your resume, especially an international one, will show a level of versatility and initiative. It adds variety and interest to your resume, and can help it stand out in a pile of job applications. Even if you’re venturing into a corporate career, a hands-on internship that allowed you to manage projects, take on large projects, and develop a wide range of skills will be an advantage. It might give you a head start with job applications and in interviews.

nonprofit internships

YOU’LL HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE UN SDGs

As the majority of our partners actively work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, you’ll be part of this important work and support the organization you intern with in advancing their projects to further align with the outlined goals. These are at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so you can be confident that the work you’re doing is purpose-driven and truly making an impact on the future of our world.