I am an editor at Idealist.org, one of the largest social-impact job board online, with over 10,000 jobs at nonprofits, social enterprises, and government agencies around the world listed on our site. In my role as editor, I manage IdealistCareers.org where we provide resources, tips, and stories on how to find a career that make a difference. I also manage our social media channels.
Why did you choose this profession?
I have been blogging on the side for nearly six years about my experiences working in the nonprofit sector. I started, in fact, while I was a Haverford House Fellow, working in North Philly! I wanted to share what I was going through and connect with others who might have ideas, questions, and support for me as well.
However, up until a year ago, I had been working in fundraising, marketing, and program management at education nonprofits. When this opportunity at Idealist came up, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to combine my personal passion for blogging and social media with my professional passion of careers that support the greater good.
What more do you wish to accomplish in your professional career?
I want to publish more articles about what it means to think about work in terms of: 1. its impact on our collective well being and 2. how people from various backgrounds advocate and make the most of work for their personal well being. I've been published/quoted in a few mainstream publications like Forbes, Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Huffington Post and some more niche sites like Lifehacker. I want to do more, perhaps publishing a book or launching a publishing company.
Tell us about a decision or change you made that turned out to be a positive career move.
While I consider myself a lifelong nonprofiteer, moving to Idealist.org, which has a more macro approach to the sector, from education, micro-cause focused organizations has really allowed me to think a bit more broadly about the kind of impact I want to have and the kind of work I want to do. My love of writing has become more central to my career thanks to this shift and I am excited to explore it more.
How has Haverford influenced your professional career?
The emphasis on service. I never felt like I had to try too hard to find opportunities to learn about the community and get involved (both on campus and in Philadelphia). And the Haverford House Fellowship really opened a lot of doors for me. I've realized in my conversations with many young people who demand that their careers have a social impact, it's so incredibly hard to get the first job and that initial experience. Haverford gave me that AND allowed me to gain some great experiences while I was a student that gave me an edge, made me more passionate, and connected me with wonderful people.
