Fortunately, there are ways for young feminists to start a career in women's rights activism without starvation or putting it off for five years until the economy improves. Though job losses are high, non-profits and NGOs are still hiring. Women who are fresh out of college or graduate school, or just coming to the end of their education, can follow a few simple tips to get ahead of the game.
Working for Women's Rights in College and Improving the Resumé
Women who are still in college or grad school and know they want a career in women's rights activism can do a lot to get a leg up on the competition before graduating. If at all possible, it is advisable to do a summer internship or volunteer work during the school year with a women's rights organization, whether local, national, or international. Such experience is not only a resume-builder, but it will lead to references and something to talk about in the interview. Even simple name recognition can be a big boost for those going to less well-known schools.
Students should look for work or volunteer experience that will confer skills that are likely to come up in the job search – fundraising, media work, research, or campaigning, for example. An experience in a particular area of interest can be very helpful when applying to jobs in the same area, but of course working with a large national or international organization with caché value can be useful no matter what the area of work. Students should not underestimate the value of volunteer work on campus or leadership experience, as well – working with a domestic violence prevention program, for example, or a reproductive justice organization.
In developing a resumé, students should think about the types of jobs they are looking for and customize accordingly so that the resumé highlights particular areas of strength needed in that area of work. This might include leadership experience, volunteer and paid work, work on particular campaigns or events, publications, or awards.
Finding Available Jobs with Women's Rights Organizations
The easiest starting point for a job search in non-profits or NGOs is a large database like Idealist.org, which allows for advanced searching and e-mail updates based on location and work area. After applying to the jobs that look ideal, a candidate should also "think outside the box" and search for jobs that might apply tangentially or confer skills related to women's rights work, if not within a women's rights organization themselves.
Many progressive organizations do research and advocacy work that relates directly or indirectly to women. For example, groups that focus on the environment, education, immigration, or racial justice might appeal to a women's rights activist. These jobs may offer similar training and experience to a comparable job in an organization focused entirely on women's rights, and the successful employee can switch jobs in a few years with plenty of new experience on the resumé. The same is true of government work and work in international organizations such as UNDP or UNAIDS.
Applying to Women's Rights Jobs and Tips for the Unemployed
The key to applying to a women's rights job, or any job, is to give the employer what it asks for. The resumé should be concise, just long enough to list relevant accomplishments, and the cover letter should also be brief and focused on highlighting only the most relevant experience. The easiest way to write a cover letter is to look at the qualifications and job duties and focus the letter on the candidate's experience in those areas. The letter is also the place to note relevant coursework or unique experiences that do not appear on the resume.
If the organization asks for a writing sample or two, the candidate should see what kind of writing the job requires and look for similar samples, taking care not to exceed a few pages, or the page limit if there is one—excerpts are perfectly acceptable. References should be people who can speak to the candidate's experience and demeanor, not just the person with the most name recognition. Employers, advisors, and professors who have supervised the candidate are great options.
Finally, candidates who apply to many organizations and do not get a job should not be discouraged. These are tough times for everyone, and the failure to get a job may actually lead to something better in the long run. Working through a temp agency or doing other office work for some time can be a way to earn money while simultaneously volunteering for women's organizations, blogging, getting involved in activism, attending conferences, and joining boards. These experiences will all be great resumé-boosters as the candidate continues to apply.
Judith Faucette - Education Judith graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2006 with an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in History ...
