What do you do if your non-profit internship isn't leading to a full-time job?

Put yourself out there! Position yourself in ways that work for you. Yes the unpaid internship is super beneficial for your career but don’t put your mind in a box. Explore on different roles you’re interested in that align with your goals, attend events/webinars/workshops etc. network with people in these fields and eventually, you will land the right role. Non-profit internships or internships generally don’t always guarantee a full time role thus refraining from boxing yourself in your comfort zone is critical!

O estágio é o momento de iniciar a jornada de relacionamentos profissionais. Construa pontes com seus pares e superiores, peça dicas de cursos, participe de treinamentos, compareça aos eventos corporativos e peça indicações no LinkedIn.

I would encourage you to start promoting blogs and articles on linkedin. Write reflection pieces which reflect current activity in the centre, but put your own experience and point of view Into the mix

Networking is absolutely critical for not only your internship, but your entire career as well. In addition, interns should consider using a variety of methods to network all of which can be effective. • Blog, Postings, professional networks-social media now allows you contribute to a variety of topics all over in different states and countries at convenient times. • Professional Organizations-These are groups that have meetings related to your job, degree, or field. • Social Events- These can be events for hobbies, clubs or personal things you enjoy doing The main focus is to keep interacting with others to strengthen good relationships with others as well as make sure you are available to help others when they need it.

Crée des liens au-delà de ton équipe : Élargis ton réseau en discutant avec des personnes d’autres services. Participe aux événements internes : Afterworks, réunions, conférences internes… C’est un excellent moyen de rencontrer du monde. Fais preuve d’initiative : Propose de l’aide sur des projets transversaux, cela te permettra de travailler avec différentes personnes. Utilise LinkedIn dès maintenant : Ajoute tes collègues et interagis avec leurs publications pour créer du lien dès le début. Identifie des mentors potentiels : Trouve des collaborateurs qui pourraient te conseiller sur ton futur pro et demande-leur des conseils. Demande des recommandations sur LinkedIn : Un feedback positif sur ton profil peut valoriser ton expérience.

Early in my career, feedback felt like something to brace for—proof of what I was doing wrong. But the toughest conversations are where real growth happens. In advising businesses on hard conversations, I’ve seen that clarity beats sugarcoating every time. Whether it’s delivering bad news about a promotion or addressing performance issues, people need to know why and what’s next. The best feedback I’ve received stung at first but made me better. Constructive criticism isn’t an attack—it’s an investment. Seek it, use it, and level up.

In your career development, seeking feedback is critical to make sure that you are on a course to achieve the goals you want. It also makes sure that management understands those goals and is working to help you as well. When seeking feedback, start as early as possible. As you begin your internship, inform management that you want to be part of the organization and in what capacity. Be clear in your statements and address with them if it’s a realistic goal with the group as well as what needs to be done for it come true. Make sure you set up periodic reviews with management to get their feedback, that your goal is still a possibility as well as you’re completing the requirements.

Non-profit work is deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to connect with a vast network of passionate change agents with similar values. It’s like being part of a family of high-performing individuals united by a shared mission, an ideal environment for meaningful networking. As you represent your organization with purpose and passion, be intentional about cultivating relationships within the community. Through community outreach, trainings, workshops, events, nurture these connections throughout your internship, and as it nears its end, strategically leverage them to explore new opportunities. Additionally, keep relevant work samples to build a compelling portfolio that showcases your impact and expertise.

Even if it doesn't lead to a full-time job, one should always consider the bigger picture, which includes valuable work experience and meaningful connections that could, in turn, help you land your dream job someday.