Non-Profit, Human Services, and Government Career Community
Students interested in this community may be drawn towards complex social issues affecting individuals, communities, and the world. Areas of interest often include educational reform, social justice issues, homelessness and poverty, sustainability and food security to name a few. Elon’s rigorous and experiential-based curriculum prepares our future ethical leaders for work in this sector spanning career areas from nonprofit administration, philanthropy, advocacy, and activism, to community development and planning, and many more.
Virtually every occupation can be found within government. There are, however, some activities that are unique to government. The federal government defends us from foreign aggression; represents American interests abroad; deliberates, passes and enforces laws; and administers many different programs. State and local governments pass laws or ordinances and provide vital services to constituents.
Contact Your Career Advisors
Jobs and Internships
Check out the Elon Job Network (EJN) for the latest Non-Profit, Human Services, Public Health, and Government jobs and internships. For additional Non-Profit, Human Services, Public Health, and Government-specific job and internships, check out the links below.
Handshake List – Handshake has opened up this list of companies to all students at all colleges-universities throughout the U.S. – another dynamic list that will be updated regularly
Students from all majors can execute professional assignments to build and demonstrate skills while exploring a variety of career paths (These are not meant to be academic credit-seeking internships.)
Alliance for Nonprofit Management
Information sharing site for nonprofit consultants, academics, funders, and professionals.
Join Americorps and you can mentor and tutor kids, rebuild a community after disaster, help veterans, or work with local communities to alleviate poverty. There are thousands of opportunities to chose from, find the one that fits you.
Idealist is a nonprofit organization based in New York. Working with others, in a spirit of generosity and mutual respect, we want to help build a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.
Guilford Non-Profit Consortium
North Carolina’s nonprofit sector is a vital leader in building and sustaining equitable and thriving communities.
National Council of Nonprofits
Connecting the policy dots across all levels and branches of governments, the Council of Nonprofits keeps nonprofits informed and empowered to create a positive public policy environment that best supports nonprofits in advancing their missions.
Nonprofit Career Network/Impact Career Network has been created to fill the needs of these unique sectors. Whether you are a job seeker looking for employment opportunities within a nonprofit organization or Impact Based organization, or you are a nonprofit organization or Impact Based organization seeking qualified candidates to fill job openings, our complete one-stop resource center will assist you.
From leading health campaigns to boosting local entrepreneurship to teaching digital literacy, the Peace Corps offers a range of opportunities for making a difference.
Dedicated to serving the mental health and behavioral health industry. Our mission is to enhance recruiting and career opportunities in the psychology field.
Discover if a service year is right for you…a service year is an opportunity to develop real-world skills through hands-on service. There are over 65,000 service year opportunities in a variety of issues across the country.
Information and articles related to the nonprofit sector.
Philanthropy/Social Responsibility Jobs
HUMAN SERVICE/PUBLIC SERVICE/PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOBS
List of positions in human service-related jobs.
The Public Service Careers website helps individuals find jobs, offers career advice and provides information about degrees and careers in public service and public affairs.
Student Training & Education in Public Service (STEPS)
STEPS experts are a community of public service specialists who are dedicated to helping students and future professionals find the information they need to pursue and advance careers in the public sector
There are over 65,000 service year opportunities in a variety of issues all across the country.
Social service and social work jobs throughout the United States. Free for job seekers.
PUBLIC HEALTH JOBS
National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACHO)
Directory of Local Health Departments
Health Promotion Career Network
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
GOVERNMENT JOBS
The primary job portal for U.S. federal government positions. There is also information to help users explore hiring paths by population and a help center with more information about working for the government.
Great job board for opportunities in government.
Search for and apply to government jobs with one easy profile.
Public Policy Analysis & Management Jobs
Current listings across the country.
Explore Occupations
NONPROFIT CAREERS
Articles and resources covering topics related to the nonprofit sector.
Tips on resume building for green careers
National Council of Nonprofits
Explore types of nonprofit careers and organizations and their impact in communities across the country. Also includes research, reports, and data on the nonprofit sector.
Service careers
HUMAN SERVICES CAREERS
Types of psychologists and therapists (scroll down past school ads on this page)
Explore Types of Jobs in the Human Services Field
Lots of details about various job categories within this sector can be found on this site.
Extensive list of career options for those wanting to work in human services field.
Social Work Careers & Social Work Career Guide
Social Education Explorer resources to help students who wish to explore social services & policy sectors.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Psychology?
Learn more about the broad career options for psychology graduates and see where a degree in psychology can take you.
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION CAREERS
Are you interested in politics—but not at all interested in becoming a politician? As election cycles get longer and longer, opportunities abound for those interested in a career in the political arena.
Learn about possible career options for undergraduate students in political science.
Careers in Public Administration
Careers in Public & Foreign Service
Information about various careers in this arena.
NOTE: Most states have their own individual state government websites that may be found via an internet search. Below are resources for U.S. federal government and public administration.
This site provides information and tips for exploring and applying to positions within the U.S. federal government. Sponsored by the Partnership for Public Service.
U.S. Department of Defense Civilian Careers
Users will find information about specific jobs, career pathways, and how to work for the U.S. Department of Defense in a variety of areas.
Information and videos about career pathways within the U.S. Department of State.
Careers in Government Resources
This site includes articles about the public sector, career advice, and industry trends.
United States MILITARY
Today’s Military
This site provides information on careers, training, pay, and resources for individuals interested in joining any branch of the US military.
NOTE: The following sites provide detailed information for each U.S. military branch related to career pathways/specialties, how to join, lifestyle, and information for important others.
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. National Guard
U.S. Navy
Majors at Elon University
HUMANITIES
English
SOCIAL – BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Human Service Studies
Political Science – Policy Studies
*Non-Profit organizations can be found across all industries. All majors are applicable to non-profit sector based on organization’s purpose/mission.
Employment Outlook and Trends
NONPROFIT
Bureau of Labor Statistics Report
Most recent breakdown of non-profit jobs (as a percentage of total employment) by state
HUMAN SERVICES
Community and Social Service Occupations
GOVERNMENT
Professional Associations
NONPROFIT
Alliance for Nonprofit Management
We believe that quality research and practice need each other; that each lens and pursuit should inform and affect the other. By joining together to share and synthesize what we know, we support and fuel social change.
American Foreign Service Association
One of AFSA’s primary missions is to increase interest in public service and the Foreign Service among students and young professionals.
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
Striving to stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practice.
Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action
The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is a diverse community of scholars, educators, and practice leaders that strengthens the field of nonprofit and philanthropic research in order to improve civil society and human life.
The Council on Foundations exists to help philanthropy be a strong and trusted partner in advancing the common good.
Tools and resources for those interested in nonprofit work.
Search for specific nonprofit organizations to learn more about them.
National Association of Nonprofit Professionals
Consider NANPP your source to network, elevate your career, share best practices, collaborate and gain inspiration from a national network of your peers. You speak in “nonprofit” and so do we. Whether it’s seeking networking opportunities, dealing with a layoff, wondering how to get that well-deserved promotion, or even how to start your own nonprofit, your membership provides the resources and the inspiration.
National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS)
Designed as a portal for nonprofit practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to download and explore data, this is the home for all NCCS publications.
National Council of Nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits (Council of Nonprofits) is a trusted resource and proven advocate for America’s charitable nonprofits.
North Carolina’s nonprofit sector is a vital leader in building and sustaining equitable and thriving communities. Our mission is to educate, connect, and advocate for North Carolina nonprofits.
Society for Nonprofits is a leading resource for nonprofit professionals and has been helping nonprofit leaders increase their knowledge and grow the capacity of their organizations for more than 30 years.
The World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO) is an international organization uniting NGOs worldwide in the cause of advancing peace and global well-being.
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
Nonprofit organization dedicated to representing nonprofit professionals in the greater Triangle in North Carolina.
HUMAN SERVICES
Elon University Student Organizations for Human Services
American Public Human Services Association
Resources on this site are designed to educate and inform members and individuals involved in health and human services (H/HS).
National Human Services Assembly
A Washington, DC-based association comprised of some of the largest national nonprofit human service organizations in the United States.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Health Promotion Career Network
American Public Health Association (APHA)
GOVERNMENT
American Historical Association
Career resources for history majors.
American Political Science Association (ASPA)
Professional society for the study of Political Science.
American Society for Public Administration
Advancing excellence in public service. We do this in many ways, primarily through serving as the critical bridge between public administration scholarship and practitioners in the field. All of our services and programs are geared toward supporting our Society’s goal to advance the art, science, teaching and practice of public and nonprofit administration
Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM)
APPAM is dedicated to improving public policy and management by fostering excellence in research, analysis, and education.
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), founded in 1906, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The association’s more than 20,000 members are federal, state/provincial, and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions.
Organization of American Historians (OAH)
Founded in 1907, the Organization of American Historians (OAH) is the largest professional society dedicated to the teaching and study of American history. The mission of the organization is to promote excellence in the scholarship, teaching, and presentation of American history, and to encourage wide discussion of historical questions and the equitable treatment of all practitioners of history.
National Council on Public History (NCPH)
NCPH inspires public engagement with the past and serves the needs of practitioners in putting history to work in the world by building community among historians, expanding professional skills and tools, fostering critical reflection on historical practice, and publicly advocating for history and historians.
Student Organizations
SERVICE
Alpha Kappa Delta
Alpha Kappa Delta promotes excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, research of social problems, and other social and intellectual activities, as will lead to improvement in the human condition.
Alpha Phi Omega
We currently have approximately 60 members on Elon University’s campus dedicated to developing themselves through Leadership, Friendship, and Service.
Autism Speaks U works to represent all different forms of disabilities, both on campus and in the Alamance-Burlington community. While we focus on Autism, we want to bring awareness and understanding to all kinds of disabilities. ASU focuses on spreading awareness, understanding and raising funds to support the initiatives of Autism Speaks U.
CKI
CKI (Circle K International) is the world’s largest student-led service organization with over 13,000 members. We work with the local Burlington Kiwanis Club to accomplish projects in the community and throughout the world.
Elon Alzheimer’s Initiative
The Elon Alzheimer’s Initiative is an organization dedicated to aiding in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Our goal is to establish a strong awareness against Alzheimer’s in the Elon community. Through volunteer efforts, fundraising events and advocacy work we hope to help in efforts to stopping a disease that is a serious issue within our country. Please join us in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Elon University Public Health Society
EUPHS aims to provide a community for students interested in public health to discuss public health issues, current events, programs and initiatives, organize, promote and sponsor special events on campus and throughout the community.
Elon Volunteers!
Elon Volunteers! (EV!) exists to provide all members of the Elon University campus the opportunity to develop an ethic of service by connecting campus and community through service experiences.
EV! is Elon’s hub for service opportunities on campus, providing opportunities for Elon students to engage in service through regular programs, one-time events, and Alternative Breaks. EV! is student-run and student-led, with over 100 student leaders coordinating a wide variety of programs and opportunities.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha
Epsilon Sigma Alpha, ESA, is a Co-Ed service sorority. We are connected to the international organization Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and complete service with local organizations in the Elon and Burlington communities. Our philanthropies are St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Easter Seals. We have completed service in the local community through the Ronald McDonald House, PeaceHaven, the Pet Adoption Center, ElonTHON, Relay for Life, Parents Night Out, Peacehaven, Safe Rides, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Kappa Alpha Omicron
The Lambda chapter of Kappa Alpha Omicron is an Environmental Professional Society at Elon University focused on student involvement in local environmental service projects, educational speakers, and peer-to-peer engagement.
Relay for Life: Colleges Against Cancer
Our mission is to celebrate the survivors, remember the lost, and fight back against cancer. At Elon, we raise money and awareness through our five main events: Dodge for a Cure, Relay for Life, Acoustic for a Cure, Paint the Campus Purple Week, and Rockin’ Relay.
Sierra Student Coalition
The Sierra Student Coalition is a student organization based on the national organization The Sierra Club founded by John Muir in 1892. We focus on the same principles of environmental conservation and spreading awareness of environmental issues.
GOVERNMENT – ADVOCACY
Active Minds
Active Minds is a student-led advocacy organization, which strives to break the stigma surrounding mental illness through education, programs, and events!
College Democrats
Elon’s College Democrats is an organization all about connections; being connected to what’s going on in the world, to other people’s ideologies, and being connected to the crazy, ever-changing world of politics. College Dems prides itself on being a place where people with common political ideologies can discuss current events, engage in political discussion, attend relevant events, and become more educated on what exactly is happening in the world. This is a great way to meet other students with similar views and an interest in politics!
College Republicans
The Elon University College Republicans are committed to spreading and sharing Republican ideals both at Elon and in our community.
Elon Animal Protection Alliance
Animal Protection Alliance strives to create a community of people who advocate for plant-based (vegan, vegetarian) options on campus, volunteer with animals in the community, and discuss issues regarding environmentalism, health, and animal rights.
NC Student Legislature
NCSL was founded in 1937 and is the oldest active student legislature in the country. Colleges all over the state, including Elon, have delegations of NCSL. NCSL provides students a with statewide forum for expressing their ideas and opinions on current issues to state and national leaders. NCSL’s voice is heard at many levels, and more than 40% of NCSL’s legislative ideas have been written into law.
Phi Alpha Delta
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is a professional law fraternity advancing integrity, compassion, and courage through service to the student, the school, the profession, and the community. As an organization we offer members guidance about the law school admission process, educate individuals about different fields of law, and provide fellowship among members who share a common interest in law.
SPACE: Students Promoting Awareness, Change, and Empowerment
The purpose of S.P.A.C.E is for all students of all genders and all members of the Elon community to engage in discussion and take action on the serious and pervasive issues of rape, domestic violence, and sexual assault on college campuses. We are a safe space for survivors of assault and provide campus available resources.
Student Government Association
Student Government Association is a group of students on campus that are dedicated to making the lives of other students better.
We work for you.
News
The Nonprofit Quarterly (NPQ) envisions a world in which we live in an active democracy whose values are fully grounded in human rights, economic and social justice, racial equity, and thriving communities. Our mission is to foster an active, engaged and sometimes disruptive civil sector.