A career in the non-profit industry can be personally rewarding. And while most people don’t enter the field for the pay, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle as well. Peter Schieffelin Nyberg, the Chief Financial Officer of the Camino Health Center, is going to share some tips for succeeding in the non-profit sector.

“The first thing people often focus on is education,” Peter Schieffelin Nyberg says. “That’s not a bad idea, but it’s smart to think of education in terms of skills, not just degrees. If you pick up concrete skills in marketing, finance, IdsfT, or whatever else, you can leverage those skills in the non-profit sector.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 12.3 million jobs in the non-profit sector, accounting for approximately 10 percent of all jobs. In some places, like Washington DC, non-profit jobs account for more than 26 percent of all jobs!

The average non-profit worker, according to the BLS, earned about $25 an hour in 2014. This average was actually higher than the average for for-profit workers, who earned about $20. At first glance, this might seem surprising, but Peter Schieffelin Nyberg notes that there are good reasons for this:

“One thing that’s been really incredible about working in the non-profit sector is how hardworking and skilled everyone is. Many non-profit positions are in professional, well-paying fields, which means employees enjoy a lot of career opportunities.”

Peter Schieffelin Nyberg Discusses Specific Strategies For Boosting Your Non-Profit Career

So how can you help ensure success when pursuing a career in the non-profit sector? One thing you should never overlook is people skills. You’re almost certainly going to be working alongside people, and you’ll probably have a boss too. Even the CEO of a non-profit must usually answer to the board of directors.

“People skills are vital in any organization,” Peter Schieffelin Nyberg argues. “People are going to rely on you, you’re going to rely on them. A non-profit career often involves a lot of work. If you strengthen relationships with stakeholders, you can gain allies.”

Of course, relationships are a two-way street. If you want people to help you, you’ll typically have to help them. Being a team player and stepping in to help others will ensure that work is getting done and that you’re dedicated to the NGO’s mission.

Another important concept is flexibility. Resources are often tight for non-profits and teams are frequently short-staffed. By being flexible and performing work that may not be part of your job description, you add value to the company and make yourself a more valuable employee.

“I sometimes step in to do work outside of finance,” Peter Schieffelin Nyberg notes. “Fact is, someone has to do the work and I’m fully on board with the Camino Health Center’s long-term goals. If I can help by stepping outside of my professional comfort zone, I’ll do so.”