Classes on the basics and history of nonprofit organizations are often part of general business degree programs or graduate MBA programs. Students wishing to work in the nonprofit sector after graduation should also take classes in nonprofit business formation. Schools like Georgia College offer a nonprofit leadership certification program that gives graduates an endorsement in the fundamentals of nonprofit organizations. Courses that are a part of this type of certification program include public speaking, small-group communication, accounting and principals of management.
College graduates interested in being part of nonprofit management take classes to prepare them to lead. According to the San Francisco State University College of Extended Learning, some of these classes include integrated marketing communications, budgets and cash flow, special events planning, grant writing, strategic planning and nonprofit financial management.
Students with undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, business and finance, law or other majors who are already working in the nonprofit sector can take continuing education courses and receive an organizational management certificate. Classes offered by state colleges and universities with this type of program include fundamentals of nonprofit management, fundraising techniques and planning, how to find grant funding, forming a board of directors, managing volunteers, nonprofit marketing and nonprofit policy and advocacy.
One of the best ways to prepare for working with a nonprofit organization after college is to get an internship. Internship programs are usually offered for rising juniors and seniors interested in nonprofit work after graduation. “The Wall Street Journal” reports that nonprofit organization recruiters are looking for graduates with this type of experience since much of what is needed for successful nonprofit employees is being able to apply what they have learned in practical, on-the-job ways. Internship program information is available through college and university career fairs or as part of an undergraduate degree program.