Career transition from nonprofit to for-profit work offers both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. In this episode, Lindsay explores how nonprofit professionals can leverage their skills, reframe their experience, and move confidently into the corporate world while maintaining their values and impact-driven mindset.
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An Open Mind Opens Doors
“I gained much from the nonprofit sector, and now, as a corporate marketing leader, I have a unique perspective to share.” Share on X
Transitioning from a nonprofit organization to a for-profit company can be both exciting and powerful for your career.
Today’s guest, Andrew Kaufteil, made the leap after spending 15 years in nonprofit work. Over five years ago, he transitioned into the for-profit sector—and has never looked back.
When Andrew hungered for a change, he reflected on his core competencies and transferable skills. This self-awareness helped him successfully launch a new chapter in his professional life.
Importantly, he believes you can build a challenging, rewarding, and impactful career in both sectors—if you navigate the move carefully.
Finding your sweet spots and superpowers, Andrew says, is the key to opening new doors.
A Passion for Learning and Connecting
Andrew’s career began with a mission-driven role in alumni relations at a small law school in San Francisco.
As a recent law school graduate, this work aligned perfectly with his passions for education and community building.
Later, when Andrew and I met in 2011 at the University of California, San Francisco, he was Director of Alumni Relations. He had already earned a reputation for his relationship management prowess.
Nevertheless, he felt a strong pull to broaden his professional world.
The fields of marketing, consulting, and design thinking began calling his name—and he decided to answer.
Bridging the Nonprofit and For-Profit Worlds
Although the nonprofit and for-profit sectors operate differently, Andrew’s story proves that the jump between them is not as daunting as it may seem.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Andrew prepared for his career transition—and how you can too.
He shares specific examples of roles where nonprofit professionals can thrive in the corporate world.
Moreover, he offers a clear view of how skills like relationship building, strategic planning, and mission-driven thinking transfer seamlessly between sectors.
If you’re curious about a career shift, or simply want to understand how these two worlds compare and contrast, tune in!
By the time you finish this episode, you’ll feel both inspired and surprised—as new possibilities and career opportunities reveal themselves right in front of you.
Key Takeaways:
- (02:08) – Andrew’s background and transition to the for-profit world, despite his passion for philanthropy.
- (07:53) – Hunters and farmers: lead-generation and relationship management are universal skills, regardless of the sector.
- (10:34) – Experiencing the best of both worlds: an insider’s comparison between the for-profit and nonprofit frameworks, models and sense of community.
- (22:32) – The key entry points to a smooth career transition from the nonprofit ecosystem to the corporate space.
- (27:12) – How mission and values are preserved and shared, even in contrasting environments such as nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
- (32:07) – Sky’s the limit: How to leave the non-profit space and keep growing in the for-profit space.
- (35:32) – Fun, interesting and dynamic steps to take to move from the nonprofit to the for-profit space.
