Can you have stability and passion?

This post was written by Kathryn Gray, 2011 ProInspire Fellow, for the Social Citizens blog.

If you had asked me two years ago where I would hope to be on February 27th 2012, I would have never imagined the career and personal satisfaction I have today. Originally from Southern California, when asked why I was moving to DC, in a word, ProInspire. Now six months into my ProInspire Fellowship, I intimately understand the profound impact this Fellowship has had on me, as well as the impact of the program in the nonprofit and private sectors.

ProInspire recruits outstanding business professionals with 2-5 years of business experience who want to use their skills for social impact and invest in a growing community of Fellows. Fellows spend one year working full-time in an analytical, marketing, or strategic role at a nonprofit organization. I was drawn to this program because it offers a path for people with business skills to work in the nonprofit sector, monthly trainings with a cohort of peers, a coach, and a network to support career growth.

Joining the 2011 class of ProInspire Fellows has been transformational. I find myself, no pun intended, truly inspired everyday by what this organization, cohort of fellows, and alumni are accomplishing. From developing marketing campaigns to strengthen DC charter schools, to creating strategies to tackle global health issues, we are all making an impact on the organizations and communities we serve. Like many of my peers, I worked in the corporate world prior to joining the 2011 class. I worked in merchandising and brand marketing at Gap, Inc. and Sephora. I learned invaluable skills in each of my corporate roles and am proud of the work I did and skills I developed.

In tandem with my career, I always dedicated a large portion of my free time volunteering with various nonprofits. My business skills helped me make an impact as a volunteer in areas of project management, cause marketing, business development and fundraising. After several years of balancing my career and my volunteer work, I realized my career provided stability, but my real passion was my volunteer work. I took the road of passion and have never looked back.

Stability versus passion, why can’t we have both? You can. I can say that now from experience, but I was terrified at first. Would I fail following my passion? Would it turn out I actually wanted to do something completely different? In the possibility of sounding preachy, I challenge you to ask yourself, how would I feel if I never tried? Probably worse than if you did try and failed, right?

That is one of the most amazing things about the ProInspire Fellowship and the hands on coaching, support and training you receive as a Fellow. Transitioning from the private to the social sector does not bring instant satisfaction. You may have difficulties adjusting to the culture, your role, organizational structure, etc. With ProInspire behind you, you have direct access to the leadership team, monthly trainings to help your transition, and above all, a truly passionate community of Fellows who have been through it or are going through it with you. Our class feels more like a family than Fellow Fellows, cheesy but true. When you are surrounded with like-minded people and networks, the bonding is accelerated.

I encourage anyone who has the urge to explore a career where they can work for social impact to consider the ProInspire Fellowship program. It may be a bit scary and uncomfortable at first, but you’ll have an amazing network supporting you through it all. I leave you with the words of Will Rogers, “Why not go out on a limb, that’s where the fruit is.” The next application deadline for the 2012 class is March 7^th: http://proinspire.org/fellows/selection/.

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