You may be just fresh out of college and settling into your first job. Even though you’ve just started climbing the proverbial corporate ladder, your leadership skills may be just what your local nonprofit may need. Here are just a few reasons to consider serving on a nonprofit board.

Networking
Nonprofit boards are filled with doers, movers and shakers. These are the successful businessmen and women that you can learn from both as a citizen and a professional. Often volunteer connections play a role in getting your next great job. Having these people in your corner will give you top-notch connections that you don’t have in your other professional network.

Experience
You may not yet be in leadership at your place of employment. As a member of a nonprofit board, you’ll be elevated to management, making business decisions that impact the success of the organization. You’ll build tremendous leadership skills and have the opportunity to try on several business hats that your current position may not allow. Who knows, you may find a new passion.

Community
You’ve chosen to call this place home. What better way to gain a deeper understanding for the greater community? You’ll be amazed at what happens in your own back yard and you may just find work in what you discover.

At the end of the day, you’re impacting a cause you care about. Before deciding to join a nonprofit, make sure you care about the mission and bring that energy they expect so you can truly make a difference.