Choose a non-profit career

HireOSUGrads.com is sponsoring OSU's third Cowboys for a Cause career fair, which focuses on employment with non-profit and government agencies, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, in the Student Union Atrium. 

Non-profit and government agencies, including the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Tulsa Fire Department and the U.S. Army, will meet with students of all majors who are seeking employment and internships. 

"Many students don't realize the job opportunities available in non-profit and government and we hope to give them more options in finding full-time positions in areas other than for-profit companies," event coordinator Mindy Walthall said.

She said a lot of students assume that jobs with non-profit and government agencies don't pay, which isn't the case.

"I think it would be really self rewarding to work for a non-profit organization and give back to the community," said Karla Kritz, education sophomore. "Career fairs like these can really help students out when it come time to find a job."

Although the average pay is typically lower, government jobs generally offer benefits such as retirement and health plans, said Philip Goodwin, assistant director of Career Services.

"Government jobs typically come with a great benefits package that often times outweighs what a private company can do," Goodwin said. "A student needs to consider this as part of the total compensation."

This year, HireOSUGrads.com partnered with the Business Honors Organization, which will lead fair's the education component. Career Services started Cowboys for a Cause two years ago in response to the growing interest from students in exploring careers and internships with non-profit and government agencies.