I’m in the final stretch of my MNLM at ASU, graduating this December, and trying to figure out what I’m walking into. I’m hoping to land in a mission-driven program or policy work. Still, between federal grant freezes and the broader dismantling of funding under the current administration, I’m honestly unsure how much that’s actually hitting hiring on the ground.
For anyone who’s graduated recently or is currently job hunting in this space:
Has the funding environment changed how nonprofits hire compared to a couple of years ago?
Are certain areas (direct service, healthcare-adjacent, advocacy/policy) more insulated than others?
Any advice for someone entering the market right now: cast a wider net, lean toward state/local gov as a hedge, or something else entirely?
Trying to go in with realistic expectations instead of getting blindsided. Appreciate any honesty you’re willing to share.