Transforming Lives and Your Career in the Non-Profit Sector with Amy Hee Kim of EnCorps

In this episode, Amy Hee Kim, Executive Director of EnCorps, STEM Educator Programs, explores the intersection of life purpose and professional career. She discusses nonprofit work, tackling burnout, fulfillment and the importance of mission alignment. She describes EnCorps’ work helping STEM professionals become teachers, particularly in under-resourced communities. She also gives advice for people looking to shift careers into the nonprofit sector.

Key Takeaways:

(02:13) Amy’s mission at EnCorps is to bring STEM professionals into education.
(03:32) Nonprofit success metrics focus on measurable impact.
(07:09) Timeline realities of research pushed Amy toward immediate impact.
(10:24) Importance of mission alignment in maintaining resilience.
(11:46) Amy reflects on her impact through fellows and teachers.
(14:59) Believe in students’ potential, regardless of background.
(16:00) Financial and alignment considerations to shift careers to teaching or nonprofit.
(17:58) Test your interest through volunteer work before transitioning careers.
(19:25) Nonprofits are looking for quantifiable skills.

Resources Mentioned:

Technovation
EnCorps
Girl Scouts of the USA - STEM Programs
University of Illinois
University of Chicago Physical Chemistry Department
Kiva 

#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace