By Amber Alarid, JVA Consulting

Young nonprofit professionals typically choose jobs based on what they are sincerely excited about, which is a great step toward on-the-job success and happiness. Yet, young nonprofit professionals can love their work for more than just its amazing social change value—they can also love what they do because it fulfills their career goals. This week I explore some tips on how to love your job even more by knowing that you are changing the world AND growing into the career of your dreams.

Never stop networking

Even if you’re employed, informational interviews (or casual coffee dates) and networking are a great ways to keep up on current trends in the sector and make sure you are steering your career in the right direction. Networking of any kind is valuable and important, but sharing your knowledge and goals with someone you admire one on one, listening to their advice and offering to help them builds a deeper relationship with important colleagues in the field. Meet with diverse leaders in the field, take coworkers to lunch and even explore LinkedIn connections to chat with people about the work they do to move social change forward.

Set clear goals before you talk to your boss or supervisor

I received great advice a few years back from a boss I greatly admire that I try to remind myself of before every meeting: Never go into a meeting (or even a supervisor/coworker/boss’ office) without a clear outline of what you want to talk about and tangible goals for what you want to get out of the discussion. While you don’t have to share those items with the other person, talking points and goals can help you be a more confident speaker if you get nervous, ensure that you don’t forget important questions and will show that you have respect for the other person’s time. I think it’s especially important before any performance review or interview to have clear ideas of where you would like your career to go and projects/tasks you think could help you get there. Share not only broad social change interests with your boss, but also specific tasks or projects you are passionate about learning and ask how you can get involved.

Make your desk home

If you have your own desk, or even office area, make the space your own. It sounds trivial, but organizing the space in a way that works best for you and adding a few personal touches can help you work more efficiently and feel more relaxed. Bring in a favorite mug or your own desk calendar if you have them—whatever you need to do to feel comfortable in the environment you spend most of your time in—just don’t go overboard or you’ll risk having an office that looks cluttered.

Get to know your coworkers

If you’re working full-time, you likely spend more time with your coworkers than anyone else. Therefore, it’s very important to get to know your coworkers and form great working friendships with them. Creating a safe and fun social environment in your job can make working on team projects run smoothly and can contribute to your overall happiness and comfort in your work.

What steps have you taken to land the job you love? Do you have tips to share with other nonprofit professionals about creating a working environment they’ll love?