Learning for Life depends on executives to inspire, encourage, and coach the adults who help deliver our school-based and work-based programs to the youth of America.

Successful Learning for Life executives come from many backgrounds. What they share is talent, drive, and a desire to find a rewarding and meaningful way to make a difference for the good in their communities.

A college degree is required. Graduates with degrees in liberal arts, business, nonprofit management, marketing, finance, and accounting are all welcome to apply. Male and female candidates must also be 21 years of age.

Apart from that, age is not a constraining factor. While many enter the profession right out of school, others successfully enter in mid-career or even later. Life skills and experience count greatly in the on-the-job performance once your initial training is completed.

Having said that, professional work in Learning for Life is not for everyone. A realistic understanding of the settings and tasks can help career seekers decide whether to further explore this work.

Successful executives tend to reflect four characteristics that go beyond basic educational requirements for the work. As we go through these characteristics, ask yourself how well you fit the profile.

1. Successful Learning for Life executives are effective in working with people. They are poised, outgoing, and communicate well with people of many different economic and cultural backgrounds. They work well with
the mix of adult volunteers, community and business leaders, and representatives of other organizations we encounter daily.

2. Learning for Life executives sometimes work non-standard hours. Because work with volunteers, certain activities may be scheduled on weekday evenings and weekends. While executives do much of their work during standard office hours, they also need to flex working hours as required. Many Learning for Life executives with families and working spouses look upon this flexibility as an asset.

3. Successful Learning for Life executives enjoy working independently. Because most of our work occurs outside the office, it requires us to focus and manage our time well. Individuals who prefer working in the same setting every day, under close supervision, may find the independence required to be frustrating.

4. The work is varied. It favors those who like a good deal of variety in work over the course of the year. Entry-level executives may find themselves doing intense organizing and recruiting work in one season, fund-raising and promotion the next. Some work will be done in a suit-and-tie business environment, some running Learning for Life programs outdoors.