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[engrad12]

Hi All,

I'm finishing up a master's program this year in rhetoric and composition. While I'm still interested in teaching, I've recently considered applying for development/advancement positions. Obviously though, my MA coursework didn't include any courses in development/fundraising.

I'm curious if any of you know how I could go about making myself appear as a stronger or even viable candidate for fundraising/advancement positions. Are there courses out there that I could take? (If it helps to know, I'm in the southeast.) Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

[zharkov]

I ran into someone at a conference who taught in (or ran?) a program in "leadership and philanthropy" (forget the school) but that is the sort of program title to look for.  Also, look at the Chronicle of Philanthropy (which, I believe, is the sister pub of CHE).

[simplesimon]

If you are serious about a career in development you will want your own subscription to philanthropy.com.  On their website you will find a community forum with lots of information.

Good luck.

[dale1]

I'd suggest looking into the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University (located at IUPUI).  They do have short courses and resources that may be of interest there, as well.

[auva0811]

This spring, I accepted a development position with no previous experience in fundraising.  The best advice I can give you is to show employers what skills you have and how they can be applied in fundraising.  Development positions have a high turnover rate due to burnout or employee promotion.  There are a number of people that get hired that are considered "green."  Learning more about development terminology and giving vehicles would demonstrate your interest in the field.  If at all possible, volunteer for a development office or shadow a development officer.

I would advise you to really get a serious glimpse of what development is before you sign on for a development position.  If you're a front line development officer, you'll be making lots of cold calls and sending a great deal of emails trying to secure visits with alumni and other potential donors.  If your office doesn't keep adequate records of your donors, you may be scrambling trying to find that person's updated contact information.  Look for jobs at institutions where alumni are very loyal and generous.

Good luck!