Fundraising Careers Part 2: Getting Started and Advancing Your Career
Having explored the essential fundraising skills in our previous blog, it’s time to delve into the practical aspects of entering the field and advancing your career. Whether you’re a novice looking to break into fundraising or a more experienced professional seeking to enhance your skills, this blog offers insights into different pathways and strategies for success.
Getting Started: Various Entry Points
Embarking on a fundraising career can happen through various avenues, and understanding these options can help you chart your course effectively:
- University Course: Many universities offer specialised courses in fundraising or related fields. These programs provide a solid academic foundation, covering theoretical aspects and practical skills necessary for success in fundraising.
- Internships/Apprenticeship: Some organisations offer fundraising internships/apprenticeships, providing a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity. This allows you to gain practical skills while working directly in the field under the guidance of experienced professionals.
- Working Towards the Role: Starting in an entry-level position within a nonprofit or fundraising department can be a stepping stone. As you gain experience and showcase your dedication, you may gradually transition into a more specialized fundraising role.
- Volunteering: Volunteering is an excellent way to get hands-on experience and make a meaningful contribution to a cause you’re passionate about. Many successful fundraisers began their careers by volunteering, allowing them to build a network and gain practical insights.
- Applying Directly: Some individuals enter fundraising by applying directly for roles. This may involve leveraging transferable skills from related fields, such as marketing or sales, and demonstrating a genuine interest in fundraising during the application process.
- Specialist Courses: Professional bodies, such as the Institute of Fundraising (IoF), offer specialist courses. These courses provide targeted training, often focusing on the latest trends and best practices in the fundraising landscape.
Advancing Your Fundraising Career: Strategies for Success
Once you’ve secured a fundraising position and are gaining valuable experience, the next steps involve advancing your career and honing your skills. Here are three effective strategies:
- Volunteer Continuously: Even after securing a paid position, continuing to volunteer for special projects or events allows you to broaden your experience. It demonstrates your commitment to the cause and provides opportunities to take on new responsibilities.
- Get a Mentor: A mentor can provide invaluable guidance and insights based on their own experiences in the fundraising field. Seek out someone with a wealth of knowledge who can offer advice, help navigate challenges, and provide constructive feedback.
- Qualifications Matter: Consider pursuing formal qualifications to enhance your credibility and expertise. The Institute of Fundraising (IoF) and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) offer respected certifications. These not only deepen your understanding of fundraising principles but also make you stand out in a competitive job market.
In conclusion, breaking into fundraising and advancing your career requires a combination of education, practical experience, and ongoing professional development. By exploring different entry points, continuously volunteering, seeking mentorship, and investing in relevant qualifications, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in fundraising. Stay tuned for the final installment of our blog series, where we’ll consider what it takes to be a fundraising consultant.
Fundraising Careers Blog series
Fundraising Careers Part 3: Becoming a Fundraising Consultant
