How did she choose her
career? What type of education or training is needed for this position?
This career actually
chose her. She did Corporate Event Planning for a long time after
finishing college with a degree in Communication. She thoroughly enjoyed
the industry but at the same time she walked away from each event wondering
what would've happened if the client had given just a portion of the amount
that they had spent on their event to a charity. Even 10-20% would've
made a huge difference to a local organization and wouldn't have made a
difference to the guests attending the event. This steered her into
non-profit event planning where all of the focus was on raising money.
What advice would you
give to someone interested in this field?
Her advice would be find
a cause that one cares about and help it to advance. Also, don't just focus on
raising funds. Focus in on raising awareness as well.
Do you notice any new
trends in the field? Every year it is harder and harder to fundraise. There are
so many good causes and organizations out there so the funding has become
stretched pretty thin. In addition, the expansion of social media makes it hard
for donors to choose which agency they should give to because they are
bombarded left and right. This translates into smaller gifts to many
organizations instead of one or two major gifts to the agency they care most
about.
Why
would you be interested in this career or position?
I honestly would be
interested in this position or career path because as Jessica says about caring
for causes and being passionate in helping to advance it. I have that heart and
desire, to contribute my support wherever is needed and most deserved. Every
opportunity I have to help in anything, I am there. Thus, I have experience in
the fundraising background through being on the Executive Board of a health and
wellness organization—Downtown Phoenix Campus (DPC) Aware. I enjoy coming up
with ideas and fundraising strategies to raise money for deserving causes.
Denise,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the interview with your supervisor. Your supervisor main job responsibilities was very interesting. I thought she had a lot of responsibilities, I don't think able be able to do all those responsibility. Her advice was great she recommended to not just focus on raising funds but also focus in on raising awareness as well. This is great advice because if you raising awareness you are educating more people about what you doing.
Thank you for your post.
Denise,
ReplyDeleteThis post was nice because it brought light on the fact that awareness can be as or more important then the individual fundraising efforts. It makes sense because people who would want to contribute/donate can't without know what to donate to. Also, it seems like you have a good relationship with your supervisor, witch is always a great thing to have in a working environment. Great job!
Denise,
ReplyDeleteThis was an awesome post. I have heard several people in my department say the career found them and I truly believe this is how it works a lot of times. When you truly have a passion for a specific field of work, it tends to just fall in your lap. I seems like your boss is highly successful and that you are really enjoying your internship!