In fundraising, entering the field can be both exhilarating and daunting. Drawing inspiration from the insights shared by industry professionals, I've distilled a collection of both mine and their invaluable lessons for those embarking on their fundraising journey.

Embracing Imperfection and Opportunity in Your First Role

Real talk: the initial step into fundraising seldom presents the perfect job scenario. Yet, this phase holds immense potential for exploration and self-discovery!

“You know those houseplants that have been in a pot too long? When you take them out of the pot, you see the coils of roots circling around and around, just barely wedging in the container. That’s how I feel here.”

I told a coworker this once to describe how stagnation felt in a past role. Houseplants confined to a small pot may not necessarily die. They can survive, but their growth is minimal, and gradually, they begin to look quite forlorn. This is a powerful illustration of what happens when we stay too long in a role that no longer challenges us or offers room for advancement.

Did you know 70% of people are unsatisfied with their jobs? That’s pretty shocking. Is that your story and on repeat? Been there! After feeling a bit lost in my own career, I created a reflection exercise. I am sharing it so you can stop guessing what your dream job is. Instead, put real definition around it.