Prove Yourself Beyond all Obstacles: Fundraising

Although at times it can be complicated and frustrating, fundraising is an exciting and compelling field. Young fundraisers in particular face many obstacles that can be avoided with the proper preparation. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on how young fundraisers can grapple with common obstacles.

Age- not just a number:

Although you may think your age is just a number, some of the people you report to may use your age against you. Not only might your abilities be called into question, but you may automatically be viewed as being less qualified to do your job than your colleagues. First things first, if you want to be taken seriously, you must behave professionally. Your dress, your conversations, your work ethic, and how your carry yourself all fall into the category of professionalism.

Don’t fall into the trap of “becoming your bosses’ child”; if you are seen as child you will be treated as one; your boss will start to micromanage you, and your work will be called into question. Turn this situation around before it becomes so frustrating that you have to start looking for another job. If you approach age as merely a number and prove your abilities by consistently behaving professionally and achieving positive outcomes, you will be successful in transcending your bosses’ pre-conceived impressions.

The dreadful words- “You lack the experience”:

A problem that goes along with being young is being accused by “adults” of having a “lack of experience”. Whether you have had time on the job or in a class room, your age may still reflect a lack of experience, which you may or may not have when starting a career. How can a company expect you to get experience if they do not give you the opportunity to develop your skills? Simply put, the responsibility for solving this problem is yours. Take advantage of every opportunity you receive and take the initiative whenever possible. By taking part in numerous projects, you will show that you are not afraid and are willing to tackle any problem. If you obtained a degree before entering the field, use this to your advantage. Prove that what you have learned can be beneficial to the company or organization and that you have a strong understanding of the outside world and best practices.

If your experience is limited, demonstrate that time on the job is not the most important aspect, but that what you do with that time is more important. Remember when you are starting your career you do not want to be too narrow in your job choice; work someplace where there is a broad range of activities and responsibilities. Don’t let a lack of experience hinder your ability to get a job or the level of salary you seek.

The Generational Gap:

Although a generalization, I have often heard or experienced personally the generational differences in work ethic. Today’s generation often takes a relaxed approach to work, even though they are inquisitive, efficient, and expect results immediately. Our generation does not accept the “all work and no play” theory; we generally need to find a happy medium in our work. In some ways this is developed by learning new skills and taking a different approach to handling tasks, but the “Baby Boomer” generation habitually is adamant about work ethic and sees change as a form of disobedience. In order to avoid the hostility that can develop through these differences, be able to explain your reasoning as fully as possible. Remember that baby boomer’s do not always feel that there is time for questions, so make sure your questions are appropriate and remember to ask in a respectful manner.

Generational differences can also affect the relationship between you and your donors, particularly when making “the ask”. Our generation is used to making decisions in the moment, and we often become frustrated when we are left without answers. Remember, it is important to build a relationship and gain the trust of your donor before they will contribute to your organization. It’s not everyday they will be handing over large lumps of money to someone they perceive as a “kid”.

Communication Barriers through Technology:

Typewriters are a thing of the past and computers are in daily use, but is this a positive development? While technology has created an efficient work ethic and allows individuals to do their job from any location, it has eliminated direct contact with your co-workers.

Technology gives us capabilities such as answering emails from any location, while working on multiple assignments simultaneously. However, it also creates a communication wall between you and your co-workers. Today’s generation prefers to send an email from their desk rather then walking over to the next office, thus eliminating practically all face to face communication, as well as decreasing the necessary community atmosphere of your office. This type of communication does not allow you, as an employee, to stand out above the crowd. No longer are you a person with a face, but just another email address floating in cyber space.

While technology provides you with the tools to complete your daily tasks, it also may create a barrier between you and the advancement of your career. Remember that no matter how well you might do your job; it doesn’t help if your boss doesn’t know who you are. Walk copies of your work into the bosses so not only is he or she seeing your work but also the person behind the effort.

Fundraising is a career that requires patience, drive, initiative, respect, and understanding. At times, you may have to appear older and more confident than your truly are. As you attempt this, be prepared for some bumps along the road. Do your research, and take time to understand your surroundings. If you allow the most common obstacles to set you back, there is no telling what other obstacles your might face.

Age, experience, generational gaps, and technology issues could become issues of the past if they are handled with the consideration and respect they deserve. Take the initiative to succeed despite all odds, and prove yourself as leader in the fundraising community.

For another take on the subject, check out Wanted: A Little Respect from The Chronicle Of Philanthropy.

Anastasia Hagan is a Director in the Fundraising Division of Changing Our World, Inc., a national consulting firm advising nonprofits, foundations and corporations involved in philanthropy. Anastasia is also the co-editor of FLiP’s June/July Issue entitled: “The Ask”. ahagan@changingourworld.com

Comments

[Akira]

As a 30 year-old Director of Development I really appreciate this article. I began my fundrasing career at 24. After being passed over for the job after 3 "perfect" interviews, I discovered I was deemed "too young" to solicit gifts from constituents. Ultimately, it was the experience that I gained through opportunities that I created for myself independently as the Founder of a foundation that I was able to overcome my age and appearance to secure a Director's level fundraising job.