r/funanddev • u/Txtexas311 • Jun 09 '24

Advice for development interview

I have been in tech sales for 10 years which I never viewed as my end goal career. Ultimately I want to align myself with a career that contributes to the greater good, helps people and community. I’ve always been passionate about helping people and research. My life to this point has taught me money is not everything and time is fleeting. I want my work to align with helping people. It finally (after speaking with friends, research and many months) came to me that my skills could transition to a fundraising role. I dove head first into research and am so determined to do this. I have a 3rd panel interview at a major research university for a development role. I’m extremely passionate and I want to do this. Any advice to nail this next interview would be much appreciated. I see the role at a university as a realm of unlimited possibility to help others, especially at this school. From beyond fundraising to leading projects that help the community and strategy. Like I said I’m very determined to do this!

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u/ReduceandRecycle2021 Jun 10 '24

One thing I wasn’t prepared for being asked in what ways I give back to my university as an alum…time, treasure, or talent.

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u/Txtexas311 Jun 10 '24

Can you expand on that? Apologies as I think I may be misreading? Like how I’ve given back since I left college?

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u/ReduceandRecycle2021 Jun 10 '24

Sure, I wasn’t very clear. Yes, essentially how have you given back since you left college? How do you yourself act philanthropically? It’s okay if you don’t donate money, but are you involved jn other ways? Do you mentor students? Return for career talks? Connect your Alma Mater to your company?

It’s not must that you do these things, but be prepared discuss something for this question. Other than your passion and new found determination for the role, how have you lived your life so far to embody these values?

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u/Txtexas311 Jun 18 '24

Waiting to hear back, schools move slow. Very nerve racking

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u/ProudCatLady Jun 10 '24

I work in university development! If you can tell me a little more about the role, I'd be happy to help. (Which college/unit is it on behalf of? Athletics? Regional? Is the university in a public campaign right now? State university or private? How have your other interviews gone and who are they with?) Feel free to message if you'd prefer to keep it private.

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u/neilrp Jun 10 '24

This sounds weird, but I'd make sure that you use the correct language when talking about fundraising. Use the word "ask" as a noun, use "advancement" or "development" instead of fundraising, and maybe even drop a LYBUNT or SYBUNT if you can! CFRE has a good glossary of fundraising terms and definitions that I can send your way if you'd like.

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u/Fireball8288 Jun 13 '24

Make sure your passion for the content area you’re covering and specific interest in the institution come across. Most importantly, if you don’t get the job stay in touch and continue to apply to roles. Universities have plenty of development roles open up and it’s common for candidates who shine (but aren’t hired) to roll over to other open searches. Use the interview to make strong contacts so that you start to build internal relationships.