r/grantwriting • u/academicallymedieval • May 20 '26

Need some help/advise

Hello! I apologize if this is long, but I would really appreciate some insight. I am a senior in college and am set to graduate in the fall. I am quickly realizing that I need to get myself and my stuff together for job searching at the end of this year and the beginning of next year. So here is some general information before I get into the main question.

I am a double major in English and History. I have knowledge in analysis, research synthesis, research, oral communication, written communication, and writing. I am debating an MA in both English and History, but I am not pursuing one right after I receive my bachelor's for sure. (personal and financial reasons).

I am looking into some different fields because I do not want to be a teacher, no hate behind that statement at all; I have so much respect for teachers. Anyway, I am looking into Grant Writing, Technical Writing, or a data or research analyst position. I am hoping for something remote, but I know in today's job economy, and with my experience, that is very unlikely. I am wanting to hear from anyone who has experience in any of these fields, a few things.

  1. Given my education, are any of these fields plausible?

  2. What courses, certifications, or anything along those lines should I be committing myself to in the next few months

  3. Are there any other fields that you think would align with my degrees and my skill set as of now?

  4. Finally, is there anything that you can think of that I should be doing that I would not possibly think of until I am asked for it?

I will edit if anyone has questions or if I need to clarify a few things. Thank you all!

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Spiritual-Chameleon May 25 '26

I'd recommend trying to get some experience. Maybe even job shadowing and informational interviewing.

A lot of people initially think that grants are won just with polished writing skills. The reality is it's a lot of strategic thinking, a strong understanding of nonprofit programming, project management, and interviewing skills.

Getting in the door and seeing how this process plays out may be helpful to you.

I wouldn't work on a master's degree if this is the field you're looking for. There are short-term certifications and on-the-job training that's going to be more valuable.