Advice Requested: Career switch from nonprofit fundraising to corporate

Anonymous

August 16,2023 at 1:58PM UTC

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Advice Requested: Career switch from nonprofit fundraising to corporate

Hello!

I recently stepped away from my career as a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations. My background is in molecular biology, and through a series of opportunities (analyst -> corporate relations at a biology nonprofit -> corporate fundraising) landed fully in the nonprofit fundraising space. Though I was honored to work alongside dedicated, amazing fundraisers driving good in the community, I ultimately struggled with feeling inauthentic in fundraising and realized the work was not for me.

I am looking to move into the corporate realm perhaps working in operations for a scientific-focused organization, or somewhere that my logic-based brain can be challenged along with building relationships and partnerships which I enjoy. Project management or other operations found fascinating, but I don't want to limit myself down just yet.

If you've had this experience, have transitioned careers, or if you have advice, could you share it?

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AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 2:28PM UTC
Hi! It’s such a coincidence reading this because I saw a new role and I am thinking of transitioning from corporate to fundraising! Wow! I have 10 years experience in corporate project management in B2B tech, and as much as I love it, I just don’t find it rewarding anymore. Too much cut throat toxic environments and egos. I definitely don’t want to deter you from making this transition, it sounds like you would really excel with your background. Have you starting reaching out to colleagues and your network to get their input? Any specific companies you would love to work for? I love LinkedIn. It is such a great resource for researching jobs and different industries :)
Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachAugust 16,2023 at 2:41PM UTC
Career coach here - I assist professionals with career transitions so they can advance in the right direction. And by "right direction," I mean the direction aligned with your strengths, thinking/behavioral style, values, and passions. Finding your career calling.
You're right... our gut tells us when we're working in a space that is out of alignment with our authenticity and it doesn't feel good. From the way this post reads, it sounds like you aren't exactly sure which direction you want to take your career into, which is what's making it difficult for you to find answers to your "other questions" in this post. Why? Because the answer to those questions will ultimately depend on where you are being called to go as a professional.
If you don't know which direction to take, I recommend you work with a coach to find your true path. That is going to be your fastest, easiest way to make a fulfilling career pivot and advance in the right direction.
If you DO have an idea, I recommend growing your network with professionals that work in the space you want to go. If you don't know them already, LinkedIn is a wonderful tool for this. Speak with them, ask them how they got to where they are, and let them know that you are actively searching for a role in that same space. That could help you gain some clarity on the "other questions" you asked in this post. If and when you reach out to professionals for this type of "informational interviewing," you always want to be appreciative and offer something of value to them so that the relationship becomes a mutually beneficial one. Developing and nurturing relationships with those who work in your area of interest is always a beneficial activity and I can't recommend it enough. Just be mindful that although most people don't mind having these conversations (in fact, they often are very willing to help and are glad to have these conversations if you approach it the right way), they are also busy. So finding a way to give back to them is a good way to nurture the relationship with our network partners.
Feel free to send me a private message if you'd like to continue the conversation. Wishing you much success!
AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 2:54PM UTC
Corporate America can be a rough one to transition into -- have you thought about looking for a different type of role within a different nonprofit? Nonprofits tend to like to hire people who have nonprofit experience. I just saw a role for a Scientific NP -- perhaps that would give you the expanded role you are seeking?
AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 3:45PM UTC
Re: B2B to fundraising - thank you for your comment and what a coincidence! I appreciate your advice on LinkedIn and networking. Though I've reached out to current and past colleagues, I love your idea of further deep-diving into LinkedIn and other possible connections I could have. I would recommend fundraising to others, it certainly is rewarding - based on your experience, look into sponsorship/partnership/corporate relations work, your B2B skills are readily needed!
Re: remaining in nonprofits - thank you for your idea! I've looked into other scientific NPs, but feel there is a bit of a glass ceiling in regard to education. I'll also admit that money is an object, and it's been challenging to find a role that meets my salary preferences... I'll keep diving into other scientific NPs, though, as I do appreciate the work being done!