Changing career to becoming a Consultant

Lisa Santarpio

June 2,2020 at 3:18PM UTC

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I am thinking of pursuing a job change from Advancement Director in a private school to being an Advancement Consultant to help schools during and after the pandemic. Looking for advice and any other thoughts. Thank You

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EZINNE ONYEKAJune 9,2020 at 3:35PM UTC
Hi Lisa! I think the first question to answer is what you're trying to achieve. The facets of consulting are as boundless as the experience itself. So if you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, that may help your decision. But given your years of experience as an Advancement Director, I am sure you will add value should you choose to pursue it.
Lisa SantarpioJune 9,2020 at 4:09PM UTC
Thank you for your reply. I am having second thoughts and looking to get into something new. Stay Safe!
Christina GuglielmoJune 23,2020 at 5:17PM UTC
Lisa, I think you would do excellent transitioning into consulting. I think the best plan of action would be to look at some consultant profiles or jobs you would like to have and modify your resume to showcase that you can easily move from your role now to a consulting role doing similar work. Lots of the big firms are continually hiring or more smaller firms might be a great way to get into the industry. I did hear Deloitte did a few layoffs during COVID and Booze Allen has halted all hiring at this time.
ParillonFebruary 26,2021 at 5:11PM UTC
Perhaps get your Advancement Consultation operations up and running first before leaving. Build out your website, business legalities, scope of your consultant operations, identify your clients and start connecting with them, establish social medial presence for B2B, and see who is hiring at businesses. Establish your consulting operation before the job change and will you work independently or subcontract? I have seen Advancement Directors at many top Universities who want to establish endowments (which only a few people are qualified- as yourself) but not as many Advancement Consultants. Secure consultant operations before leaving your definitive income. Rice University always has this position available if you were interested in coming to Houston- minus the 1 cold day in years.