A Guide to Confidently Accelerate Your New Career in School Advancement

Those of us who work in school advancement are passionate professionals, dedicated to making a difference in students’ lives. Many of us are drawn to this line of work because of the sense of community and mission-driven purpose it can bring. 

And interestingly, many people land in the world of school advancement by chance. 

There is not a regimented path for professionals in school advancement, which has its challenges. For early-career professionals, navigating the complex landscape of fundraising and the breadth of responsibilities can initially seem daunting. Once newcomers start to find their rhythm, their career trajectory is often unclear, which can be discouraging. 

Can you relate? 

A big part of our mission at CASE is to inspire, challenge, and equip advancement professionals at all levels to excel. No matter where in school advancement you serve—fundraising, communications, enrollment, or alumni relations—you can use the following tips to grow your qualifications, become an influential leader, and enjoy a fulfilling career in school advancement. 

Get Involved on Campus

• Ask if you can occasionally sit in on classes, especially if you aren’t already an advisor or a coach on campus. You’ll see your product in action and garner ideas that are going to make a direct impact on your work in advancement or alumni relations. 
• Swing by an assembly, event, or student workshop. These are great places to mine for new stories and student perspectives.
• Make meaningful contributions to programs outside your role. Your peers and school leaders will notice your initiative as a team player. For example, volunteer to chaperone a dance; join a task force that addresses the calendar or dress code; or find other ways outside of traditional advancement to support your colleagues. You’ll gain a more holistic perspective of the school throughout the process.

Quickly Diversify Your Experience Through Shadowing

• Ask a lot of questions of the people who work in adjacent roles to yours. Ask about their wins, their challenges, and how they tackle their day-to-day tasks. 
• Shadow people who are slightly more advanced in their careers than you, even if they’re in different departments. For instance, you may gain a deeper understanding of your own role by sitting with the business officer or an admissions officer. 
• It won’t always be possible, but ask if you can join meetings with donors or the senior leadership team. This will give you perspective on how specific processes happen. 

Seek Out Mentors and Allies

• Identify someone at your school whom you admire and has more experience at your institution than you. A mentor within your organization can help offer valuable guidance for navigating internal structures and can serve as an ally for you as you encounter unique challenges and opportunities.
• Identify someone you’ve met at a peer school who works within a similar field as you. Before establishing them as your mentor, we recommend informing your school that you are seeking this type of relationship so it’s clear you’re not trying to leave your current position.  
• Reach out to these people and express your interest in learning from them. This can be nerve-wracking, but if you’re clear about your intent, most experienced professionals will welcome the opportunity to help. 
• Build an ongoing relationship by asking questions, seeking advice, and providing updates on your progress. 

Take Advantage of Networking and Professional Development Opportunities

• There are countless opportunities for conferences and networking. Be strategic about your selections by pinpointing events where institutions like yours will be in attendance.
• Also consider your specific areas of interest or areas where you need to build your skills. 
• CASE offers nearly 80 different conferences each year, including events dedicated solely to school advancement. 
• Fully capitalize on the opportunity of a networking event or conference. Prepare questions related to the current challenges you’re facing. Push through vulnerability and tell people you’re interested in growing your career. Then ask for relevant feedback. People can’t help you if you don’t ask. 
  
   

“Just as in fundraising, the number one rule in networking is: You don’t get what you don’t ask for. Having a little anxiety about it is normal but you have to overcome that in order to get what you need.”

—Ann Snyder, Senior Director, Communities Engagement, CASE

 

Get Support Specific to Your School Advancement Career

By weaving yourself into the fabric of your school and asking for opportunities to be involved behind the scenes, you’ll build trust with key leaders and constituents around your organization. In the longer term, you’ll build your arsenal of stories, which can help you relate to parents, donors, and alumni. And, the stronger that arsenal, the stronger your position becomes for new opportunities. 

Join CASE for support from people who know firsthand what it’s like to navigate an educational advancement career. And give yourself the advantage through CASE’s on-demand resources, such as online courses, data and reports, the CASE Library, and our extensive networking and training opportunities.