Freya Harding recently completed the CASE Asia-Pacific Graduate Trainee Programme at Monash University in Australia. She is now serving in the university’s office of the president and vice-chancellor as a development coordinator for STEM.

Had you previously thought about going into a career in university fundraising and development?  

I've always been interested in pursuing a career that makes a positive difference in the world, but I was completely unaware that this sector even existed. It wasn't until I stumbled upon the job description on GradJobs Australia a year ago that I first considered it as a career path. The idea of transforming lives and society through the power of education definitely pulled me in as a way I could give back while receiving an excellent professional grounding as a graduate. 

How did the CASE's Asia-Pacific Graduate Trainee Programme prepare you for the next step in your career?

The traineeship is a unique graduate program that covers all aspects of the advancement sector: prospect research, donor relations, annual giving, major gifts, bequests, and alumni relations. I've been exposed to each of these teams on both a national and global level, so I've gained a holistic view of how each cog fits into the wheel. I've also developed a whole lot of respect for each and every aspect of our profession. Spending time with each team gave me the opportunity to fine-tune my areas of interest and clarify my next steps, which led to my current roles working across the STEM team at Monash University and ClimateWorks Australia (an organisation which aims to bridge the gap between climate change research and action). 

What components of the program, beyond your work at the university, were most valuable for you?

Getting to know the other three graduates has been brilliant. Maggy, Josh, and Caroline are such wonderful people and I'm glad we could become friends outside of the program.

I also had the fantastic opportunity to spend a one month secondment period at CETYS University in Mexico. The experience opened my eyes to advancement globally. Despite different geographic regions, cultures, and languages (speaking Spanish in the workplace was an exciting challenge!), it was interesting to find many similarities in our sector. Even better, it was very exciting to see the mutually beneficial relationships that are blooming between the CETYS and Monash even after the secondment. I've been able to make introductions between people who might never have met, and new ideas are already being shared.

I was also lucky to have the opportunity to see work on the ground in Mexico in the form of the World Mosquito Project. As fundraisers, we often don’t get to see the impact part of our work, so that was a really rewarding experience. I'm looking forward to helping strengthen these international relationships, as well as raising awareness within our sector that our work transcends borders in an incredible way. 

What’s a professional lesson you’d pass along to someone just starting out in advancement?

Don't be afraid to ask for help (at the right time). I think I often felt like I had to prove myself by doing as much as I could by myself, but we have professional teams, managers, mentors, and colleagues for a reason—to help and support each other. Plus, I've found that people really appreciate being asked for the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise, so it's a win for everyone! 

What’s something you keep on your desk that’s really special to you? What’s the story behind it?

I have a tiny succulent that I can't believe is still alive after six months! Also, for a long time, I had a dramatic clipping from a newspaper reading, "This is Not Business as Usual" in very large letters pinned in prime position on my pinboard. Ensuring we help to protect our planet for future generations is important to me and a cause I hope to pursue throughout my career.