How to Answer: How would you go about seeking new opportunities for professional development in this role?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Fundraising job interview.
10. How would you go about seeking new opportunities for professional development in this role?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Nonprofit organizations love to hire employees who are committed to their cause. One of the best ways to illustrate that commitment is to express an interest in growing professionally in the fundraising field. The interviewer wants to know that you are eager to build upon your skills, experience, and knowledge in order to enhance your fundraising abilities.
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
There are countless ways to develop professionally in the field of fundraising. You can attend conferences, participate in workshops, take skills certification courses, and more! Tell the interviewer some of the different activities that interest you and how you anticipate they would support your growth.
You can even talk about times in the past when you have availed yourself of professional development opportunities. If you do, then discuss what you learned from those experiences (i.e., what skills you enhanced, what concepts you learned, any networking connections you made, etc.).
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Since I am a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, I receive a steady flow of information regarding new professional development opportunities in the field. In the past, I have attended several local and national fundraising conferences, where I attended sessions on new technology, relationship management, advancements in prospect research, and more. These conferences have also given me the opportunity to network with and learn from other fundraising professionals around the country. I am always eager to avail myself of new professional development avenues."
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I really think it is important to regularly research new trends in fundraising. Every week, I try to devote time to reading articles, blogs, and newsletters related to this topic. Keeping abreast of new developments in the industry allows me to improve my fundraising abilities and anticipate any changes that might affect the way I seek funds. Most recently, I discovered a series of webinars with a trove of useful information that analyzed giving trends by generation over the course of the past twenty years. I brought this to the rest of the fundraising team, and we were able to use that information to guide some of our decisions for the next fiscal year. I would definitely bring this commitment to professional development in this role."
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022