Career Advice: 5 Tips for a Job in Development

What's the secret to working with with big-name donors like Citizens Bank, NBC 10, TDBank, Cox and Amica? Ask JWU grad Sierra — she did it every day at Waterfire. Here are her 5 tips:

1. YOU Make an Impact
Development is making a connection that will lead to possibly a sponsorship or donation, or an exciting adventure your organization could be a part of.

2. Development is ALL about Relationships
Talk to donors on a personal level, rather than just business (and, you know, trying to ask them for money!). It’s maintaining that level of friendliness where you’re able to hug the vice president of a company.

It's working on a relationship, and making it last, so that it carries over to them supporting your organization.  

3. Remember the Little Things
Working with high end donors, it’s very important to “remember them.” Just little things, like remembering their kid’s name, or their dog’s name.

4. Your Sponsor’s Needs Are Key
Above all, make it an experience that not only benefits your company, but their company. Make sure that their representation is shining through.

5. Do a JWU Internship Like This!
I did my marketing internship here at Waterfire, just like Joy. And it turned into a job after I graduated.

The beauty of Joy's internship is able to get her hands in everything. It’s not just busywork or filing — she’s working with special events, our high end donors, calling the media. She’s entrusted with carrying over the brand.

As an intern, I learned business etiquette, and how to communicate with people on a real professional basis. This is not something that you really learn sitting at a desk all day. You have to learn out in the workforce. 

Waterfire really filled the gap, so I was ready after graduation to jump into the workforce.