You're aiming for career growth in Philanthropy. How can informational interviews help you achieve that?

I am skeptical of information interviews. Just because you, as a young person, called and talked to a CEO in your field, does not necessarily mean that you have expanded your network. I would set my sights a little lower. What you can do with information interviews is understand your field of choice a little better, gain more insight into the pros and cons, and perhaps once in a while, it might lead to suggestions about job openings.

Being transparent about the availability of the position. I have interviewed with a lot of philanthropy organizations who just interviewed me for the sake of the experience, I know now that careers in philanthropy are directly correlated to who you know. Also, the transparency about what the job entails, I have studied the industry for a while, and in my instance wanting to become a program officer, means providing technical assistance to the grantee on behalf of the grantor organization, but it also means building capacity of the grantee. Being able to offer them valuable insight to confidently pursue other funding sources and help them build a network with people doing similar work.

Las entrevistas informativas son clave para tu crecimiento en la filantropía. Te permiten: Expandir tu red: Conoce a profesionales del sector y abre puertas a nuevas oportunidades. Aprender sobre diferentes roles: Descubre qué camino profesional se adapta mejor a ti. Obtener consejos personalizados: Recibe orientación sobre cómo desarrollar tus habilidades y construir tu carrera. Identificar oportunidades: Encuentra voluntariados o pasantías para ganar experiencia. Clarificar tu trayectoria: Define tus objetivos a largo plazo y traza un plan de carrera. Consejos: Investiga antes de la entrevista, prepara preguntas abiertas, sé claro sobre tus objetivos y agradece a la persona por su tiempo.

A few ideas - Be specific in your requests: Focus on building relationships: An informational interview isn't just about extracting information; it's about building a genuine connection. Show appreciation for their time, be a good listener, and follow up with a thank you note. Leverage your existing network: Ask your current contacts if they can introduce you to individuals in the philanthropic sector. This can open doors and create a warmer introduction. Attend philanthropic events: Conferences, workshops, and networking events are great places to meet people and initiate conversations that could lead to informational interviews.

Whether you're looking for career growth in philanthropy, or any field, informational interviews are an excellent networking tool that allow others to learn more about you and your availability and skills, and allow you to learn about an organization and its culture. Informational interviews can lead to volunteer opportunities, freelance opportunities, friendships, and a different job. What's best about informational interviewing is meeting new people and learning about different organizations, their missions, and how they carry out their work. This is valuable information for career growth. Specifically in philanthropy such interviews help you to meet the teams and individuals involved in the work, so you know who you'd be working with.

Here are some specific questions I would consider asking during informational interviews to gain this deeper understanding of the philanthropic sector: Can you describe a typical day in your role? What are the biggest challenges you face in your work? What are the most rewarding aspects of your career in philanthropy? What skills do you think are most essential for success in this field? What trends or changes are you seeing in the philanthropic sector? What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in philanthropy?

Be specific: Instead of saying, "I have good communication skills," share specific examples of how you've used your communication skills to achieve results in past roles. Focus on transferable skills: Highlight skills that are relevant to philanthropy, even if you acquired them in a different field. For example, skills in project management, fundraising, or community engagement are valuable in many philanthropic roles. Ask for feedback: Be open to feedback on your skills and how you can improve. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow. Express your passion: Share your enthusiasm for the philanthropic sector and how your skills can contribute to its mission.

Understanding Values and Mission: Ask your interviewee about the organization's core values and how they are reflected in the day-to-day work. This can help you determine if your personal values align with those of the organization. Learning About the Work Environment: Inquire about the work atmosphere, communication styles, and team dynamics. This can give you a sense of whether the environment is collaborative, hierarchical, or something else entirely. Gauging Employee Satisfaction: Ask your interviewee about their overall experience working at the organization. This can give you valuable clues about employee morale, career development opportunities, and the general level of satisfaction within the organization.

Mapping Career Trajectories: Ask your interviewees about their career journeys. What steps did they take to reach their current position? What were the turning points and key decisions they made along the way? This can help you visualize potential career paths and identify the various roles and levels within philanthropic organizations. Identifying Valuable Skills and Qualifications: Inquire about the skills, qualifications, and experiences that are highly valued in the sector. Are there specific certifications, degrees, or training programs that are considered essential or beneficial? This knowledge can guide your professional development choices and help you invest your time and resources wisely.

I always defer to those with experience in the industry. I reach out and ask for if there's something I don't know. I also share my expertise and the experience I've gained through the trials and tribulations of 20 years in the industry. I find people are willing to share their wisdom if you simply ask. Isn't that what makes the world go round, giving and receiving :-)