Career Profile: Fundraiser

U.S. News and World Report recently released its list of the top careers for 2009. Along with jobs like engineer, pharmacist, and firefighter, the notion of a professional fundraiser may seem odd. However, this career path is actually one that is increasingly sought by businesses and non-profits. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to be a fundraiser.

What they do?

Contrary to what you might think, professional fundraisers do not simply go around asking for money. Instead, they oversee the entire fundraising process for their employer. This includes evertything from developing relationships with donors to training volunteers. Fundraisers also do a lot of writing as they draft grant proposals, write letters, and create fundraising campaigns. Fundraisers even get to be event planners for big events like political donor dinners, charity walks, and more.

Where they work?

Colleges and universities are among the biggest employers of fundraisers. This is because many educational institutions rely heavily upon private donations. Similarly, hospitals hire fundraiser to help them recruit donors. Non-profit organizations also use fundraisers to help them increase their income. Obviously, the larger the non-profit, the greater potential for finding a fundraising position. Finally, political groups use fundraisers to help them gain sponsorship for campaigns.

What it takes?

There are no specific degrees you need to become a fundraiser. Instead, most training occurs on the job or through a few well-known fundraising centers. However, prospective fundraisers can benefit greatly from a background in sales and business. Previous experience in your employer’s industry (ex. Higher education or non-profit management) is also helpful when seeking a fundraising position.

What are the perks?

Fundraisers actually make pretty good money. The median pay rate is $66,000. However, fundraisers can make as much as 90 to 100 thousand with experience. Plus, fundraisers get great networking experience they can use to make career moves later on.

Five Useful Courses You May Overlook

Are you considering taking any college / university courses this coming spring semester? If so, you probably want something that will earn you credit towards a degree program. However, there are a lot of courses that can greatly benefit you even if they don't fit with your studies (or even if you are out of school entirely). Here are some ideas of courses you may want to consider if you have some extra time.

1. Public Speaking - No matter what you do for a living, you probably need to interact with other people on a regular basis. This class will not only help you feel more comfortable in presentations, it can also teach you to think on your feet during day to day conversation. Another similar option is interpersonal communication, which some schools also offer.

2. Creative Writing - Unleash your creativity, express yourself, and improve your written communication skills all in one class. Plus, creative writing is generally more fun and interesting than an academic writing course.

3. Stress Management - I can speak from personal experience about the benefits of this class. By enrolling in this one, you can learn all about what causes stress in your life and how to effectively overcome it. Plus, this course will open your eyes about the dangers of a stressful life and how you can help others deal with their own stress.

4. Physical Education - Your school may not have a dedicated "physical education" course. However, it does probably offer some classes on specific activities. I have a friend who tried fencing and another who took a class on bowling! What a great way to learn a new hobby.

5. World Cultures - An introductory course to the different cultures that make up our globe can be a real eye-opener. Ideally, you should walk away with a better understanding of the people you may encounter throughout your life.

Find a Fellowship: Part I - Graduate Programs

A fellowship program is a great way to advance your career and save you money. There are two types of fellowships that are particularly appealing to you as a young professional. First, there are graduate fellowships. Graduate fellowships provide funding for students pursuing a post-undergraduate degree. Meanwhile, fellowship programs provide experience in your chosen field while granting a stipend or salary for your work. For today's article, we'll just focus on graduate fellowships.

Graduate fellowships range from basic scholarships to comprehensive research programs. These grants can be either portable or institution-based. Portable grants are usually issued by government or private organizations. They give you funding, materials, etc. while allowing you to choose where you pursue your graduate degree. In contrast, institution-based fellowships require you to work at a specific university for the duration of your program. These do not provide you with the same flexibility, but are still a great choice if you wre already planning on attending a specific school.

Graduate fellowships are awarded for a variety of reasons. Some are based on financial need, others focus on academic merit, and still others are awarded to candidates who met unique requirements. The application process for a fellowship can be extensive. However, the payoff is usually well worth it. In ideal scenarios, you can have your entire graduate degree funded. However, most fellowships only cover a fraction of costs for a specified period.

To find a graduate fellowship that suits you, check out this great resource from gradschools.com.

Making New Traditions

As the holidays get closer, I have a question for you. Are you going home to share in old traditions, or starting to make new ones on your own? Either way, this is a season to spend time with those you are closest to. It’s great if you can go home and share in the same traditions you did when you were younger, but for many of us, growing up means things change. Either you don’t go home or others in your social circle can’t be around. So, this year, why not start a new tradition? Not sure how? Here are some of the top ideas other people have used to start building a their own holiday customs.

1. Make a family of friends – If you can’t be with your real family this season, get together with your friends and co-workers who may also be spending the holidays away from loved ones. One of the best things you can do is plan a festive pot luck. This way you aren’t stuck in the kitchen, and everyone can bring something that reflects their own traditions. Even if you are not especially close to the people you invite, you’ll find the holidays are a great time to make new connections.
   
   
2. Do something good – If you find yourself with more time than usual this holiday season, why not spend some of it giving back? Soup kitchens and shelters are especially strapped for volunteers. With more people coming through the doors, you can make a big difference by lending an extra hand. Other options include visiting a nursing home or children’s hospital to spread some holiday cheer. To find out about opportunities in your area, check out volunteermatch.org!
   
   
3. Try something new – A great new tradition is to vow to try something new each season before the year ends. It can be anything from taking a holiday themed cooking class to trying snowboarding for the first time (just be safe!).
   
   
4. Make someone smile – See how many people you can make smile this season with small acts of kindness. Make cookies for your co-workers, leave a thank you note for your trash men, or help someone whose loaded down with holiday shopping bags. Feeling strong? Offer to help an elderly neighbor shovel snow or put up holiday lights. A great extension of this is to put a quarter in a jar for every smile you bring. Come New Year’s, see how much you’ve collected and make a donation to charity.
   
   
5. Swap traditions – Now is the perfect time to learn about a holiday different than your own. If you have a friend of a different faith or denomination, ask how he or she celebrates and see if you can get involved. You can also contact some local cultural groups to see if they have any events you can partake in. Observing how others celebrate this season can help you appreciate the true meaning of the holidays.

Finding a Job Abroad

The best time to work abroad is when you are still young and don't have many family ties / commitments holding you back. That's why many 20-somethings choose to spend a year or two working in an overseas position. Some even enjoy their international jobs so much they relocate permanently.

Choosing to work abroad is a great way to gain insight into new cultures, meet interesting people, and, of course, advance your career. With such a wide variety of overseas programs, you can choose to work at top companies in your chosen field, or experience a completely new line of work. Among the most popular industries for international work are education, business, and medicine. However, jobs range widely from farm-hand to marketing executive.

Of course, finding an ideal overseas position can be somewhat more difficult than domestic job searching. First of all, you need to keep in mind the costs of relocating to another country. It's also vital to get the proper authentication (visas, passports, etc.) to work in your nation of choice. Finally, you need to consider the linguistic barriers you may face.

If working overseas is something you are interested in, don't let any of these factors stop you from an overseas experience. There are many programs that facilitate working abroad and can make finding and planning for a job even easier. In fact, some organizations do nearly all the work for you and provide short-term experiences for those not ready to commit to a year or more.

For a list of some places to start your overseas job search, and more tips for the experience, check out this great article from examiner.com.

Is Your Mind at Risk?

There's been a lot of interest lately in the startling number of young people showing signs of mental illness. More specifically, it seems a lot of people between the ages of 13 and 24 are suffering from stress-related problems. What can stress do to your mind? Well, excessive pressure can wreak havoc on your emotional state and cause depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What's causing all this stress? According to surveys sponsored by MTVu, the top problems faced by young people were:

• academic responsibilities and competition
• anxiety about the future
• techno-stress
  
• excessive commitments
  
• peer pressure / bullying
• international affairs / threats
  

One study found that college students in particular were at risk, with nearly half of all students reporting mental illness. A more alarming statistic is that suicide is the #2 cause of death among college students. However, the problems don't stop upon graduation. In fact, young professionals report more daily stress than their seasoned colleagues. To make matters worse, many young people refuse to seek the help they need because they see stress and emotional disruption as "normal."

Thankfully, there are many options available specifically for young people seeking help. One great site to check out if you want more info / ways to help yourself or a friend is Half of Us, which is sponsored by MTVu. The site offers self-assessment tools, loads of information, and also has a phone hot-line for immediate needs.

Top Kitchen Appliance: The Slow Cooker

I recently purchased a slow cooker (also called a Crock Pot), and I can tell you it is one of the best kitchen tools when you're cooking for just yourself. A small, 2-quart, cooker is ideal for making meals for one or two people. All you need to do is toss the ingredients in, turn it on, and walk away. If you set it up i the morning, you can have a delicious meal by dinner. What better way to save time and eat well after a long day?

Many people stay away from slow cookers because they think the options for what you can make with them are limited. Actually, though, you can cook almost anything in a slow cooker. Soups, stews, and chili still top the list for traditional slow cooker recipes. However, you can also use a slow cooker to prepare oatmeal, roast meat, make casseroles, prepare hot drinks, and even bake cakes.

Did I mention how inexpensive slow cookers are? I got mine on Black Friday for $4, but you can find much better quality models for around $15 or $20.

Looking for some great recipes for a slow cooker? Check out SlowandSimple.com or my personal favorite recipe site, Recipezaar.

Remember, a lot of slow cooker recipes are made for larger appliances (5 and 6 quart models that feed a whole family). However, you can simply cut your favorite meals in half to fit your single-person cooker.

Making a Budget

I write a lot of articles for e-how.com and one of my latest was about how to create a budget. You may not think you need a written budget to keep track of your finances, but managing money is not as easy as you may think. The last thing you want is to develop debt or poor credit so early in your life. Plus, a budget helps you safe up for a big purchase or future event (like marriage or starting a family).

Top 5 Reasons to Make a Budget.

1. It helps You Pay Bills on Time: By sticking to a budget, you always have funds available for your regular bills.
   
   
2. It Builds Your Credit: Paying bills on time means your credit score wont go down.
   
   
3. It Prepares You for Emergencies: A good budget helps you save money each month to create a "safety net" should something go wrong.
   
   
4. It Helps Your Reward Yourself: You can factor in big purchases (like a new television or trip to the Caribbean) and save steadily for something you really want.
   
   
5. It Makes You Feel Good: A budget also tracks your income, which helps you see how much you're earning and saving. What a great self-esteem boost!

So, now that you know the reasons why you should make a budget, check out my article for some great tips to get you organized.

Reconnect with Old Friends

By the time most of us become young professionals, we've lost touch with a lot (if not all) of our childhood and high school friends. Sure, the web makes it easier to keep in touch, but facebook doesn't always do the trick. If you want to reconnect with some old friends, now is the perfect time of year to make the effort. Here are some great ways to do it:

• Send a card - a simple holiday greeting card can be the first step to rekindling a friendship. If you don't have a friend's address, try sending an e-card instead. (bluemountain.com has a great selection). In your card, include a brief note sharing how you have been and asking about your old friend's new life.
  
  
• Make a call - If you still have a friend's number, making a phone call can be the perfect way to reconnect. However, if you're like me, it can also be a really anxious / awkward experience. Your best bet is to only call if the friend was especially close and you're sure you have the right number.
  
  
• Get together - Inviting an old friend to grab coffee or a slice of pizza is the best way to catch up. You can send the invite over e-mail, by phone, or even by snail mail if you like.
  
  
• Host a party - If you don't think your old friends will go for a one-on-one meeting (especially if it has been a really long time or you had a small falling out) try planning a get together and inviting mutual friends as well. *This is my plan, and I just invited 15 old friends to a New Year's Party (wish me luck!).
  
  
• Use the web - If all else fails, the web is still a great resource. Don't just limit yourself to facebook, though. Other networking sites (like classmates.com or LinkedIn) are also great resources. You may also want to check to see if your school has an alumni organization you can join.
  

Ultimately, you may never be able to restart a stalled friendship. However, it can't really hurt to give it a shot. Feel free to comment with your succes (or less than successful) stories!

Ace Your Interview

Ready for your next job interview? You may think all it takes is a good suit and a neat resume, but there is a lot more to acing an interview than just that. In fact, having a successful interview starts long before you ever meet with your potential employer. You need to do research, plan ahead, and be confident when you arrive. Here are the key interview steps from this great article.

1. Research your prospective employer - this includes their mission, organization, and industry data.

2. Prepare for tough questions - look up some potential interview questions and examples of top answers. You may even want to practice answering some of the hardest with a friend.

3. Plan your travel route - get clear directions and take a practice run, if possible, to ensure you do not get lost and arrive late on interview day.

4. Dress for success - Wear a clean, professional outfit and keep any extras (like jewelry and makeup) to a minimum.

5. Be confident and honest - that's what employers look for most during an interview.

Find an Internship

An internship is a great way to gain job experience and pump up your resume. Unfortunately, many people miss out on awesome internship opportunities. Some think there are no opportunities in their field, while others refuse to work for free (many internships are unpaid). Even if you can't find an internship that matches your exact career goals, or have to accept an unpaid position, the experience you gain is well worth it.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should get an internship:

• The place you intern may offer you a full-time job.
  
• Employers pay a lot of attention to internship experience.
  
• You can learn new, marketable skills while working.
  
• An internship helps you network with people in your field.
  
• Most colleges / universities offer credit for internships.
• Internships help you hone your interests within your chosen field.
  

Now is the best time to look for Spring 2009 opportunities, and some companies are already looking for Summer 2009 interns as well. MonsterTRAK and InternJobs are two great sites to search for openings. Also, review this guide for finding an internship. Good Luck!

Happy Hour Networking

As you enter the professional world, you may find yourself presented with business happy hour functions. Sure, happy hours are always fun, but drinking with colleagues is not the same as drinking with your friends. Always keep in mind that a business-related outing is an opportunity for networking. The impression you make at the bar can be lasting, and you want it to be a good one.

Tip #1 - Talk to People
You may have two or three co-workers you like to hang out with at happy hour, but don't isolate yourself with those closest to you. Instead, branch out and use happy hour as a time to meet new people. You never know what opportunities, beyond just friendship, can come from a conversation. Also, make sure you take an equal share in listening as well. No one likes it when they can't get a word in.

Tip #2 - Know Your Limit
There is a time and a place to get tipsy - a business happy hour is not one of them. Even if you don't need to drive home, drinking too much at these outings can impair your ability to socialize. The last thing you want to do is embarrass yourself or insult a colleague (or worse your boss). Stay clear-headed enough to make intelligent conversation and don't be pressured by peers encouraging you to get wasted.

Tip #3 - Bring Cash
Keep in mind that not all places accept credit cards at the bar. Even if you know someone else is planning to get the tab, it is important to be prepared. It makes a very poor impression if you're short when it comes time to pay the check. Also, it can't hurt to buy a couple of rounds for the group.

Tip #4 - Watch the Time
If you need to be at work the next morning, be sure to leave the bar with enough time to refresh for the following day. You may feel lame leaving earlier than others, but you'll make a better impression the next day when you are energized and ready to work instead of nursing a hangover.

Tip #5 - Exchange Info
No, I don't mean dating info (you be wary of workplace romance sparked by happy hours...). Instead, I am referring to exchanging numbers, e-mails, and business cards with professional contacts. Keep a file of such information for future use, and don't be afraid to contact someone after a happy hour meeting.

Top Starting Salaries

Many of us assume that the only way to make good money right out of school is to become a doctor or lawyer (and then you're stuck with insane loans anyway). However, there are other jobs that pay well even in entry-level positions. Check out this list from bizcovering.com of jobs that pay more than $60k per year right from the start!

Want to know what you should be making in your current career field? Head over to salary.com and try their wizard tool. Payscale.com also has some useful info and features.

Holiday Baking the Healthy Way

Ovens get a lot of use this time of year. When holiday meals roll around, there are plenty of turkeys to roast and hams to glaze. Most importantly, though, there are baked treats to prepare! Whether you are preparing for a festive meal, giving edible gifts, or simply making cookies for santa, odds are you will be baking in the near future. Unfortunately, all the butter, oil, sugar, and cream you add really makes an impact on the nutiritional value of your treats. So, when you do start baking, why not trim some fat and calories from your traditional recipe?

This article is full of simple swaps you can make to lighten up your recipes without losing any flavor!

There are also a lot of great recipe sites where you can find healthier versions of your favorite baked goods. Before you waste time searching through them, though, check out this list I made of some lightened holiday treats:

1. Pumpkin Pie (under 150 calories and only 3 grams of fat)

2. Gingerbread Men (takes less than 10 ingredients and under 100 calories each)

3. Cherry Pie (under 100 calories and loaded with fiber)

4. Mini Panettones (perfect for one and under 250 calories each)

5. Fudge (each piece is under 100 calories and virtually fat-free)

6. Coffee Meringues (less than 20 calories each and fat-free)

7. Snowdrop Cookies (tiny treats under 60 calories)

8. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies (great holiday flavors under 100 calories)

GRE Confusion??

If you see graduate school as part of your future, you will probably need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). As with any standardized test, mastering the GRE means you first have to understand it. So, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the exam.


Is there more than one type of GRE?

• Yes, there is. The General Test (which is the one most schools require) is offered in two forms. You can either take it on paper, or using a computer testing facility. There are also GRE subject tests, which are like the SAT IIs you may have taken for college. There are 8 subject tests: "Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
  

When should you take the GRE?

• This decision is entirely up to you. There are no degree requirements for taking the test. Keep in mind, though, that scores are usually only good for five years. So, if you are not going straight to graduate school from college, you may want to wait before you take the exam. As for the time of year, the General Test is offered year-round. However, you can only take the subject tests in October, November, and April.
  

What's on the General Test?

• There are three parts of the General Test: Verbal Reasoning, Quatitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Put simply, the verbal part tests reading and vocabulary, the quatitative part focuses on math, and the writing part requires you to compose two essays. For the writing section, you will be asked to do one "issue" task, where you discuss your perspective on a presented topic. You will also be given one "arguement" task where you critique a written opinion.
  

How is the GRE scored?

• For the General Test, the verbal and quantitative sections are scored on a 200 to 800 point scale. Meanwhile, the writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6. If you take the computer-based test, you will get an "unofficial" score of your first two sections as soon as you finish. Official score reports are usually mailed two weeks after the testing date.
  

How do you register for the GRE?

• The GRE is one of the tests offered by the ETS organization. So, you will need to register through them. You can do this online, over the phone, or by regular mail. When you register, you will need to know where you want to take the test as well as pay the testing fee.

How much does the GRE Cost?

• In the United States, the general test will run you $140. If you are taking the test in another country, the price jumps to $170 (or $195 in China, Korea, and Taiwan).
  

How should you prepare for the GRE?

• Everyone prepares differently, but it is best to use a program or study materials specifically developed for the test. You can choose from an array of books, software, or live courses to get you ready.

Can you take the GRE more than once?

• Although you can take the GRE as many times as you want, your top score is not what matters. Instead, schools will likely take an average of all your test scores. So, a single good score may be better than one awful score and one high score. For a list of good prep courses, visit this site.