Nonprofit Management Certificate at CalState & Development jobs at Cal. Will it help?
I work as an admin at Cal and am looking to make the shift into development, as I think that's where my interests and talents converge. I find that transitioning into a Development job isn't easy, as I don't have Cal-specific database experience, and I don't have formal fundraising experience (although I'm a savvy relationship builder and I understand cultivation).
The Cal State certificate program seems like a hands-on overview of many facets of nonprofit fundraising, etc. I think I could use this simply for the education.
I'd love to know if 1) anyone has been through the program, and if you found it helped you in your work or helped you to find work, and 2) if you're currently a UDAR employee or work in Development within an academic dept at Cal, how does one make a transition into Development? Would the certificate help? I'm confident I could move in and learn on the job, but nobody wants to hand a portfolio to someone without direct experience, and I understand the hesitation! Thanks for any advice you might have.
Parent Replies
I work in UDAR - it is a great place to be! I have also taken nonprofit classes at CSUEB. They are very good classes, but geared more to small nonprofits. To make the shift, I would suggest getting an admin job in UDAR and work your way up from there. Or work in development in one of the smaller units where you get to wear many hats. Good luck!