As a Development Associate, I develop and maintain a grants calendar for the organization, write grant requests and proposals for both new and ongoing programs as well and assist with writing digital and written communications as they pertain to donors
Why Mount Union
Because of the small class sizes and intimacy of the campus, I had a lot of opportunities to join student groups like APO and hold student worker positions at the DWOC, Marketing Office, Green Raiders, WRMU, and the Dynamo student newspaper. The small class sizes allow you to develop truly meaningful relationships with peers and faculty that nurture your growth and allow you to excel. I love Mount Union because my experiences there were key to shaping who I am as a person, informing my global perspective, and being the place where I made lifelong friendships. I also love Mount Union because it allowed me to travel (attended the AASHE conference in Pittsburgh, the Electronic Media conference in San Antonio, went to the Dominican Republic through a Social Responsibility class, and the Adirondack Mountains during Environmental Philosophy class) and equipped me with the education and skills needed to excel in my career.
Current Career
My favorite thing about my job is writing persuasive donor solicitations and appeals. I also love conducting research and using my citation skills to make sure sources are correctly attributed. Certain stats strengthen needs assessment content areas in letters of request to grantors. I also love connecting with individuals who are passionate about The Hope Foundation, either through grants they've received as a physician-researchers or by seeing the improvements the organization has prompted in SWOG, which is the oncology network The Hope Foundation supports. For example, The Hope Foundation has supported efforts to include staff from rural hospitals and institutions that primarily serve BIPOC populations at its biannual conferences. I truly believe in my organization and the impact we have, so it makes it easy to promote and encourage others to support it as well.
How Mount Union Prepared You
The better question is how it DIDN'T prepare me for my career. Extracurriculars and internships helped me translate what I'd learned in the classroom into real, tangible scenarios. I learned how to work in a team and communicate my ideas in various mediums. Undergraduate extracurriculars and internships gave me confidence and allowed me to take risks and grow in a safe environment. Writing samples from the Office of Marketing, The Dynamo, etc. work created during my summer internship, etc. were used as writing samples when applying for jobs and helped me learn how to connect with various audiences. I use skills I learned as a DWOC consultant when giving presentations at Board meetings, writing grants, and interacting with current and potential donors.
Choosing to be a Writer
I cannot imagine being any other major but a writing major. Ever since I was little, I loved writing. This summer I was looking through old yearbooks, and in 4th grade, my elementary teacher signed “I can’t wait to read your first book!” Writing’s my love; it’s my passion. Someday, maybe my 4th grade teacher really will read a book I’ve written.
Working for the DWOC
My position in the DWOC was one of the most influential experiences I had at Mount. Working at the DWOC truly made me a better, more knowledgeable student. It also forced me to be more adept at using various technologies available at Mount such as the ICE microphones or iMovie. The job truly pushes me outside of my comfort zone which while at times can be stressful and scary, also made me more well-rounded and capable.
Goals in the Future
A short-term goal I'm focusing on is earning my Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential.