It was my dream to work at the Eden Project, so I made the bold decision to relocate from Cumbria to Cornwall to make it happen. I started with a temporary contract on the admissions team, but when a new Individual Giving Officer position was created, I didn't hesitate to apply.
What I love most about fundraising is being the bridge between people who want to contribute towards making the world a better place and those on the frontline delivering that vision. I see fundraising as a 'connector' role, and when done well, everyone benefits and feels better. It's incredibly rewarding to facilitate these meaningful connections.
When I decided I wanted to create a career out of fundraising, joining the Chartered Institute seemed like the obvious thing to do. I knew that if I was going to succeed in this sector, I needed to equip myself with the right knowledge and skills.
Membership of the Chartered Institute has helped me learn what great fundraising looks like, understand how to succeed in my role, and develop my professional confidence. The support has been invaluable in multiple ways: it's supported my career development, helped me gain knowledge and insight, connected me with other fundraisers, helped me understand the sector more deeply, and given me confidence in my abilities.
What I value most about my membership are the learning opportunities. Over the years, I've completed a large number of training courses with the CIoF, as well as the Certificate in Fundraising. I honestly can't imagine whether I would be at the stage I am now, without that guidance and training.
The main thing I've been able to take from my learning and apply in my work is a more structured approach. I can now think and work more strategically, and I know that the decisions I make are informed by best practice and industry knowledge. This structured thinking has been transformational for both my work and my career progression.
Professionally, the learning has helped deepen my understanding of the charitable sector and the role fundraising plays within both the sector and society at large. It's developed my knowledge and skillset, which has helped me work my way up to manager level. The comprehensive training gave me the foundation I needed to advance in my career with confidence.
Personally, it has helped increase my confidence in my work and helped banish any imposter syndrome I had about embarking on a new career path. Moving from a completely different background into fundraising felt daunting at first, but the Institute's support made me feel legitimate and capable in my new profession.
After completing my learning with the Institute, I felt proud of my achievements and much better equipped to do my job well. There's something powerful about having that formal recognition and structured knowledge behind you.
By equipping my charity's fundraisers with knowledge, skills, and best practice, we're able to fundraise more effectively and make a greater positive difference. The Institute's training doesn't just benefit individual fundraisers – it has a ripple effect that ultimately benefits the causes we're all working to support.
To anyone thinking of joining, I'd say: go for it! The CIoF is such a valuable organisation to be part of, and when utilised effectively, it will have a really positive impact on your career.
For those considering learning opportunities with the Institute, I'd say this: fundraising can be a really rewarding career path, but it's not without its challenges. Arm yourself with as much knowledge and experience as you can – and meet other lovely fundraisers while you're doing so!
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising has been instrumental in transforming my accidental entry into fundraising into a purposeful, strategic career. The combination of practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional confidence it has given me has been invaluable, and I'm grateful to be part of such a supportive professional community.