The stresses, challenges, and opportunities of making that early-to-mid-career move.

By Derek Lambert
Executive Director of Philanthropy, Rush University Medical Center
Member, AFP Chicago Peer Mentoring Committee

The following is excerpted from a longer version available here.

Having a solid career path provides people with the motivation they need to not only perform their work at an elevated level, but also to excel beyond their job responsibilities. Looking back at my own career, every promotion I received happened because I was exceeding my current job description and already performing many of the tasks required for the new role. If my manager did not lay out that plan, I plotted the path myself. As development professionals, we commit to the growth of the organization we serve, and it is completely reasonable to expect the organization to foster our professional growth in turn. If your professional needs no longer align with your organization’s plans, it might be necessary to move on.

Are you prepared for the next step in your career?
Your current manager or a trusted mentor can help you explore pathways to achieve your next role. They can help you to assess the skills you have developed and your achievements in your current role. Most importantly, together you can determine if you have taken your current role as far as it can go. If so, it might be time for you to either move up or move on.

Does the mission align with your personal values?
What sectors or causes excite you? Do you want to know more about the types of charitable organizations across Chicago and beyond? Here, your AFP membership is the perfect place to start. Come to events. Ask people about the organizations they serve. Understand how those organizations are structured. In short, become an informed consumer in the labor market.

Large, medium, or small?
Working in a smaller shop provides greater opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of the development profession. However, working in a larger shop might allow you to focus on aspects of the work you enjoy the most. Larger organizations may be able to offer more resources and often better salaries, but the smaller organizations might offer the most growth potential and a closer relationship to the mission.

One final thought…
The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that losing an employee can cost an organization up to 200% of their annual salary, benefits, and expenses. Organizations are well incentivized to retain talented, hard-working staff. Ask your manager what they see as the next step in your career development and, if you agree, work with them to develop a roadmap to accomplish your goals. Who knows? Your next amazing job might be right where you are! Ultimately, you are in charge of your career. Use every tool at your disposal, including AFP and the AFP Chicago Peer Mentoring Program, to achieve your career goals.

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