4 Steps To Advance Your Career

Career turnover is a frequent occurrence these days. As the nation's economy improves and nonprofits are hiring again, professionals who were forced to stay put are now looking for new gigs. With more people changing careers though, how can you distinguish yourself from the past?

William F. Bartolini, associate vice president for development at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., spoke during the recent Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits in National Harbor, Md., about the challenges of distinguishing yourself even as you transition between multiple career paths. He offered four steps that will ensure you will looks unique to employers:

• Find Your Passion: Sit down and figure out what your best attributes are. Test your list with a trusted friend along with a trusted co-worker.
• Create A List: Use the list to describe your accomplishments, challenges you’ve faced and experiences you want to have.
• Elevator Speech: Prepare a short speech that encapsulates your experiences and advantages. These types of speeches should last 30 seconds. Make them brief.
• Where Will You Go?: Outline what the ins and outs to your work are. Do you want to be involved in fundraising or do a little of everything? Do you want to work in a small shop or big shop? These are all questions you should be asking yourself.