The shift from economist to development associate was well thought out. I spent a lot of time thinking about the skills I had that I liked using, my long-term goals, and the type of organization I wanted to work for. When I arrived in Seattle, I focused on finding a position that put all of these things together. I had decided that research economics was too isolated. I wanted a position that allowed me to create relationships and feel like I was making a difference.
All communication skills are important.
A development officer must communicate why the organization is so important and deserves funding. If the government continues to push human services into private hands, the field should grow. Also, with the continuing growth of personal wealth in the US, more and more individuals are thinking about philanthropy. The number of family foundations is growing. But there is a lot of competition for jobs.