Graduation: Spring 2021 

Studies: B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication; Certificates in Public Health and Nonprofit Leadership & Philanthropy 

Current City: Iowa City, IA 

Current Position: Williams Fellow at University of Iowa Center for Advancement 

How did your NLP certificate help you get to where you are today?

The NLP certificate provided me with a great foundation of knowledge for the development and philanthropic industry. The content from the courses has been so applicable to the work I do and even aided me throughout the application and interview process for my current role. As I began looking at my next step post-graduation, working in development seemed natural after the connections I built with the aid of this program. There is also a network of connections from the program to take advantage of, I always felt supported by the staff, students, and fellow alumni!

What do you enjoy about your current position?

My role as the UICA's Williams Fellow is housed in Annual Giving, which is an aspect of development I hadn't experienced before. The Fellowship is an incredible opportunity for learning and growth not only in Annual Giving, but through the many different areas of development at the UICA. The UICA is a wonderful environment to work in as everyone is motivated and passionate about the work they are doing.  I love speaking with co-workers or prospective donors and hearing their connection to the University or what they are passionate about. The conversations never cease to inspire me and keep my day-to-day work always interesting.

What career advice do you have for current NLP students?

My biggest piece of advice to current students is to use the NLP certificate as a way to market yourself to potential employers. These courses will well equip you for the development of philanthropic work, so utilize what you have learned in any application material and throughout the interview process. If you find an area of work in the nonprofit or philanthropic industry that you are passionate about, go forward confident that you are prepared for the work you want to do!