Mentorship

I have been lucky in this internship to have many mentors and people at the foundation open to teaching me and providing me with opportunities to shadow and learn. Recently, the foundation brought on a new gift officer and he has been an especially great mentor. On is first day he let me know that he always enjoyed helping out interns and told me that I would never be bothering him if needed or wanted anything. He has taken time to show me how he organizes his approach to prospective donors, which includes writing hand-written letters asking for opportunities to meet with them. The letters have really paid off for him so far - everyone he has followed up with by phone has mentioned them. He has let me sit in on those follow up calls which has been great - I've gotten a better idea of how to get your foot in the door even when people are resistant at first. He explained to me that being a development officer is really all about building relationships and letting people know that you can be their connection to ASU. Asking for major gifts comes much later, after you have established that relationship and identified areas where donor interests and values align with initiatives going on at ASU.