How do I begin a career in grant making?

Q. I’m a college sophomore who has a great passion for philanthropy. What kind of education would prepare me for work at a philanthropic organization, such as the Bill

A. As someone who hasn’t even graduated college yet, you certainly can’t be accused of a lack of ambition. So don’t be too disappointed to hear that the foundation you aspire to work for – the wealthiest of American philanthropies, with $33-billion in assets according to the most recent figures available – isn’t really in the market for employees so green, no matter how passionate.

However, Steve Clyne, director of recruiting at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in Seattle, offers some guidance for those aiming at a career in grant making. “Because the field is so diverse and there are so many different types of jobs in a philanthropic organization, there is not one kind of education that can prepare you for a career in philanthropy,” he notes. If there is a particular field within philanthropy that interests you – for example, education or global health, two of his organization’s grant-making priorities – it’s best for you to pursue not just a degree in those fields but actual work experience, Mr. Clyne says. In fact, he says, major foundations generally require their recruits to have prior experience.

“This experience not only deepens the person’s understanding of the work, but also enables the person to develop needed workplace skills such as collaboration, communication, and teamwork,” he says.

So, the short answer: First choose a profession and make yourself an expert in that field, then approach your dream foundation later, when you’ve got the skills and knowledge to help it further its mission.