Here's how you can highlight your internship experience on your resume for fundraising roles.

1 Tailor Fit

When you're applying for a fundraising role, it's important to tailor your internship experience to match the job description. Look for keywords and phrases in the job posting and incorporate them into your resume. For example, if the role requires 'donor relations experience,' make sure to highlight any work you did during your internship that involved interacting with donors or managing donor databases. This demonstrates to employers that you have relevant experience and have taken the time to understand what they're looking for.

2 Action Words

Utilize action verbs to describe your internship experience on your resume. Instead of saying 'Was responsible for,' use dynamic verbs like 'Organized,' 'Led,' or 'Developed.' These words bring energy and clarity to your role and contributions. For instance, if you helped organize a fundraising event, saying 'Coordinated logistics for a charity auction that raised $20,000' provides a clear and impactful picture of your involvement and the event's success.

3 Quantify Impact

Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your work during your internship. Numbers speak volumes in fundraising and can significantly bolster your resume. For example, if you helped increase donations through a campaign, mention the percentage increase or the total amount raised. Phrases like 'Assisted in a campaign that saw a 25% increase in donations' provide concrete evidence of your ability to contribute to fundraising efforts.

4 Transferable Skills

Don't overlook transferable skills gained during your internship that are applicable to fundraising roles. Skills such as communication, project management, and teamwork are highly valued in this field. Even if your internship wasn't specifically in fundraising, demonstrating how these skills apply can show potential employers your versatility and readiness for the role. For example, if you were part of a team that worked on a marketing project, you can highlight how those marketing skills can help in crafting fundraising messages.

5 Relevant Coursework

If you're a recent graduate, including relevant coursework can complement your internship experience on your resume. Courses in nonprofit management, marketing, or any other subject that's pertinent to fundraising should be mentioned. This shows that you have a theoretical foundation to go along with your practical experience. Make sure to list any specific projects or achievements during these courses that are related to fundraising.

6 Professional Development

Lastly, mention any additional professional development activities related to fundraising that you pursued during your internship. This could include workshops, seminars, or certifications that you completed. These activities demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with best practices in fundraising. It's an excellent way to round out your resume and show that you're serious about a career in this field.