Why Apply to Career Pathways?
As the October 31 application deadline for our 2017 Career Pathways cohort draws closer, I thought it important to highlight why the Council believes so strongly in the talent expansion program — and what cohort members get from the experience.
The Council considers its Career Pathways an investment in the field of philanthropy. It was introduced as a pilot program in 2010 and is part of the Council's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Through it, we seek to develop a generation of diverse leaders who are committed to the principles of DEI within their own organizations and the broader philanthropic sector.
Through this year-long, leadership preparation program, we advance excellence and inclusion in the field’s talent acquisition, management, and retention strategies and prepare participants to compete successfully for leadership positions. Our goal is to increase the number of candidates from diverse backgrounds in the leadership pipeline who are considered, appointed, and retained in senior and executive philanthropic leadership positions.
But why should you apply? What will you get out of it specifically?
- You’ll join a cohort of talented professionals and participate in in-person and virtual learning, networking events, and career training for one calendar year. You will also be matched with executive coaches and mentors committed to supporting you along your career path.
- Career Pathways works — 76 percent of alumni, graduated during the program's three-year pilot program, are currently working at the senior executive level at philanthropic organizations across the country.
- Our graduates rave about the experience! I wrote to our alumni and asked them to share their thoughts and experiences, and here are just a few of the responses I received:
"The coaching and mentorship came at just the right time as I was embarking on new paths at the foundation [and] testing new ideas."
"I enjoyed the program immensely, and my fellow cohort members were phenomenal. The diversity of their backgrounds and experiences helped me grow as a philanthropy professional. I would not change that experience for the world!!!"
"For me, I found the coaching, exposure to the search firm process, presentations critiqued by professionals, and the relationships formed among cohort members all incredibly valuable."
"Participating in Career Pathways was an illuminating experience. Not only was I surrounded with a diverse set of like-minded, forward-thinking professionals within my cohort, the program exposed me to executive leaders, recruiters, facilitators and coaches that I have maintained relationships with since 2013. The program allowed me to not only identify and expand my leadership strengths but also provided the space to realize that I wanted my immediate growth to be “in place” at my home institution."
"The Career Pathways was the most comprehensive leadership development program I have ever attended. The curriculum offered a perfect balance of background readings, self-reflection, individual and group activity, and case-based action. Most exciting was the opportunity to work with a coach and engage in mock executive level interviews. Career Pathways definitely helped me to develop my voice for action and think strategically about my contributions to change. The experience also prompted me to take my passion for knowledge development, as a leadership approach for socio-political change, and to target my passion and skills toward philanthropic initiatives. It’s great to be part of this growing network as I enter this next stage of my career!"
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Apply today at cof.org/careerpathways.
But note — all applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2016.
