To work as a fundraiser, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have some internship or volunteer experience

Education after high school

Most fundraisers have a bachelor's degree or higher. Many colleges and universities offer programs in public relations, fundraising, journalism, communications, English or business.

No matter what your major is, you should take courses in advertising, business administration, public speaking, technical and creative writing, and political science.

Work experience

Fundraisers usually need a few years of work-related experience from internships or volunteer work.

On-the-job training

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.