Kate Metcalf, executive director of development, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences The University of Iowa Center for Advancement

Many of us who do fundraising for higher education came into the field through a circuitous path. No matter how we found ourselves in this role, what unifies us is our interest in, and passion for, making a difference in the world. We want to contribute to something larger than ourselves, while also enjoying satisfying careers and supporting ourselves and our families.

When you ask yourself if you're making a difference, how do you answer? With a definitive "yes"? Or is it a "maybe" or "not as much as I'd hoped"? I'm lucky enough to work at an organization where I truly make a difference, and I can see the difference I'm making every day. In reflecting on why that is possible, I think it comes down to a few specific workplace traits:

• You need lofty goals with attainable milestones. We all want to be a part of great achievements, whether it's helping disadvantaged students fulfill their dreams, winning the Rose Bowl, or finding new treatments for cancer. An organization's fundraising goals need to be structured so that we, and our donors, can see the headway we're making in achieving these major milestones.

• You need resources. You can only do your best work when you have ongoing professional training and the support of a team of prospect managers, data analysts, and stewardship and creative services professionals. Only when you've honed your skills, optimized your portfolio, and harnessed the proper tools can you achieve your highest potential.

• You need a good campus partner. While you can't control the personality of your campus partner, it's critical that your institution promotes an expectation of collaboration. A respectful and productive partnership is key to success.

• You need opportunities to grow. Your organization needs to value your experience and donor relationships and nurture your career growth. Whether you want to head a fundraising area or focus on principal gifts without management responsibilities, you should have a clear career path and regular discussions in order to reach your goals.

• You need balance. Working with donors is not a nine-to-five job. With so many travel and weekend commitments, you need time to enjoy your family and pursue your passions. Flexible schedules, and trust in employees to effectively manage their time, allows for work/life balance.

If you don't have these five, lobby for them! Or, maybe it's time to look for a new opportunity.

By Devin van Holsteijn, associate director of development, Hancher The University of Iowa Center for Advancement

I play in a jazz trio. I like dining at local restaurants with nationally recognized chefs at the helm. I love seeing great artists such as Yo-Yo Ma perform in person. And I get to do all of that in Iowa. Surprised?

Iowa City is surprising. It is arguably one of the best college towns in America (regularly ranked in the top five), offering a Big Ten campus in the country's only UNESCO City of Literature.

I am the proud papa of two wonderful kids, and having access to high-quality schools, first-rate medical care, and enjoyable outdoor experiences is important to our family—and I have all of those things in Iowa.

Iowa City's mix of big-city and small-town amenities checks off all of those boxes, which makes it a special place. It's definitely not what some people might expect from an Iowa community. For example, if I wanted to, I could take fencing lessons here—and there are plenty of great venues in which my jazz group can play. I also can take my kids to a world-class children's museum.

Working at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement and residing in Iowa City means that I can live out my values. I am a fundraiser for Hancher, one of the country's premier university performing arts centers, and I work with top performers such as Chris Thile, Kristen Chenoweth, and the Cleveland Orchestra.

I also can provide my kids with a great education and expose them to a wide variety of cultural experiences. We have access to great housing and to amazing medical care at the top-ranked University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which is a short car ride away. There's a friendly bike culture, with miles of trails, as well as kayaking and water sports on our rivers and reservoirs. Most importantly, I am able to drive home from the office in 14 minutes, so I can do meaningful work and still spend quality time with the people I love.

In addition to living in a great place, my work also provides the flexibility to be the best possible parent and husband. I took parental leave after the birth of my son—which was incredible—and the center offers flexible schedules and work-from-home options that are especially helpful for fundraisers like me who travel a lot.

Iowa's great for more than cornfields. Come see for yourself!

By Katie Sturgell, associate director of development, Health Sciences The University of Iowa Center for Advancement

For the past few years, you've been a fundraiser for a college or university, and you've hit your stride. You've built relationships with some great donors; you know how to manage your portfolio; you've mastered your carry-on strategy; and you've racked up enough Frequent Flyer miles to take a great vacation. What's next?

For many of us who've been in development for a half decade or so, the time comes to decide on our next career goal. To decide your next step, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you want to fundraise for a bigger school, or for a bigger college in your university?

• Do you want to lead a team of fundraisers?

• Do you want to focus on securing principal gifts?

Your options are different depending whether you work in a centralized or decentralized fundraising model. At the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, we have a centralized organization with main campus, athletics, and medical fundraisers under one roof. This provides a lot of advantages, including the ability to grow my career right here.

My next step is to decide if I want to further develop my management skills by leading a team of fundraisers, or if I want to focus exclusively on our top donors without the supervisory responsibilities. I truly enjoy my colleagues, but I also am drawn to the excitement of working to land those multimillion-dollar gifts.

I joined the UI Center for Advancement team about four years ago, after working for the New Orleans Hornets and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I started as an assistant director of development, moving into an associate director position after two years. I focus on ophthalmology and the Institute for Vision Research, helping to make our researchers' incredible work possible—work that is changing the scientific landscape and improving people's lives.

Our health sciences team includes around 40 staff, and our entire organization comprises more than 80 development professionals, so there are opportunities to move and grow. I've received ongoing training and mentorship from our health sciences vice president that will enable me to make my next move.

Do you know what you want to do next? Ask yourself these questions, and decide if you can do it where you are, or if you need to make a change!