If the answer to the question, “What is a grant writer?” has made you excited to pursue this profession, you can get to work on your career path right away. If you’re still in high school, consider talking to your guidance counselor about your course schedule. Try to take as many writing-related courses as possible, such as creative writing and journalism.
You can also look for opportunities to practice your writing skills, such as joining the school newspaper team. If you already know that you would like to focus your career on one particular cause, look for additional courses that would complement your goals. For example, if you intend to put your skills to use supporting refugees, you might want to take classes in law or international relations, if they are available at your high school.
Beyond your high school classes, one of the most impactful steps you can take for your future career is to volunteer your time at a local nonprofit. Your guidance counselor can point you in the direction of local volunteer opportunities. It’s not uncommon for professional grant writers to begin their careers in some other capacity at a nonprofit before transitioning into grant writing.
Grant writers are generally expected to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. You’ll have some flexibility regarding the specific type of bachelor’s degree you can earn. After all, there is no universal degree requirement for grant writers. However, these professionals do tend to major in one of the following subjects:
- New media
- Professional writing
- English
- Communications
- Journalism
- Nonprofit management/administration
- Public relations
A professional writing degree can prove particularly useful for aspiring grant writers because this offers a versatile look at digital communications. If you major in new media, you can expect to develop well-rounded research, writing, public relations and overall communication skills.
After graduating with your bachelor’s degree, you may decide to earn a master’s degree or perhaps a graduate certificate that focuses on grant writing. However, these are generally not mandatory.
There are grant writing jobs that are open to applicants with little to no grant writing experience. However, if you’re having trouble breaking into this career field, you may find it useful to gain some general experience in another type of position at a nonprofit organization. This can pave the way toward transitioning to a grant writing role.
Another useful strategy is to volunteer your time. Apply to nonprofits that are looking for grant writers to volunteer their services. Once you gain some experience by writing pro bono funding proposals, it will be easier to land a paying job as a grant writer.
As you begin to acquire work experience in this field, it’s important to keep track of the funds you secure. Further along in your career path, you may be asked to demonstrate proof of securing substantial grants for nonprofits, including six-, seven- and even eight-figure grants. Documenting your early career successes will be helpful for advancing in your career later on.
