February 5, 2007 

Think back to the interview for your current job.  In hindsight, I’ve discovered that in these precious moments, you have the opportunity to define your professional goals, communicate them to the person that can get you there, and you create an environment that will bring you closer to where you want to be in this field – even if it does not directly benefit the organization hosting your interview.
 
So I sat in my interview seat ready to wow my (hopefully) future President/CEO and convince her to hire me as the newest (and youngest) staffer on board. 
 
I know you’ve had this question… ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ And you probably prepared an answer for it. 
But me? Man, I must have skipped THAT page in my interview prep book. 
I knew I wanted to do something international. 
I knew that I wanted to be of service. 
And I knew that I wanted this job.
 
So I replied very confidently (but without much thought), ‘I want to be in a decision making role at an institution that strengthens international philanthropy.’  There I sat, butt as heavy as lead, in my interview for the  Program Associate position at my local community foundation.  Entry level…and community foundation….and I want to be a leader on the international level?!!?!?!?!!?  
 
It wasn’t a well thought out answer, but it was the biggest mistake I’m glad that I made.
 
Keeping those in my work environment mindful of my goals kept me mindful of my goals, too….and as soon as I met our incoming President/CEO, I shared my vision with her.  Fortunately, she has the sort of spirit that encourages her team’s success, even if it means that sometimes, the team has to change players. 
 
I was fortunate to work in an office in which I could comfortably express my desires for my future in the field- while it was initially a mistake, I was at peace with articulating my goals with everyone….and those relationships propelled me to advance to the next stage.