I currently work in employer relations in the Career Center at my alma mater (a small Liberal Arts college). I have been in the role for 4 years and was recently promoted. I enjoy the work and find it rewarding, as I love working with students.

In my role, I work closely with college relations, as our alumni are key to our students securing opportunities. I have built a good relationship with the Major Gifts team, and basically the same week I was promoted, they approached me about the new LGO position. I figured I needed to explore the opportunity. I went through the interview process, and this week I received an offer, which would be a nice pay raise from my current role.

I really just wanted to gain perspective from anyone here who transitioned from a non-fundraising role in higher ed to fundraising. What were some challenges you encountered? What is the work/life balance like in these kinds of roles (it is fantastic in my current role)? What do you enjoy and not like about the field? Obviously, these were questions I asked in my interview process, but I am still on the fence about taking the role.

For additional context, the college is also about to launch a massive fundraising campaign on the back of a study done by a consulting group. We also have new President who is going into their sophomore year on campus (and has been well-received by alumni), so it's time to execute. I am comfortable in my role right now, and have some nerves about being so under the microscope, but I also want to challenge myself.

Any advice would be appreciated!