George Tabet, Corporate Research Analyst, MIT

How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research?

Like many, I kinda just fell into it. After I got my degree, I didn’t want to immediately jump into a 9-5 office job so I took a gap year and volunteered for AmeriCorps. Getting that experience in nonprofit inspired me to look for similar opportunities. I found one in event management for a public organization setting up and tearing down events. It was a good job but not what I was looking for. Eventually, I came across a prospect research position. It was a newly established role and an opportunity to build out a prospect development office from the ground up. I applied and got it and ever since I’ve stayed in prospect development within higher education. 

What are you reading now? 

For pleasure, The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy. For work, The Book of Crypto by Henri Arslanian

What piece of advice would you give to yourself at the beginning of your career?

To share advice that a mentor once gave me; no one ever goes broke betting on themselves. 

Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?

Singapore! I studied there in college and had planned a trip to go back and see former classmates and coworkers but the pandemic put that on hold. 

Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?

If you enjoy it yes. For me? No. Never. Absolutely not.