Generalist or Specialist?
Some grant writers specialize. Medical grant writers, for instance, write for hospitals, medical researchers, clinics, and other health-related organizations. Some grant writers specialize in writing only educational grants for schools or colleges. Others focus on issues such as child abuse and neglect. There are grant writers who concentrate on business or scientific research grants and others who prefer to write only one type of grant, perhaps for federal funding. You won't find them interested in taking on foundation grants or vice versa.
Unless you're an expert, you may not have the skills needed to write proposals for professionals in science, medicine, technology, or engineering. Their proposals will be read by peers in these highly specialized professions and should include language and vocabulary they are accustomed to using with peer professionals.
Should you specialize? There are a couple of ways you can tell. Which of the two following checklists best describe you and your approach to work?
I like to learn new things. |
I am a master of one or two subjects. |
I learn quickly. |
I have an extensive vocabulary in my field. |
I enjoy meeting new people. |
I want to work with people who share my interests. |
I want a broad market for my work. |
I want to contribute something of value to my field. |
I am passionate about my work. |
I am passionate about my subject. |
If you fit best into the left column, you are a generalist. You will be embarking on a field in which you'll never want for work. If you agree with the statements in the right column, however, you are a specialist, and there's likely to be a great need for your help in your field of interest.
