For Valentine’s Day, Apra asked prospect development (PD) professionals to reflect on their work and share what they love about it. The responses below are amazing and truly inspiring. Consider them our holiday treat for you — and a celebration of the entire Apra community. Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey.

💘What caught your attention in the job posting for your first PD position?

♥    The variety of responsibilities the role required. — Anonymous

♥    Research and philanthropy. — Anonymous

♥    I didn’t have experience in prospect research, but saw a job in which I could use skills I learned through my master’s in library science. Researching and database use were two things I really enjoyed. — Stephanie Brouwer, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors

♥    I didn't actually apply! I was working as a temp and the PD person left. The director of development asked if I was interested and I said emphatically that I never wanted to do fundraising. Then she explained what this was. I said I would try it for a few months while I was still under my temp contract. That was 10 years ago! — Lauren Woodring, Director of Prospect Research and Management, Philadelphia Museum of Art

♥    I was a temp admin, and the position for a code of federal regulations (CFR) researcher came up. I loved the idea of delving into organizations — seeing what they were looking for and how to match that with the university's needs. — Megan Horton, Manager, Relationship Management

♥    I was an internal hire and I knew how terrific the PD team was. I wanted to be part of it! — Anonymous

♥    I love the curiosity that it requires. — Chris Backes, Prospect Researcher, CentraCare Health Foundation

♥    I was fresh out of college and looking for any place that would hire someone with a degree in English. I saw a PD position that had a preference for people with a degree in English and strong research skills. I jumped at the chance and never looked back! — Emma Aguirre

♥    Utilizing my natural skills, interests and abilities in a higher education environment. — Suzanne McAdams, Director of Prospect Research, Berry College

♥    In 1998, in the ad for what became my first PD role, the list of key qualifications began with a resonant phrase: “Insatiable curiosity.” I was immediately hooked — and remain so, after all these years. What an adventure! — Jeff Walker, Senior Strategic Research Officer, Office of Advancement, Simmons University

♥    Emphasis on writing. — Anonymous

♥    Opportunity to try something different and benefit a cause I believe in. — Anonymous

♥    The word “research” caught my eye and I wanted to find out more about how my natural curiosity could work for me. — Shoshanna Lang, Assistant Director, Prospect Development

♥    Being at the beginning of the gift conversation and partnering with fundraisers. — Cynthia Mikimoto, Associate Director of Prospect Management, Caltech

♥    Finding funders to support a meaningful cause. — Megan Miller, Director of Prospect Research and Strategy, UC Merced

♥    Qualifications, since I came from a corporate banking background and had to switch gears on my job hunt. — Kristine Yager-Rushton, Prospect Researcher/Analyst, Georgia Southern University

❤️‍🔥What were you the most excited about after your first month in PD?

♥    Never boring. — Anonymous

♥    Helping to raise funds for good causes and helping the very wealthiest people give more to nonprofits. — Anonymous

♥    I was most excited about how this profession felt like a career and a great option that was related to library work, but in a more direct service way. —Stephanie Brouwer, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors

♥    Well, to be frank, having a real paycheck. But I really liked the work and being able to find interesting “fun facts” about people. — Lauren Woodring, Director of Prospect Research and Management, Philadelphia Museum of Art

♥    All the new funding possibilities. — Megan Horton, Manager, Relationship Management

♥    I felt like I was so much more knowledgeable about our prospects and was more plugged in with gift officers and leadership. — Anonymous

♥    I was most excited about how my work would drive donor strategy. — Chris Backes, Prospect Researcher, CentraCare Health Foundation

♥    I was most excited to learn about the key donors at our organization and what their inspiration to give was. For me, it was so sweet to hear about donors giving back to an organization that impacted them in their life. — Emma Aguirre

♥    The fascinating stories behind our donors. Each story was different. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do this! — Suzanne McAdams, Director of Prospect Research, Berry College

♥    All of the different tools and ways to access publicly available information. — Anonymous

♥    Seeing how I could impact the organization through the data I provided. — Anonymous

♥    Connecting the dots with relationships between prospects and the institution, and how we could get the two to meet. — Shoshanna Lang, Assistant Director, Prospect Development

♥    I was most excited by the variety of resources available to me and connecting with the most helpful and generous people in advancement. — Cynthia Mikimoto, Associate Director of Prospect Management, Caltech

♥    The variations in work. — Megan Miller, Director of Prospect Research and Strategy, UC Merced

♥    Working with people who wanted to basically do good and fund programs, scholarships and faculty so that the university could grow and expand. — Kristine Yager-Rushton, Prospect Researcher/Analyst, Georgia Southern University

🌹What do you love about your work today? Are there three or four keywords that best reflect your passion?

♥    Variety and meaningful. — Anonymous

♥    Philanthropy, doing good, “Robin Hood.” — Anonymous

♥    I love being a data translator and super sleuth. I love using data to tell a story and breaking down any barriers to information. Keywords include challenging, rewarding, translator and advocate. — Stephanie Brouwer, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors

♥    I love getting to help my colleagues raise money to support a place that I love. — Lauren Woodring, Director of Prospect Research and Management, Philadelphia Museum of Art

♥    The relationship I have with fundraisers, to help them do their work better. Collaboration, teamwork, impact. — Megan Horton, Manager, Relationship Management

♥    Fundraising ethics, leadership, obscure knowledge! — Anonymous

♥    This work is all about “disciplined creativity” — a perfect match for me! — Katelyn Martin, Managing Director, Strategic Information Services, Campbell & Company

♥    I love feeling connected with my team. I love being impactful to help our community become healthier. — Chris Backes, Prospect Researcher, CentraCare Health Foundation

♥    Okay, I know this is super cheesy, but it has remained true after several years. My greatest passion in life is storytelling. For me, the best part of prospect research is putting the puzzle pieces of a donor’s story together and learning about what influences them to give. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to learn about so many incredible donors and the impact they have had on the organizations they’ve given to. —Emma Aguirre

♥    Preparation, partnerships, strategy, connections. — Suzanne McAdams, Director of Prospect Research, Berry College

♥    This work engages my curious nature in a productive way! I love how researching a prospect allows me to learn about different industries and career paths. — Anonymous

♥    Providing intentional contact opportunities, targeted approaches to nurture donors, systematic evaluation, comprehensive graphical reporting. — Anonymous

♥    Gaining knowledge, learning something every day and building relationships. — Shoshanna Lang, Assistant Director, Prospect Development

♥    Drive, rewarding, illuminating, trust. — Cynthia Mikimoto, Associate Director of Prospect Management, Caltech

♥    Strategy, the match, change maker, challenge. — Megan Miller, Director of Prospect Research and Strategy, UC Merced

♥    Connections, impact and growth. — Kristine Yager-Rushton, Prospect Researcher/Analyst, Georgia Southern University

📖When family or friends ask what you do, what fun things are always part of the story you share?

♥    It’s like Garcia from the show “Criminal Minds,” but for rich people, not criminals. — Anonymous

♥    I get to help dozens of organizations across the country make a difference in their communities, thus helping so many individuals I will never meet. — Stephanie Brouwer, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors

♥    I talk about how satisfying it is to find the one piece of information that helps us reach out to a donor and eventually secure a gift. — Lauren Woodring, Director of Prospect Research and Management, Philadelphia Museum of Art

♥    I help fundraisers do their job better. I say I’m a professional stalker, so I can help fundraisers bring in the big bucks. — Megan Horton, Manager, Relationship Management

♥    Knowing what an “orphan drug” is, and knowing how much a billionaire’s wife spends on stationery each month. — Anonymous

♥    I share that I get to collect and analyze data to help optimize our development officers’ time, and that I prepare research briefings for the CEO of the company. — Chris Backes, Prospect Researcher, CentraCare Health Foundation

♥    Using public information to craft a story about what makes a donor support philanthropy. — Suzanne McAdams, Director of Prospect Research, Berry College

♥    I’m the detective who finds the prospects and connects them to our mission! — Shoshanna Lang, Assistant Director, Prospect Development

♥    How the dream I’ve had for portfolio management is real today: partnering with fundraisers to be sure our work truly supports their work. — Cynthia Mikimoto, Associate Director of Prospect Management, Caltech

♥    Being a detective, making a difference, storytelling. — Megan Miller, Director of Prospect Research and Strategy, UC Merced

♥    A combo of Sherlock Holmes and Jerry Maguire (“Show me the money!”). It usually gets a laugh or two. Or telling them I snoop all day. — Kristine Yager-Rushton, Prospect Researcher/Analyst, Georgia Southern University

💖If you've been a PD professional for more than a decade, what keeps you inspired?

♥    It is a fascinating job. — Anonymous

♥    Nonprofits’ growing need for money, the increasing wealth gap in our country, social justice and doing the right thing to make the world better for everyone. — Anonymous

♥    Finding people who are passionate about giving back never gets old. As technology evolves, I love helping people utilize it effectively and trying to make data understandable by all. — Stephanie Brouwer, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors

♥    There is ALWAYS something new to learn from other PD professionals! — Lauren Woodring, Director of Prospect Research and Management, Philadelphia Museum of Art

♥    That there’s always a “next thing” to be looking for: data privacy, due diligence, the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), maximizing use of the CRM, etc. I feel like we are the first responders for a lot of ethical and legal issues, which I find incredibly interesting and exciting. — Anonymous

♥    Making a difference for students, education and my institution. — Suzanne McAdams, Director of Prospect Research, Berry College

♥    Curiosity. — Shoshanna Lang, Assistant Director, Prospect Development

♥    There’s always more to learn or to incorporate to make your work more effective. — Cynthia Mikimoto, Associate Director of Prospect Management, Caltech

♥    Always new challenges, and the people. — Megan Miller, Director of Prospect Research and Strategy, UC Merced

♥    Seeing … how my work makes a difference in building that gift/donation to the university. — Kristine Yager-Rushton, Prospect Researcher/Analyst, Georgia Southern University

⚡Describe how the Apra community energizes your work.

♥    I love how we are all so willing to share ideas, examples, procedures, etc., with each other. — Anonymous

♥    My Apra chapter! — Anonymous

♥    I’m not shy about saying that Apra has gotten me to this place in my career. Our community is supportive and intelligent, and I’ve grown so much as a person. I am constantly in awe of the amount of collaboration and all those who volunteer their time to make this profession better. — Stephanie Brouwer, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors

♥    I really love my [Apra] chapter and being a part of its board. I have made friends who started as professional acquaintances and are now happy hour pals. — Lauren Woodring, Director of Prospect Research and Management, Philadelphia Museum of Art

♥    While the organizations I have been a part of have given me jobs, Apra has given me my career. I feel supported and driven by the work Apra does. Apra consistently strives to create content around the areas, themes and topics its members need. — Megan Horton, Manager, Relationship Management

♥    I love the intelligence and personality of Apra members. Such a fun, smart, surprising group. Many, many polymaths in this field! — Anonymous

♥    Both Apra International and Apra Minnesota energize my work by keeping me constantly thinking and trying new things. By connecting with others, you’re inspired to do things in a way that you wouldn’t have on your own. — Chris Backes, Prospect Researcher, CentraCare Health Foundation

♥    Roses are red, violets are blue; Apra has love for PD — that’s true. — Anonymous

♥    The collegial and generous nature of PD professionals facilitated through Apra was the foundation of my career. Sharing their knowledge through PRSPCT-L taught me a lot, and it continues today! — Suzanne McAdams, Director of Prospect Research, Berry College

♥    Connecting with colleagues and speaking with others in a similar field. — Anonymous

♥    Good to see others in the same profession and to get advice, info, and examples from them. — Anonymous

♥    Meeting and learning from like-minded colleagues: the best way to keep engaged. — Shoshanna Lang, Assistant Director, Prospect Development

♥    I attend [the] Apra PD [conference] as often as I can. There’s a wealth of info in the sessions and so many opportunities to learn from each other. — Cynthia Mikimoto, Associate Director of Prospect Management, Caltech

♥    The connection to like minds. — Megan Miller, Director of Prospect Research and Strategy, UC Merced

♥    I love being connected with others at both the chapter and international levels. It helps me understand my job better and perform better overall. To know that others are experiencing some of the pain I feel at times, when I hit a brick wall. I get inspired when we can share experiences and learn and grow together. — Kristine Yager-Rushton, Prospect Researcher/Analyst, Georgia Southern University

💃🏽“Dear PD, I want to keep ‘dancing with you’ because ... .”

♥    I have not had a boring day since I met you! — Anonymous

♥    You help our community stay strong and connected. — Anonymous

♥    You have given me the space and confidence to grow and be in a community of amazing professionals, who continue to make the world a better place. — Stephanie Brouwer, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors

♥    Even on the rough days, I love doing this work. — Lauren Woodring, Director of Prospect Research and Management, Philadelphia Museum of Art

♥    I’m with you for the long haul. — Megan Horton, Manager, Relationship Management

♥    You are full of surprises and keep me on my toes! — Anonymous

♥    Our work is impactful. It is not always easy to spot, but it is always driving progress. — Chris Backes, Prospect Researcher, CentraCare Health Foundation

♥    You make my heart sing! — Suzanne McAdams, Director of Prospect Research, Berry College

♥    Data is the heartbeat of fundraising operations. Feel its rhythm! — Anonymous

♥    You keep the party interesting. — Anonymous

♥    There is still more work to be done. — Anonymous

♥    I want to know all your secrets. — Shoshanna Lang, Assistant Director, Prospect Development

♥    The learner in me loves to learn from you! — Cynthia Mikimoto, Associate Director of Prospect Management, Caltech

♥    I love connecting others to their passions, and I hope they realize that their gifts CAN make a difference. I also want to be that person who helps with the connections. Life is too short to worry about mistakes, what could’ve been, etc. We need to move forward and reach out to many. This job has so many rewards. We just need to be confident in ourselves. — Kristine Yager-Rushton, Prospect Researcher/Analyst, Georgia Southern University

♥    You challenge me to be innovative and strategic, so I can make a difference in the lives of others. — Megan Miller, Director of Prospect Research and Strategy, UC Merced