One year ago, Andrew Schmidt got his dream job from Opportunity Knocks. As the new Associate Director of the Annual Fund at the international renowned Carter Center, this young development professional loves the perks of working at a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization.

“I square danced with Jimmy Carter and took a tour of his boyhood home in Plains Georgia” said Andrew. “The Dali Lama came to the Center too.”

How many people can say they have squared danced with a former U.S. President or met the Dali Lama? Thats just another day in the office for Andrew, rubbing elbows with most influential people in the world.

Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn founded the Carter Center in 1982. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Center, in partnership with Emory University is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering.

The Carter Centers peace programs wage peace by resolving conflicts, strengthening democracy, and advancing human rights worldwide. The Centers health programs fight disease by alleviating unnecessary suffering among the world’s poorest countries.

Like Jimmy Carter, Andrew is a Georgia native. Graduate of Kennesaw State University, Andrew received his Bachelors of Political Science and minor in Alternative Dispute Resolution. After graduation, Andrew became Development Officer of the University’s Annual Fund and helped grow the program in four years.

Leaving KSU, Andrew found his dream job on the Opportunity Knocks partner website, the Association for Fundraising Professionals, AFP, Atlanta Chapter. AFP is an international association for development and fundraising professionals. The Atlanta Chapters website lists all development/fundraising positions that are posted on Opportunity Knocks.

Today, Andrew travels the country meeting with the Carter Centers top individual donors and is seeking a masters in professional writing at KSU. In his spare time, Andrew works on his square dance moves for the next dance-off with Jimmy Carter.

Do you have a career story to share? E-mail info@opportunityknocks.org