On Thursday, February 1st, 2018, Taryn Davis Holland spoke to us via video call as part of the BYU Public Affairs Society lecture series. Taryn is a senior associate at Development Gateway and manages several large-scale technical projects focused on aid information and financial and geospatial data.
In her lecture, Taryn spoke about the importance of transparency when working with clients. She explained that one way she practices this is by writing blog posts to update clients on the progress of their current projects.
When talking about working with clients, Taryn stressed the importance of asking what it is that the client wants you do accomplish–what problem do they need solved?
After working at with the Red Cross in Provo, Taryn moved to Washington D.C. in search of a job. After running into some old coworkers, she found out about a job and applied at Development Gateway. After a fellowship in Laos, she was offered a full-time position with Development Gateway. Taryn credited some of her success to the importance of networking with as many people was possible, because you never know where it may lead.
She advised students to “be where you want to work.”
Thank you, Taryn Davis Holland, for giving us your time and advice.
Taryn suggested the following links as future job and internship resources for those interested in non-profit and international development: