Charities and voluntary sector

Charity work is a popular career for graduates, but can be surprisingly competitive. Working in this sector can be rewarding and fulfilling and even a short volunteering placement can bring great focus and enrichment to a gap year. It can offer opportunities to work in roles specific to your degree and also in general administrative areas. In some instances international travel is an option.

There is a variety of work available: the charity and voluntary sector includes charities and other organisations run on a not-for-profit basis which can range in size from very small and locally-based to large, national and international entities. The focus can be on issues as diverse as community development, poverty, homelessness, mental health or ecology/conservation.

Graduates working in this area are usually committed to the mission of the charity in question, motivated towards change and with a social conscience. However, they will also need the practical skills to make a significant contribution. This means that working in this sector combines idealism and commitment to a cause with realism and practical skills.

• Charities and voluntary sector FAQs: everything you need to know about getting a job in charities and voluntary sector