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.

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. So if you are interested in working in this sector, you should be able to find a charitable organisation that is meaningful to you.

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.

Volunteering is often required early in your career to get a ‘foot in the door’. This will help you to demonstrate an interest and commitment to the sector as a whole and to gain specific knowledge and understanding of a given organisation.