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Charity/not-for-profit

Special features

Working for a charity

Roles in the charity sector depend on an organisation's size as well as its focus. There's a huge variety on offer, so make sure you know your own strengths and how these could fit into the sector.

Blitz those charity buzzwords

If you're keen to get into the charity and not-for-profit sector you'll need to learn some of the jargon.

Corporate social responsibility

As we grow increasingly concerned about the human impact on the environment, businesses are devoting more time to corporate social responsibility. It is an attractive area of work for graduates as the salaries tend to be generous compared with those in the rest of the environment sector.

Steps to success: managing finances in the charity sector

Jo Knowles, director of finance at Voluntary Service Overseas, talks about her eye-opening experiences in the third world, moving offices in Amsterdam and her role in creating one of the UK’s biggest charities.

Working for a think tank

Think tanks research and publish information about social policy, economics and industry. If you're interested in social change and want to influence the way government decisions are made, you could consider working for a think tank.

Graduate schemes and internships in charities and not-for-profit organisations

Graduate schemes in the voluntary sector are rare. However, there are a few schemes on offer and some organisations also offer internships and work placement schemes.

Recruiting a diverse workforce

Equal opportunities isn’t just about filling quotas: it also makes business sense. Employers have realised the value of having a workforce that represents the community – so they are striving to recruit quality graduates from minority groups.

Working for a political party

Does politics float your boat? There are opportunities to work for political parties on both a local and a national level.

Working for an environmental body

Do your bit to look after the planet by working for an environmental body.

Working for lobby and pressure groups

If you want to bring important issues to public attention, working for a lobby or pressure group could be right for you.

Working for environmental NGOs and charitable organisations

Changes to our environment affect not only the physical landscape but also the flora, fauna and lives of the people living on our planet. The areas you could potentially work in are very diverse but frequently related. Environmental problems and third world poverty are at the heart of the political agenda and they often go hand-in-hand.

Re-building after the Tsunami disaster

Caroline Page from the Home Builders Federation speaks about her experience of volunteering in the wake of the Asian Tsunami disaster.

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