Welcome to the third sector
The charity sector, the not-for-profit sector, the third sector… this sector might have a few different names, but it is united by one central purpose: supporting a cause. You could work for a charity, foundation (a charity with the purpose of funding other charities), NGO (a non-governmental organisation), social enterprise (a business that uses its profits to benefit society) or an international governmental organisation, such as a United Nations body.
You’ll also need to consider what role you would like to have. Would you rather be involved in fundraising, research and policy, lobbying, or humanitarian work? Or would you prefer a corporate role, such as marketing, finance or IT?
Search for opportunities in charity: graduate jobs | graduate schemes | internships
Finding a charity job
A few charity employers run graduate schemes (sometimes called training schemes, which are also open to non-graduates). Often, though, you’ll be applying for entry-level jobs that anyone can apply for. Our advice will help you understand your job options after university.
Getting stuck in
Start by volunteering
Competition for charity jobs can be tough and most employers will value experience over degree backgrounds and qualifications. You’re unlikely to gain this through a formal work experience, though. While a handful of charities and not-for-profit organisations offer internships, they’re in the minority and even fewer are paid. Usually, they are voluntary internships. You can find a list of employers who have previously offered voluntary internships here .
You don’t need to stick to voluntary internships, either. Look for local voluntary work or you could consider volunteering abroad. Get started with our article on voluntary work and how to find it .
Where does your heart lie?
Choosing your field
Do you want to specialise in a particular field? Explore your options and hear from experienced charity workers to help you decide.
Play to your strengths
Explore job roles
There’s more than one job role in the charity sector, so you’ll need to consider which role you’d most enjoy and would suit your skills set.
How to apply to charity employers
If you’re applying to a small charity, they may just ask you to email a CV and covering letter. But if you’re going for a graduate scheme with a bigger charity, you’ll likely need to complete an online application and tests.
Free e-learning for students
Learn more with online mini courses
Take a look at our Pathways – short, interactive courses – for a different way of developing career-related skills and knowledge. Pick a topic and you’ll learn all about it in approximately 30 minutes through videos, quizzes and real-world activities. If you’re exploring career options right now, why not try our Pathway on generating career ideas. If you’d like to develop your skills, we have courses on teamwork, commercial awareness, problem solving and more. And for help with the recruitment process, we have a Pathway for every step of the way, from writing a master CV through to attending an assessment centre.
Our top employers
Industry leaders with a large annual graduate intake.
Featured employers
Active employers looking for graduate talent all year round.
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FAQs in charity
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What degree do I need to work for a charity?
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Most employers in the charity sector value your experience, skills and passion for their cause over having a particular degree subject or getting the top grades. In fact, most entry-level charity roles and training schemes are open to people without degrees too. If the opportunity is called a graduate scheme, you’ll need a degree, but it can usually be in any subject. For some roles, you may find a degree in languages, medicine, law, politics or social sciences is beneficial.
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How much can I earn in the charity sector?
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Salaries tend to be lower in the charity sector than other sectors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t earn a decent wage. An entry-level role typically pays between £15,000 and £22,000. Larger charities will be more likely to offer a salary at the upper end of this range – and some charities may pay more if you’re based in London. For more information, take a look at our guide to salaries across different sectors .
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What skills and qualities do I need for charity work?
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One of the most important qualities you'll need to work for a charity is a dedication to and passion for their cause. Good soft skills will also help you get on in the sector, including communication and negotiation, teamwork and people skills, resourcefulness and adaptability, strong organisation, resilience and problem solving. If you want to work overseas or for an international charity, language skills will be advantageous.
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