Sectors: Charities

Where to start

This is a highly diverse sector where no two jobs are the same. Think about the causes you care about and what roles might suit you. The majority of charities in the UK- and beyond- are ‘small’ with staff and volunteers covering a multitude of different roles and tasks with few specialists. Working for a smaller charity provides you with the chance to develop a broader range of skills – but you’re likely to need to move organisations if you want to progress.  In larger charities there tends to be more segregation of roles so developing a skill set in a particular area can be useful – for example, service delivery, fundraising, finance or development.  

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There’s a huge range of roles available- all of which require specific skills and of course, commonly valued transferrable skills like problem solving and communication are important here too. But specific to work in charities and non-profits, is a commitment to an organisation’s specific aims- or a general desire to make a positive difference in society. Interpersonal skills are often valuable as is a certain amount of patience and pragmatism. 

Whilst you might be drawn to this sector as you’re not motivated by making a profit, be aware that charities often operate within tight budgets so financial and commercial awareness is important. 

Charities tend to give lots of responsibility early on so if you thrive on this that’s a good start. There is no set career path, so be prepared to manage your own career by moving up and on.  

A social researcher for a charity uses research skills you may have gained in undergraduate or postgraduate study to help a charity further its mission. 

Student societies are a great place to gain experience of issues and roles you might be good at. 

Volunteer, intern, take jobs in admin or fundraising in the right organisation to get your foot in the door. Find out more in our Volunteering page. We recognise that for many people volunteering is not an option for financial reasons. There is growing awareness of this issue in the sector, and you can find paid roles, including internships.  

Becoming a charity trustee is a valuable experience, as well as being beneficial to the charity and wider community, Fewer than 3% of trustees are under thirty, and the Young Trustee Movement are working to change this. Find vacancies and further information on their website. 

Charityworks offer a Fast-track scheme specifically for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students. You'll gain insight into the not-for-profit sector through an online training event, as well as being 'fast-tracked' to the final stages of the application process for the Charityworks graduate scheme (see 'How to find employers' below). 

Charities often like to appoint people who have developed skills in the public or private sector. A well-trodden route is to get experience in a big organisation that will train you well so you can move into the third sector later on. 

The sector usually values previous experience over further study. If you have a masters or PhD, it is up to you to reflect on what it has given you that will be useful for a specific role and communicate that persuasively in applications.  

There are fewer internships and structured graduate schemes than in other industries. Use the following websites to apply to jobs which look interesting. They are unlikely to be marked as 'graduate' and may not be highlighted as entry level. If you can do most of what's in the job description, it is a suitable job for you!

This 30 second video shows you how to find NGOs and charities in different countries, using GoinGlobal.  

Follow charities which interest you on social media (they often advertise positions directly to avoid the costs of listing vacancies on an external site). 

Many people use speculative applications to create opportunities rather than applying for advertised vacancies. This video will tell you more. 

The Social Research Association has a jobs board and further information about social research positions. 

There are several graduate schemes, most of which also accept masters, PhDs or people who graduated some years ago. 

  • Charityworks  - A paid, 12-month programme offering charity work placements to help you gain experience and skills in the sector.
  • Wellcome Trust - A general graduate scheme, and one focused on investments.
  • Smart Works - A two-year scheme that has recruited Cambridge students - it doesn’t run every year so check if it’s open.
  • Accelerate Trainee Scheme Cancer Research  - A medical research charity scheme that doesn't require any health or life science knowledge and that is also open to non-graduates.
  • Oxfam Trainee Scheme - Designed to encourage people from a wide range of backgrounds to join the charity sector. The scheme is also open to non-graduates.
  • CASE graduate training programme - For graduates and postgraduates seeking a career in fundraising and philanthropy. 
     

Actions speak louder than words! Demonstrate your commitment to their cause by drawing on your volunteering, relevant academic work or involvement in student societies. 

One size definitely does not fit all. Make sure you properly tailor your application to their requirements and give evidence of success.

There are lots of student societies with a social or charitable focus. Our Volunteering page includes local and national opportunities.  

Our annual Policy, Charity and International Development Festival runs in Lent Term each year. You can catch up with previous festivals on our YouTube channel 

Policy, Charities and International Development Festival 2024 

International Development and Charities Festival 2023 

Current vacancies and potential employers can be found via Handshake 

Careers Service events can also be found via the Events page on Handshake 

Contact Cambridge alumni who have worked in this sector

There are lots of jobs in fundraising (corporate, high net worth individuals, institutional, events or fundraising smaller amounts from individuals). Charities need the funds to be able to do all of their other functions. Working in fundraising initially can be a good way to get experience of a charity you like - and get paid.

Now you have looked at this page, think about your next steps. Everyone's journey is different. There are many ways to move forward. Here are some actions you could take now: