Getting a graduate charity job

Whether you're on a graduate scheme with a small local charity or an internship with a large international organisation, your work in the charity sector can have a profound impact on the world

Do I need a degree?

While half of the voluntary workforce has a degree, it's not a requirement for all roles. Your enthusiasm and soft skills are more important in roles such as fundraising, volunteer coordination, and charity officer.

To enhance your job prospects in the charity sector, you could consider studying:

business studies
community development
global development
social policy and administration
sociology
voluntary sector management
youth work.

For specialised roles in accounting and finance, HR, IT and marketing, advertising, and PR, charity employers often look for candidates with related undergraduate qualifications.

What skills do charity employers want?

Adaptability and flexibility - As a charity worker, you'll need to be a versatile team player, capable of handling various tasks and working with diverse individuals. You'll also need to be adaptable to changing circumstances, such as fluctuating funding and resources, and be prepared to work on temporary contracts when necessary.
Commercial awareness - A strong understanding of the charity sector is crucial. You'll need to be knowledgeable about potential challenges that may affect an organisation's operations and stay informed about the strategies and practices of similar charities.
Commitment and motivation - Passion for the cause you support is vital. It's the foundation of your work and essential for collaborating effectively with like-minded colleagues towards a shared goal.
Communication skills - You'll need to be confident interacting with colleagues, service users, the public, and the media to represent your organisation effectively.
Creativity and innovation - You'll need to think outside the box, propose new ideas, and develop innovative approaches to fundraising and other initiatives.
Negotiation and persuasion - These skills are particularly valuable for charity fundraisers and directors. You'll need to be skilled at securing support, acquiring funding, and raising awareness for your cause.
Organisational skills - Given the complex nature of charity work, especially in smaller organisations, strong organisational skills are indispensable. You'll often need to juggle multiple responsibilities and manage your time efficiently.
Language skills - While not always a requirement, proficiency in a second language can be beneficial, especially if you're working for an international charity.

Discover more about the soft skills employers are looking for.

Which organisations run charity internships?

The charity and voluntary sector offers a variety of roles, including providing services directly to individuals or groups, administrative work, and fundraising positions. Whether you're passionate about social justice, environmental conservation, or animal welfare, there's a role that matches your interests and skills.

Advice and support roles

Fundraising and administration roles

Campaigns assistants - support fundraising activities by creating materials.
Charity directors - develop services, generate income, and raise awareness.
Charity fundraisers - build relationships and explore fundraising opportunities.
Charity officers - focus on areas like business development, marketing, or fundraising.
Grants assistants - provide administrative support to funding/fundraising departments.
Volunteer coordinators - recruit, place, and retain volunteers.

Creative and community-based roles

Community arts workers - collaborate with local groups to support their development using artistic activities.
Celebrity managers - develop relationships with VIP supporters and negotiate their involvement in charity campaigns.

Specialised roles

International aid/development workers - meet the needs of people and communities in developing countries.
Policy/research assistants - provide support to policy and research teams.

Which charities offer internships?

Wellcome's summer internship programme provides participants with eight weeks of hands-on experience alongside experienced staff in their chosen field, such as finance, accounting or research. Interns earn the London Living Wage of £13.15 per hour. Cancer Research UK offers a 12-week paid internship program in various departments, such as fundraising, communications, technology, policy, and business strategy. Interns contribute to accelerating progress for people affected by cancer.

Greenpeace UK and Body&Soul offer paid internships, while The British Red Cross offers a volunteer placement in either marketing, research or project development. It's important to note that many charity internships are voluntary and part time, often requiring a couple of days per week. This flexible arrangement allows volunteers to balance their internships with other commitments.

Large charities offering voluntary third-sector internships include:

For more detailed information, see internships.

While at university, consider developing essential skills for a career in this field by establishing a student society or arranging fundraising events for charities such as Children in Need or Comic Relief.

To find placements and internships, search for work experience in the charity and voluntary work sector.

What charity apprenticeships are available?

Barnardo's offers 19 apprenticeship programmes across fields including beauty therapy, customer service, retail, and early years education. These qualifications span from A-level (Level 3) to Masters degree (Level 7), with pay varying depending on the specific department.

Cancer Research UK offers Level 3 to Level 7 apprenticeships in departments like marketing, software engineering, and finance. As an apprentice, you'll contribute to supporting individuals affected by cancer. These programmes can be completed in London, Oxford, or remotely.

Other charities offering apprenticeships include:

For more information, see what is an apprenticeship?

What charity graduate schemes are on offer?

Save The Children's humanitarian trainee scheme offers a one-year programme to develop future humanitarian experts in crisis response. Successful graduates earn credits towards a Masters degree and gain valuable experience working overseas in the humanitarian field. Save the Children covers all residential costs.

Cancer Research UK's Accelerate programme is a two-year graduate scheme offering rotational placements within various business areas. Participants gain valuable experience and develop their skills while earning a competitive salary of £26,000 in their first year, increasing to £27,750 in their second. After completing the programme, participants are encouraged to apply for permanent roles within the charity.

Other charities offering graduate schemes include:

It's important to note that charity graduate schemes are highly competitive due to their scarcity. Typically, you'll need a 2:1 undergraduate degree and a specific number of UCAS points.

For more information, see graduate schemes.

Where do I look for vacancies in the charity sector?

While large charities often advertise positions online through national job boards, many valuable opportunities lie with smaller, local organisations. These smaller groups might not have the resources for formal recruitment campaigns, so here's how to find their opportunities.

Charity sector recruiters

Find out more about getting a job through a recruitment agency.

Direct applications

If you've volunteered or worked with a charity, be sure to use your existing network. Reach out to contacts and express your interest in a position. Even if there aren't advertised openings, a speculative application paired with your familiarity with the organisation can lead to an opportunity.

Tailor your application to each charity, highlighting how your skills and experience directly address their needs. Research their mission and current projects to demonstrate a genuine fit.

Social media

Most charities, regardless of size, are active on social media platforms. Follow the accounts of organisations you're interested in. This allows you to stay informed about their campaigns and events, build connections with staff, and potentially discover unadvertised job openings.

Specialist job boards

How do I find work for a local charity?

Start by searching online job boards like CharityJob or LinkedIn. Local volunteer centres can also provide information on paid and volunteer opportunities.

Remember to tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences and consider volunteering first to gain experience and network. You can also submit speculative applications to charities that align with your interests, even if they don't have current job postings.

Search for graduate charity jobs.

Can I set up my own charity?

While starting your own charity can be a fulfilling path, it requires careful consideration and significant effort. The NCVO offers guidance on the process, but they also recommend checking if existing organisations already address your cause. This can help avoid duplicating efforts and ensure your resources have the maximum impact.

Find out more

See what the charity and voluntary work sector has to offer.
Learn more about working for a pressure group.