There are a large number of graduate occupations within the Third Sector. Examples of well-established charities that employ graduates include Oxfam, British Red Cross, Age UK and Cancer Research UK. Due to the large variety within the third sector and within charities themselves roles on offer can be varied and unique, from Charity Officers to Charity Fundraisers.
Role: Charity Officer
A charity officer works for a charitable organization, but, the role varies depending on the size of the charity. Typical roles include marketing and public relations to raise the profile of the charity, designing fundraising materials and organising fundraising events, administrative tasks and volunteers.
Source Prospects
Skills Required:
• Both written and verbal communication skills
• Organisational and time management skill
• Research skills
• Creativity and initiative
• Commitment and passion
Things to Consider:
The University of Southampton organizes an annual Volunteering and Third Sector careers fair which will improve your knowledge about careers in this sector and how to apply. In addition Social Sciences and Career Destinations, in collaboration with external training, run a Third Sector training event.
Charity work is a popular career choice, and therefore, it can be competitive. Previous voluntary experience is an advantage because it demonstrates your understanding of the sector and your commitment to a project. You can take advantage of our Career Destinations Volunteering Scheme whilst at the University of Southampton and gain valuable experience in this sector. You can also gain experience of this sector by applying for a placement through the Excel Placement Programme which offers a range of different paid roles in the Third Sector. In addition, Social Sciences has organised voluntary placements with local Third Sector Organisations during term time and students on these placements can take the Social Science Placement Module.
Useful Links:
The University is not responsible for external content
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Role: Charity Fundraiser
As a Charity Fundraiser a primary role is to increase the contributions from donors to the charity to maximise the funds raised. Therefore, the role includes raising awareness about the charity, developing strategies to increase funds, motivating supporters and volunteers, organising fundraising activities and managing the finances of the charity.
Source Prospects
Skills Required:
• Commitment
• Communication skills to build relationships with supporters and donors
• Organisation and project management skills
• Ability to motivate others
• Enthusiasm
Things to consider:
Being a Charity Fundraiser can be a rewarding task because the money being raised goes towards a great cause and helps those in need. Also, this role allows variety; different tasks will be faced each day.
Charity fundraising is popular and a competitive area of work, and therefore, relevant work experience or volunteering is a must. There are many opportunities to gain valuable volunteering experience at the University of Southampton via the Career Destinations Community Volunteering Project.
Useful Links:
The University is not responsible for external content
Charity Works
Third Sector
Working for a Charity
Prospects
From working in the third sector to playing regular football for the Social Sciences team, the skills I have developed at Southampton will prove invaluable in any future job.
Other University of Southampton sites
Links to external websites
The University cannot accept responsibility for external websites.
Demography and statistics careers
Career choices for Demography and Social Statistics graduates