Whether you’re a corporate careerist who wants to change up your life or a recent graduate, moving into the charity sector may be a way of finding new challenges and rewarding work. But what exactly do charities have to offer?
Volunteering and gaining work experience are both great ways to break into the charity sector. Having a clear idea of what kind of charity you’re interested in will come across in an interview.
1. You’ll make a difference
If you’re looking for a job with real meaning and purpose, then working in a charity could be the right choice for you. It’s a sector that offers a variety of different roles and opportunities, from fundraising to managing a high street charity shop. And because charities operate on a value-driven basis, prioritising ethics over profit, you can be sure that your work is making a difference in people’s lives.
Working in a charity is also a great way to gain experience in various areas of business. And because many charities offer flexible working arrangements, you can find the perfect role that fits your needs.
Plus, if you’re not sure a charitable career is for you, then why not try out volunteering? Whether it’s holding a door open for someone, giving up your seat on the train or just smiling at a stranger – small acts of kindness can make a huge difference too. Just be sure to choose a cause that really resonates with you.
2. You’ll learn new skills
Charity work can be an excellent way to develop new skills. This is especially true if you’re interested in a career focused on program management or service delivery, where you’ll need to be able to manage budgets and deliver projects effectively.
Working in a charity can also help you learn how to be more generous with your time and money. Whether it’s holding the door for a stranger or giving up your seat on the train, there are many small ways we can give back and make someone else’s day.
And lastly, working in a charity can open your social circle up to a group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives. This can be an incredibly rewarding experience and it will allow you to build a network of like-minded friends. In addition, charities often offer competitive benefits packages and employee support programmes. This makes them an attractive employer for those looking to switch from the corporate world.
3. You’ll meet new people
Charity work can help you meet new people and expand your social circle. Depending on your role, you could be working with people of all ages and backgrounds. You’ll also be around like-minded people who share the same goals as you.
A charity can provide you with a fresh perspective on your own life and how you see the world. This is especially true if you work with the elderly, disabled or disadvantaged members of society.
Large charities tend to have a more structured structure, but smaller ones can often operate with an ‘all hands on deck’ mentality. This can mean that you’ll have to wear many hats and gain experience in a variety of different areas. This can be a great way to move up the career ladder in the future. Charity jobs also usually come with benefits such as pension schemes and maternity and paternity leave. This is something that can be lacking in other sectors.
4. You’ll be rewarded
When you work in a charity, you’re doing more than just earning a salary. You’re helping to make a difference in the world and making it a better place. This type of job satisfaction is hard to find in other careers.
In fact, if you ask most charity employees what the best thing about their job is, chances are they’ll tell you it’s the people. You’ll meet a wide range of people from different backgrounds, but who all have one thing in common – they want to make a change.
And if that’s not enough, many charities also offer additional benefits like pension schemes and the chance to travel. So if you’re looking for an incredibly rewarding career, why not consider working in a charity? We’re sure you won’t regret it.