Overview
The charity and not-for-profit sector offers meaningful career opportunities for graduates who want to make a difference in society. Charities work independently of government and business, focusing on public benefit, social causes, and community support rather than profit.
The sector includes:
- Charities & NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) – Supporting social, environmental, and humanitarian causes.
- Social Enterprises – Businesses that reinvest profits into social missions.
- Community & Voluntary Organisations – Local initiatives providing direct assistance.
While many positions in the charity sector are voluntary, around 15-20% of roles are paid. With over 820,000 employees in 195,000 UK charities, the industry provides rewarding careers in fundraising, administration, marketing, finance, and operations.
Average Charity Graduate Salary
Charity Graduate Career Path
The not-for-profit sector is a growing industry, with annual revenues exceeding £96 billion. Charities now operate like businesses, focusing on service delivery, fundraising, and public engagement, offering more graduate opportunities than ever before.
Graduates can work in various roles across charities, NGOs, and community organisations, including:
- Fundraising & Development – Securing funding through grants, donations, and campaigns.
- Marketing & Communications – Raising awareness and managing social media.
- Programmes & Project Management – Running initiatives that support beneficiaries.
- Policy & Advocacy – Influencing government policies and public opinion.
- Finance & Administration – Managing budgets, payroll, and operational support.
Unlike corporate sectors, charities rarely have structured graduate schemes. Instead, many graduates start with:
- Volunteering – A vital way to gain experience and network within the sector.
- Internships & Work Placements – Short-term paid or unpaid roles that provide hands-on experience.
- Entry-Level Jobs – Many charities hire graduates in fundraising, administration, or communications, leading to specialist roles over time.
- Transferable Skills – Some graduates start in marketing, finance, or management roles in businesses before moving into charities.
Charity professionals must be flexible, passionate, and willing to take on multiple responsibilities, particularly in smaller organisations.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
What proportion of candidates as a percent we place into Charity graduate careers and the typical qualities graduate employers look for.
GRB Placements for Charity by Degree
Typical Candidate Attributes
Most graduate roles in charities are open to all degree backgrounds, but some areas may benefit from specific studies:
- Social Sciences & Politics – For policy, advocacy, and international development.
- Marketing, Communications & PR – For fundraising and media roles.
- Finance & Business – For charity financial management.
- Environmental Studies & International Relations – For global NGOs.
While a degree is helpful, passion for the cause, volunteering experience, and relevant skills are often more important than academic qualifications.
Employers in the charity sector seek candidates who are:
- Passionate & Committed – A strong belief in the cause is essential.
- Excellent Communicators – Written and verbal skills for advocacy and fundraising.
- Organised & Resourceful – Managing projects, events, and budgets.
- Persuasive & Influential – Securing funding and public support.
- Resilient & Flexible – Adapting to the challenges of non-profit work.
- Team Players – Collaborating with volunteers, donors, and government bodies.
Sources for Further Information
Charities Aid Foundation www.cafonline.org
National Council for Voluntary Organisations www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
The Charity Commission of England and Wales www.gov.uk/charity-commission
Do-it www.do-it.org.uk