getting into the nfp sector

Thinking about getting into the not-for-profit sector?

Right now, it's estimated there are around 169,000 charities in the UK today - employing around 608,000 paid workers. What's more, new organisations and initiatives are coming into being all the time, creating an ever-rising demand for new talent.

That's not to say that the sector is always easy to find work in. Far from it. Competition for roles in areas like International Development or Research & Policy has always been fierce and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. As a result, a lot of talented people are increasingly turning to careers in housing, where they can help vulnerable people in a more direct way, or fundraising, where there's currently a skills shortage.

Our advice if you are looking to enter the sector is to consider your options first. Think about what kind of work you'd like to do, and how this correlates with your skills. Be flexible and patient. Take time to explore all the options. Then, once you've decided on an area, draw up a logical game plan.

For handy tips on securing that first role, visit our hints & tips section.

For more general information about getting into the not-for-profit sector, click here to download our free advice sheet.