Working in the not-for-profit sector

The FPC is a think tank.

• Key current issues to be aware of include ethical foreign policy and globalisation as well as cross-cutting issues such as identity, multi-lateralism, the EU impact and Human Rights.
• The FPC takes 7/8 interns per year for 3-6 months. The interns have the opportunity to get stuck in to a project. Many of the interns have gone on to work for multi-lateral organisations such as the EU and the UN or have become Parliamentary Assistants to MPs.
• You do not have to have worked in International Relations previously to work for a think tank such as the FPC.
• If you want an internship, your chances are heightened if you apply 'off-peak'. For example, in March there might be only 10 applications for internships but in the summer, this rises to 300.
• The environment is quite young which means that there is scope for younger members of staff to reach senior levels sooner.
• Each employee is also expected to work with a considerable amount of autonomy but also function as part of a team. There is a lack of hierarchy.
• Most think tanks have intern programmes so it is worth investigating (look at Demos and SMF if you are interested in domestic policy).
• Think Tanks have a 'big idea' focus and you always need to be on the look out for new concepts.
• Fundraising may be a key part of your work if you are employed by a think-tank. Gaining sponsorship for projects is essential in order to carry out your work.

SPW run Health Education Programmes designed to mobilise communities and Community Resource Programmes, which impact the physical environment. Sarah suggested thinking about whether large or small scale work motivates you. Useful skills and qualities include:

• Theoretical experience
• Commercial skills (marketing, PR etc)
• Knowledge of the area or country in which you have an interest.

You need to prove your enthusiasm. One way of doing this is through volunteering for six months or more. Make sure the organisation that you work with is recognised for their developmental work before you join them.

After graduating from a Masters in Development Nicola volunteered for Wiz Kids, a U.K charity. After several months volunteering she successfully applied a junior position that arose in events/fundraising. She worked there for a year helping organise volunteers running the London Marathon on behalf of Wiz Kids. Her aim was to work in overseas development so she gave up her paid position to take up an unpaid internship for SWP, and after several months she applied for and got her current position with the same organisation.

The National Housing Federation lobbies government to raise the profile of housing and represents the independent social housing sector. As housing is not a sexy issue, raising its profile is proactive rather than reactive. Working for an organisation such as this means generating fresh ideas to gain interest in the subject. This creates wide opportunities for extending your learning and knowledge base. See their website for details.

This recruitment agency mainly place office and administration staff in the Non-Profit sector. They consider that it is essential that people working in this sector need to be commercially astute - it is not a soft option. They believe that employers are looking for:

• Experience
• IT skills (Word, Excel, Access).
• Communication.
• Commitment and willingness to learn.

Katherine suggested keeping up to date with non-profit sector publications such as Third Sector as this will ensure that your knowledge is relevant.

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Reviewed & update August 2007 by Pat Wade