The ultimate in utilitarian careers, working for a charity or NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) could be the most satisfying career choice you'll ever make. The market is large, with opportunities in all types of volunteer work (put simply, no-one turns down free labour) and an increasing number of part-time and full-time paid posts as charities hone their business practices. What's more, there's a direct return on your work, as you'll see the instant humanitarian benefits to others in a way not provided by other job sectors. If nothing else, working for a charity or NGO will provide you with a rich array of experiences, not to mention a hoard of valuable CV points.

The Way In

Build up a CV that shows enthusiasm for the voluntary sector - especially with paid work for charities, you must be able to show to everyone (including yourself) why you want the job, though the vocational nature of the sector means that you'll normally have an idea of where your passions lie. In many respects, charities and NGOs are the easiest fields to break into, though long-term paid work may be quite competitive and relatively scarce. For this reason, the more in tune you are with the charity sector, and the greater the number of contacts you have, the greater the chance of getting paid work in your chosen area.

Key Skills

Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm. The three Es of charity work, the need to have a strong desire to work in the sector should not be underestimated. Alongside this is dedication to the job, and adaptability to what may often be trying financial and physical conditions.

Pay & Lifestyle

This is the area of the sector where your expectations should be low. Even though charities are acting more and more like businesses, their very nature (money for the needy, all available monies going straight to recipients rather than shareholders) precludes any charity or NGO setting a lot of money aside for a wage bill. Expect to get a part-time job to fund your activities and pay the rent.