small_companies

Working for small companies, NGOs and charities

When you are planning your internship or work placement, there are lots of things you need to take into account: the industry, skills and experience you would like to gain, what role you want and, of course, the type of company you would like to work for. 

Here you can find few examples of roles that NGOs and charities can offer:

 

Advice worker

As an advice worker, you’ll provide free, impartial, confidential advice and information to clients on a range of issues. This depends on your level of skills, knowledge and the nature of advice the organisation provides. It is possible to get into advice work without a degree, as many employers look for candidates who have relevant experience and the necessary skills. Depending on the nature of advice service, some specific knowledge or qualification can be beneficial.  For example, qualification or degree in law, social science, psychology or social work. Knowledge of ethnic minority language can be very useful, if the organisation is working with minority groups, refugees or migrants.

 

Campaigns assistant

You can be involved in developing material to be used in the fundraising activities such as writing press releases, emails and letters, producing e-campaign materials and general admin tasks. Knowledge of social media and marketing can be very useful. Other responsibilities can include: helping to organise public meetings or events, assisting with research, monitoring media, etc.

 

Administrator

Administrators are employed by charities, voluntary and non-profit making organisations.  In small organisations the administrator undertakes multiple tasks- administrative, finance, public relations activities, design fundraising materials, human resource tasks. In large organisations the administrator focuses on a specific area. You can become an administrator both with or without a degree.

 

Community Art Worker

In this role you will collaborate with local groups and individuals, and use the arts as a medium for educational, social or cultural activities. Community arts workers can work with people from all kinds of backgrounds. You can be involved in arts-based activities (such as fine art, photography, film, media, music, dance, theatre, etc) as well as have some administrative and organisational tasks.

There are no mandatory academic requirements to enter this profession, a relevant degree or qualification in any of the arts discipline, education or teaching will be advantageous. Entry without a degree is also possible.

 

Community education officer

Community education officers help to organise and facilitate different educational projects for disadvantaged communities.  You will work with individuals, families and whole communities. Community education projects focus on a number of areas, such as, offering adult literacy classes and encouraging people to learn English language, training of life skills or practical skills, such as budgeting, cooking, parenting classes, etc.

 

Policy/research assistant

This is a popular job for graduates looking to develop a career in policy and research field. The primary purpose of  policy internships is to provide real experience in the field of public policy and research. You tasks may include, but are not limited to: undertaking  a review of the existing evidence base, collecting and analysing information,  drafting of documents such as strategic policy briefings, policy consultations, official letters, mapping stakeholders, provide general support to the policy and research teams, etc.

 

Youth worker

A Youth worker is a person that works with young people to engage them in informal education and help  young people’s  emotional and social development. You will support young people and facilitate activities  which aim to enable all children and young people, without exception, to develop their talents and reach their full potential. Working with young people  is extremely rewarding and you will have a chance to make a difference in the lives of young people.  Youth work can be undertaken in a variety of settings- youth clubs, scouts group, summer camps, schools. Some examples of activities for youth:  afterschool club, cooking club, art- based activity, sport club, support of young parents, young carers club, social assistance,  integration project for young refugees, etc.