Have you ever saw someone volunteering and thought to yourself “maybe I can get involved with that”? If so, it is a lot easier than you may think. A lot of people are choosing volunteering as their main job because it offers flexible hours and may offer benefits, not to mention, there is probably some kind of tax credit for that. Anyway, the main reason people are choosing charity work today is because of the different they make or because they are supporting a cause that is meaningful to them. If you are thinking of making the switch, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Using Your Network
If you are trying to get into the line of charity, talk about the people you know and the people that they know. If you know someone who works for a charity or someone who could put you in touch with someone who does, you could use this information to gain insights about getting work or the experience you need to start your charity work. You should not expect immediate results, but the benefits that you could gain in the long term, may surprise you. If anyone has offered your advice or helpful tips, thank them with a short note or a thank you card, this makes for a good first impression. By doing this, if that person hears about a vacancy in a charity job, they are likely to remember that note you sent them and may get back in touch with you to let you know that something has come up. Show your appreciation and it could come back to you in a good way.
Where to Find the Work
Charities come in all sizes from small local concerns to huge organizations that have many employment opportunities and a handful or more of staff. From fundraising, financial management and IT, to lobbying and public relations, these are how different each charity can be from one another. There is such a huge range of charity jobs that you could find an employment opportunity in any combination of A level subjects. If you want to specialize in a certain area, you should make sure you have the relevant qualifications. Also, keep an eye out for vacancies in the local and specialist press online. Charity People, a special recruitment agency, may be able to help you search for the right job.
Check Your Motives
One of the most important things you should do before you get involved in a charity is to ask yourself why you are doing it. Some people want to join a charity because it is for a cause that hits home for them such as a charity for breast cancer or multiple sclerosis. Working for a charity is not the only way you can make a difference. You can choose to just support a political party or a pressure group. Joining a charity just for the benefits is not the way to go, if you are going to join a charity, make sure it is something that is meaningful to you.
If you want to volunteer but work full time or part time, volunteer outside of working hours or combine your volunteering with paid work. Gain your skills, professional qualifications in the public or private sector, and experiences then move into charity work later in your career.
