What is a career in charities, NGOs and social impact?
While often used interchangeably, charities, NGOs and social impact careers focus on addressing societal or environmental issues:
- Charities: In the UK, charities are formally registered non-profit organisations with a charitable purpose, such as poverty relief, health, education, or environmental protection. They rely heavily on donations, fundraising, and volunteers to deliver direct services and support to individuals and communities in need.
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): This is a broader term encompassing organisations that operate independently of any government. While many NGOs are non-profit and focus on humanitarian or social issues (like international development, human rights, or environmental conservation), some can also be for-profit entities with a social mission. They often engage in advocacy, research, and project implementation on local, national, or international scales.
- Social impact organisations (often including Social Enterprises): This term highlights organisations, whether non-profit or for-profit, that have a primary mission to create positive social or environmental change. Social enterprises, for example, generate revenue through selling goods or services, but reinvest their profits back into their social mission rather than distributing them to shareholders.
Essentially, all these entities share a common goal: to make a tangible, positive difference in the world beyond solely financial gain.
Where can I work, what can I do, and how can I get there?
The possibilities within this sector are vast and varied. You could find yourself working for:
- Large international NGOs: Think organisations like Oxfam, Save the Children, Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), or UNICEF. These often have a global reach and offer diverse roles in areas like international development, humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy, and more.
- National and local charities: From well-known national charities like Cancer Research UK or the British Red Cross to smaller, community-focused organisations addressing local issues.
- Think tanks and research institutes: Many organisations focus on researching social issues, developing policy recommendations, and influencing public discourse.
- Social enterprises: These innovative businesses blend commercial practices with a social mission, offering roles in product development, marketing, operations, and more, all with an ethical core.
- Foundations and grant-making bodies: These organisations provide funding to charities and NGOs, and roles here can involve grant management, research, and strategic philanthropy.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments: Large companies often have departments dedicated to their social and environmental impact, offering roles that bridge the corporate and social impact worlds.
- Public sector bodies: While distinct from charities/NGOs, government departments and local councils often work closely with the sector on social programs and policy, providing related career paths.
Within these organisations, you'll find a broad range of roles, from frontline service delivery and project management to fundraising, communications, policy, research, finance, HR, and IT.
There are a huge number of different roles and functions in the charity sector. We've outlined some of the ones likely to be of most interest to LSE students with links to where you can find more information. If you can, try and talk to someone who’s doing the job you’re interested in, so you get a real flavour of what it’s like.
- Policy and research – involves gathering evidence and generating insights and analysis.
- Programmes and operations – implements and manages the logistics of activities and schemes relating to the charity’s cause.
- Advocacy and lobbying – uses the findings from research and reports to lobby governments, organisations and others to influence policy changes.
- Marketing, communications and campaigns – develops strategies and campaigns to communicate the charity’s goals to internal and external audiences. Visit our Careers in media and communications sector page to explore further.
- Fundraising – offers a comparatively large number of vacancies compared to other roles. Specialist roles include community, corporate, direct marketing, events, legacy, major donor, regional, statutory, and trust. The Prospects Charity fundraiser profile provides further details.
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning – conducts research into programme effectiveness and impact. Mande is a good source of news and information.
- Corporate functions (HR, IT, Finance) – ensures organisations are governed efficiently. Not unusual to gain experience in other sectors doing these roles and then transfer in.
The Bright Network's seven types of roles within the charity sector, and the Prospects overview of Charity and voluntary work provide further details about a range of roles and other related topics.
Recruitment in the charity and social impact sector can vary depending on the organisation's size and resources.
Here are some common methods you'll encounter:
- Online job boards: This is the most prevalent method, with many vacancies listed on sector-specific job boards (see the 'Where can I find out more?' section below for a list of these boards).
- Organisation websites: Always check the "Careers" or "Work with us" sections of organisations you're particularly interested in.
- Graduate schemes and trainee programmes: While fewer than in the private sector, some larger charities and social impact organisations offer structured graduate programmes (eg, CharityWorks, Unlocked, Cancer Research UK's Accelerate Trainee Scheme) that provide excellent entry points and training. These are often highly competitive.
- Volunteering and internships: This is arguably one of the most effective ways to get your foot in the door. Many paid roles are filled by individuals who have previously volunteered or undertaken internships, demonstrating their commitment and gaining valuable experience. If you’re interested in volunteering, visit the LSE Volunteer Centre to learn more.
- Networking: Attending sector events, connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, and informational interviews can open up hidden opportunities.
- Direct applications: Don't be afraid to make speculative applications to organisations you admire, particularly if you have specific skills or experience that could be valuable.
Insights from alumni and organisations
What skills are needed or sought after in this sector?
While specific roles will demand unique technical skills, there are several key transferable skills highly valued across the charity, NGO, and social impact sector:
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication is crucial for everything from grant applications and reports to interacting with beneficiaries, donors, and the public. Empathy and active listening are also vital.
- Commitment and motivation: A genuine passion for the cause and a strong desire to make a difference are paramount. Recruiters in this sector often look for evidence of your dedication.
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills: You'll often work in diverse teams, collaborating with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners. The ability to build relationships and work effectively with people from all backgrounds is essential.
- Problem-solving and creativity: Many roles involve tackling complex social issues with limited resources. Being able to think innovatively, adapt to challenges, and find creative solutions is highly valued.
- Organisation and time management: Especially in smaller organisations, you might wear multiple hats. Strong organisational skills, the ability to prioritise, and manage your time effectively are key.
- Flexibility and resilience: The nature of social impact work can be unpredictable, requiring adaptability and the ability to cope with demanding situations.
- Commercial awareness (for some roles): Even in non-profits, understanding financial sustainability, fundraising strategies, and efficient resource allocation is increasingly important.
- Digital literacy: Proficiency with various software, social media, and online platforms is crucial for many roles, particularly in communications, fundraising, and data management.
- Research and analytical skills: For policy, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation roles, the ability to gather, analyse, and interpret data is vital.
- Language skills (for international roles): For international NGOs, proficiency in additional languages can be a significant advantage.
Are there any key trends to be aware of in this sector?
The following links showcase some useful insights from LSE alumni and employers in this space:
In terms of trends, the charity, NGO, and social impact sectors are evolving, driven by economic pressures, technological advancements, and a focus on impact and efficiency.
For graduates, understanding these trends can help you tailor your job search and skills development to meet employer needs:
- Skills gaps and a shift in demand: While passion and a commitment to the cause are still vital, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with technical and digital skills. This includes proficiency in data analysis, content creation, social media management, and the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. While a degree in a relevant field like social sciences or international development is beneficial, employers also value demonstrable skills and practical experience which can be gained through internships and volunteering.
- AI and automation: AI is reshaping roles within the sector by automating administrative and repetitive tasks, such as data entry and drafting reports. This is freeing up staff to focus on more impactful, human-centric work like relationship-building with donors and beneficiaries. For graduates, this means that roles are becoming more strategic and less routine. Employers are seeking candidates who are not only digitally literate but are also adaptable and willing to learn how to use new tools to enhance their work.
- Hybrid and flexible working: The sector has seen a greater shift toward remote and hybrid working compared to the public and private sectors. Many charities and NGOs are adopting a flexible approach, allowing employees to work from home for part of the week. This trend is a response to both the pandemic and a desire to attract and retain talent who value work-life balance. For graduate applicants, this means you may have a wider geographical range of roles to choose from. However, be prepared for many roles to require a minimum number of days in the office for team collaboration and culture-building.
- Growing importance of ESG and corporate partnerships: The rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in the private sector has created a new avenue for collaboration. Businesses are increasingly seeking to demonstrate their social impact, leading to a rise in corporate partnerships and corporate social responsibility (CSR) roles. These positions are often found within companies themselves, but they also create opportunities for graduates to work at the intersection of the charity and corporate worlds. These roles often require a blend of commercial awareness and a deep understanding of social and environmental issues. Look for opportunities in the CSR departments of large companies, as well as roles focused on business development within NGOs.
Where can I find out more about working in this sector?
Interested in finding out more about a career in charities, NGOs and social impact?
Here are some helpful links, including the ways LSE Careers can help support you on your journey.
LSE Careers runs a range of events you might be interested in as part of the following sector discovery programmes:
Here are some links and resources to help you in your search for jobs in charities, NGOs and social impact:
If you would like to discuss your career plans and ideas, you can book a confidential one-to-one careers appointment with one of our careers consultants via CareerHub appointment bookings.
These appointments are for any stage of your career planning, so don’t feel like you need to have everything worked out before booking an appointment.