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Advice on moving into the third sector

Recruitment

Suzanne McColl Area Fundraising Manager at RNIB Scotland Posted 8 years ago

Since I volunteered at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 I've never looked back, I definitely caught the volunteering bug. I do a lot of event volunteering as well as a volunteer mentor role. I have a pretty full diary most of the time! As I got more into volunteering I realised that is where my passion is and  working in the charity sector as a volunteer coordinator/manager is what I want to do with my life. I have been on courses at Volunteer Scotland and through meeting people there and at other volunteering roles have had some excellent opportunities such as visiting the Scottish Parliament and being asked to take on more responsible roles at charity and sport events. I was also asked to write a guest blog by Historic Scotland which was well received and shared by Volunteer Scotland. My confidence in trying new things and not being afraid to take on new roles has grown so much and I try and grab any opportunity that comes my way. However I seem to be struggling in to find employment in the third sector and I'm not sure what my next move is. I've been working for about a year and a half or so networking, volunteering and doing courses and research and I don't want to give up as it is my dream job but it I have to admit I'm finding it difficult to even get an interview. My background is in the private sector in mostly finance and administration so it would be a career change for me. What I lack in experience I more than make up for in passion and determination. ( a comment that was made to me on a course was that the passion shone out of me and you could tell how much I love it all) All I really need is for an organisation to take a chance on me and have the patience to let me learn, develop and grow in a role, I would love for that to happen.
If anyone has any tips or advice on how to change careers into the third sector I would love to hear from you.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post!
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A CharityConnect User

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at 8 years ago

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Keep at it Suzanne (maybe you even have found a position by now seeing as this was posted last year?).  As I was told by my volunteer manager around the time I began as a campaigns volunteer for Cancer Research UK, that the charity sector is a tough nut to crack - you have to have the skills, the passion, and then perform well at interview but I think I'm edging closer to a position.  I too had to adjust slightly when switching from a previous science background into the charity sector, but I've absolutely loved volunteering and can definitely see myself working in the charity sector for the rest of my life.  I would say collaboration and networking (on websites like this, but also perhaps by volunteering at specific events - I mean the Commonwealth Games must have put you in touch with a fair few different people - but maybe try science/arts festivals as I have done.  I often feel it's about joining up the dots that aren't readily obvious, sometimes you'll reach a dead end in trying to bridge two different charities together, but other times you can really make a big impact or good result! I actually got my admin job with Barnardo's off the back of a student volunteering recruitment event I attended as part of my volunteering role with Cancer Research UK!)

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Suzanne McColl

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Area Fundraising Manager at RNIB Scotland 8 years ago

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Hi, thanks so much for your response. I'll definitely look into other types of volunteer roles. I volunteer for Cancer Research UK too. Im currently working as an events assistant for them at this seasons race for life and pretty muddy events it's just casual shifts, a great step forward but still looking for that elusive full time role
Thanks again 

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A CharityConnect User

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at 8 years ago

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As a Cancer Campaigns Ambassador for Cancer Research UK, I attended the 2016 Stockport Relay for Life - it was really good! Unfortunately, I won't be attending this year's event as I'll be at Manchester International Festival (I'm volunteering there too), but I hope it goes really well!

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A CharityConnect User

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at 8 years ago

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I been working with third sector since 5 years with disabilityies and developement with livelihood programmes.

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A CharityConnect User

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I was able to get interviews but never the job. I done an internship which really helped. Gave me experience working within the charity and I got to know many people and teams. The problem I have is how they mark your answers. I'm not so good at the STAR technique which they all seem to require and even though they could see I was capable of working for them and knew I could. The person who got the best scoring answers won, it's a shame as I know I am capable and have what it takes it's just being able to show it! The struggle is real haha

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Suzanne McColl

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Area Fundraising Manager at RNIB Scotland 8 years ago

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Well done getting the internshiop, it's a shame it worked out like that. I would think passion for the job, enthusiasm, ideas and personality as well as the ability to do the job would be much more valuable than test scores. Not everyone is good in a scoring evironment, doesn't mean the ability to do the job isn't there. Good luck and I hope a charity sees what you can bring to their organisation.
Thanks
Suzanne

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A CharityConnect User

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Stick with it, Suzanne. Passion and enthusiasm trumps experience hands down. It's just about finding the right position, but it sounds like you are doing all the right things so I'm sure you'll get the results soon.
I had little/no experience in the sector, and landed the role I'm in now - I think it came down to the fact that I was honest in my experience and abilities, and really sold myself on what I know about the organisation and how passionate I was about the cause. 
Best of luck to you!

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Suzanne McColl

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Area Fundraising Manager at RNIB Scotland 8 years ago

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Thank you Katy that's great to hear. Thanks for your encouragement. I'll definitely keep going!
Thanks!
Suzanne
 

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A CharityConnect User

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hi Suzanne, head up a UK-wide community fundraising team and recently have employed a couple of people whose previous work experience has been outside the charity sector. I'm based in Glasgow and would be happy to help if I can. My email is g.kernahan@musculardystrophyuk.org.

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Suzanne McColl

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Hi Gary 
 
Thanks so much for responding! Your offer of help is very much appreciated I'll definitely drop you an email.
 
Best regards 
Suzanne

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A CharityConnect User

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In the same position. If I hear of anything that would be better suited to you. My view has been to take my own skills ie; finance and see if they are useful to the third sector. I'll see where I get. Best of luck to you.

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