Case studies: Community fundraiser: Jo Findlay

Jo graduated from Strathclyde University in 2010 with a degree in politics and geography. She works in the Scottish office of a major cancer charity, engaging the public in fundraising activities.

I enjoyed my politics and geography degree and graduated with a 2:1. Although no specific degree subject is required for my job, I benefit from communication, teamworking and IT skills acquired through my course. More crucial for my career, however, was extensive volunteering - from befriending to abseiling and racing for charity. I learned about paid jobs in charities and determined to gain one.

In my final year, I applied for jobs with salaries around £18,000 and got nowhere. I realised I had to start at the bottom and work my way up. It was a leap of faith to take an unpaid internship for three months with Barnardo’s. They paid travel and lunch costs, but I had to work in tourism at weekends to support myself. Experience at Barnardo’s proved invaluable. I supported the events organiser and corporate fundraisers, learning about partnerships with business sponsors. What I learned about community fundraising taught me that this was my preferred niche.

This experience helped me secure my first job as a fundraising support assistant with Macmillan Cancer Support - at the princely annual salary of £13,000. This administrative role involved mass mailings, creating posters, preparing fundraising materials for volunteers and ‘banking and thanking’ for supporters’ donations. Participating in events, such as being a marshal at a sponsored abseiling down a lighthouse, was fun.

Towards the end of my one-year contract, I applied for this community fundraiser post at a major cancer charity. My experience enabled me to make a far stronger application than those I made while at university. It was a relief to secure a salary of nearly £24,000 after surviving on slender means.

I cover the Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife area and a driving licence is essential. Each day is different. One day I can be speaking to a Rotary Club and the next day contacting supermarkets about charity collections by volunteers. I have monthly fundraising targets, but how I meet these depends on using initiative and creativity. Fresh ideas are welcomed and there is never a dull moment in this job. 

In the current economic climate, targets are challenging, but so far we are meeting them. In an end of life charity, we hear very sad stories and I need to display empathy and sensitivity when listening to supporters. Nevertheless, those situations constantly remind me how worthwhile this job is.

There is huge scope for me to develop this job. Further down the line, I may want to move into a policy role, drawing on my degree background.

My advice is to be realistic about the level of entry likely to be achieved and to focus on gaining relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid. Getting into the profession is the hardest part. Once in fundraising, there are opportunities to progress as this role is essential for all charities.