Professional development and training in charity jobs

Find out how postgraduate study and professional qualifications could improve your chances of having a successful career in the charity sector...

Do I need to do postgraduate study?

Entry into many charity and voluntary sector jobs doesn't necessarily require postgraduate-level qualifications. Employers are known to place emphasis on practical work experience and personal commitment.

Once you have broken into the sector, though, gaining postgraduate or professional qualifications can enhance opportunities to progress in your career and develop specialist areas of expertise.

Some occupations may require postgraduate or professional qualifications on entry, however. For example, higher degree level study and/or qualifications in research skills are needed for research roles, while teaching positions are likely to require qualified teacher status (QTS). Technical or professional roles, such as engineer, nurse or accountant, usually require prior postgraduate professional training and, in some countries, a relevant undergraduate degree can be beneficial, too.

For more information on entry requirements and career development in the charities and voluntary work sector, see types of jobs.

To find postgraduate courses in the UK, search courses and research.

Should I join a professional body?

Professional bodies are usually job specific, and because there are so many different job roles in the charities and voluntary work sector, it is more likely employees will join organisations related to their role. For example, if someone is an accountant in the charity sector, they may join the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

However, there are numerous sector-specific organisations, such as:

• Community Matters  
• Institute of Fundraising  
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)  

The benefits of joining a professional body include:

• networking;
• access to professional qualifications;
• latest industry news;
• training events. 

Which professional qualifications are recognised in the charity sector?

While qualifications are not always required, there are numerous professional qualifications accepted in the sector that might help you distinguish yourself from the competition, including fundraising qualifications approved by the Institute of Fundraising and the advanced apprenticeships in campaigning, fundraising and volunteer management from Skills - Third Sector .