Volunteer coordinator : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is generally open to all graduates, a degree or HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• business studies;
• community development/education;
• human resource management;
• social care;
• youth/social work.

Entry without a degree is possible as emphasis is placed on experience rather than academic credentials.

A related postgraduate qualification is not usually needed, but is becoming increasingly useful as the job grows in popularity, especially for the more competitive industries, such as international development and creative industries (e.g. art gallery or museum).

Pre-entry experience is essential, especially voluntary experience. If you are applying to work as a volunteer coordinator for an international organisation, having voluntary experience overseas, an understanding of other cultures, international contacts and a second language will be very important.

Potential candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication skills;
• strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of people;
• experience of managing or coordinating projects and volunteers (paid and/or unpaid);
• an empathy with volunteers and an understanding of their needs;
• ability to inspire and motivate others;
• a great deal of resilience;
• ability to deal with information in a confidential manner and respond with sensitivity to the opinions of others;
• excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a wide range of tasks;
• competence with administration and IT, and an ability to maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports;
• experience of working across different sectors and developing links with other agencies;
• flexible and non-judgemental approach to people and work.

An understanding of the sector, a commitment to the organisation to which you apply and, if relevant, empathy with service users are also important. Charities need people who have the ability to cope with limited resources, seize opportunities and think creatively. The ability to handle numerical data may also be required if the role involves budget management or fundraising, as well as political awareness and the ability to remain impartial, as many roles involve working in politically sensitive areas.

A full clean driving licence and car ownership, for the purposes of visiting organisations and assisting volunteers with travel, may also be necessary.

The job of a volunteer coordinator is becoming increasingly popular with graduates and non-graduates alike, particularly for positions with the better-known charities, art galleries and museums. Undertaking voluntary work is essential as you may be competing against people with a great deal of experience and contacts. Very few charities offer graduate training schemes, although Cancer Research UK  runs a general scheme. Internships are more common and are offered by a range of organisations including Barnardo's , British Red Cross , People and Planet , Oxfam  and the United Nations Internship Programme . However, while the above schemes provide an overview of the work of the organisation, they do not specifically focus on the work of a volunteer coordinator.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) , Disclosure Scotland  or Access Northern Ireland  checks are necessary for those working with children and/or vulnerable individuals.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.