What short course can I study for me to get into the public/not-for-profit sector?

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I have been volunteering in administration for over six months now. I have previously worked for the Fairtrade Foundation and am now working for an organisation called YouthNet who are affiliated with the volunteering website Do-It.Org.Uk and also the The.Site.Org.
I have primarily studied Media/Film & English at College and Uni but I don't have any qualification within the charity sector and I'm wondering what I can study to inprove my prospects and understanding within this field and in turn give me more confidence to pursue a job that I want.
So any ideas what Suitable courses I can study?

Comments

29 Aug 07 14:01, by Nancy there are plenty of courses out there in Charity Management. I know LSE, Birkbeck and the University of Surrey offer MA's in it, but I'm sure you can do short modules too. I don't know how much difference taking these kind of courses make to employers, but if you think it'll give you more confidence and more of an idea of where you want to go then it's definitely worth looking into. Another option is that some big charities run their own graduate trainee schemes, which could be a good way to get training on the job. Good luck.
Staff reply 29 Aug 07 14:56, by zw!tch Hia,

It depends a lot of which part of the charity sector you want to get into - there are so many options from fundraising to development, law to support work! Of course you also need to think about what type of charity you are interested in working for - with young people, disabled people, homeless people, women's shelters...

I get the impression that lots of people in the field have got where they are by starting as a volunteer, just like you, to get specific experience in the type of work they are looking to go into...and then use their contacts and networks to go from there.

If you are sure that you want to study further then there are lots of different courses available ? from charity law to marketing with a focus on charities. There are also options with the Media Trust and Ask Charity. Masters in voluntary sector management cost a few grand, and it seems as though experience and networks will count for more generally?

Hope that helps!

Zoë
29 Aug 07 19:45, by Kaz Hi there,
I don't know where you are based (I'm in the North West) I have many years experience in the not for profit sector, working in partnership with public, private and statutory bodies. Any course that addresses regeneration or neighbourhood renewal will stand in good stead for employment in these sectors, as will fundraising. Here (NW) I would contact Regen via their web site for course information, as well as the local Uni, I'm sure Regen will sign post you as they have National networks, also look at youth & community development courses, I know various uni's run short (and in some cases,free!!) introductory sessions. hope this helps.

Kaz
30 Aug 07 10:55, by Evie Hello

The University of Lampeter runs different courses from it's Voluntary Sector Studies department, you can study with them through distance learning. I did a free course with them and found the department to be very supportive and flexible. There is also a chance to specialise in subjects such as Mental Health, Homelessness and HIV/AIDS to name a few.

http://www.volstudy.ac.uk/

Good luck!
30 Aug 07 20:08, by Nova Hey everyone thanks for all your commentya and ideas-it's been a very big tremendous help!
I will take up your ideas and do some more research. The distance learning course sounds interesting and something that would suit me at this time. So yeah, really great advice and I think I need to get the ball rolling.
Staff reply 03 Sep 07 16:00, by zw!tch Hi again,

Here are a couple of links that might help you -
VolResource
Cranfield School of Management and The Cranfield Trust

Zoë