HIGH LEVEL COMPLE ITY We’re looking for people who can get to the root of high level challenges using innovative solutions. OxFORD ASSET MANAGEMENT is an investment management company with a quantitative focus, based in central <strong>Oxford</strong>. We invest and trade world-wide, 24 hours a day. We are looking for exceptional candidates in the following areas: Data Analysts Quantitative Analysts Linux Systems Engineers Linux Systems Administrators Internship: Research Developer 80 www.oxam.com
CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE The charity and social enterprise world is bigger than you might think, with 164,000 charities in England and Wales alone, and 70,000 social enterprises operating in the UK. Charities do not seek to make profits, and are usually funded through donations and grants. Social enterprises are businesses which trade for a social/environmental purpose, reinvesting profits to further this purpose. There is a huge range of causes served, and workplaces range from small and informal start-ups to big organisations with a more corporate culture. Charities and social enterprises have the same range of job roles as any organisation, such as marketing, HR, PR, IT, project management, fieldwork, finance, policy, and research. Charities often also have an extensive fundraising or ‘development’ department. Salaries tend to be a little lower in charities than in for-profit businesses: a recent survey of Chief Executives found that those working in charities were paid an average of 18% less than their private sector counterparts. GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS The following options offer different ‘ways in’ to the charity and social enterprise sector: + + Internships – often offered as unpaid volunteer internships, although paid opportunities are also advertised. If it isn’t possible to volunteer unpaid, get in touch to ask whether there’s any way they could make the opportunity more accessible: fewer days, hours or working remotely to allow you to accommodate other paid work, for example. + + Job opportunities generally will require some previous experience, although voluntary experience is fine. Administrative and project or case-work support roles are usually accessible to most recent graduates, as a way in to the sector. Check organisations’ own websites and specialist job sites such as Charity Jobs, Third Sector Jobs, Guardian Jobs, Idealist and Social Enterprise UK. MORE INFORMATION If you want to find out more about this sector, visit: www.careers.ox.ac.uk/charity www.careers.ox.ac.uk/Work-for-youRself + + Contact organisations speculatively too – lots of roles, particularly short term roles or entry level work aren’t well advertised. + + Graduate schemes are rare in the sector, but some examples include Sanctuary Group, CharityWorks, Worthwhile, On Purpose (for recent graduates) and Cancer Research UK. + + Many people transfer into the charity sector having acquired skills and expertise in a private company first. This is particularly true of roles like accountancy or legal work where the charity or social enterprise might not have the resources to train someone up. + + Further study – many roles are accessible without a further degree but this may be important for some roles (eg, policy). Check job adverts and their criteria to research which roles commonly require a further degree. If you are considering further study as part of your strategy, it is advisable to: + + Understand which roles commonly require higher qualifications by reviewing job descriptions and advertisements. + + Ask people working in your preferred area what qualifications they have and which courses are particularly wellconsidered. + + Investigate providers and specific courses, including the background of tutors and destinations of recent graduates. “ EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS For any charity role or social enterprise role, relevant work experience is usually essential. Here are some ideas to try while you’re here at <strong>Oxford</strong>: + + Explore volunteering opportunities offered to students through <strong>Oxford</strong> Hub, which also offers grants and training for those wishing to try out a social enterprise idea. + + Join a cause-related student society: get involved in projects and committee or leadership positions. + + Establish a new society if there isn’t something serving the cause you care about. + + Participate in The Student Consultancy: charities and social enterprises are among the clients seeking student advice. + + Volunteer for local charities – find opportunities using www.do-it.org.uk or OCVA. + + Look at other sectors in this Guide for advice on gaining skills useful for specific roles. + + Join the international social enterprise society ENACTUS. + + Explore Business Mentoring at The Careers Service for help to develop your social enterprise idea (p.29). + + Look for the Skoll World Forum activities and the fringe events (Marmalade/OxJam) in April each year. Daisy Bland Charityworks Programme Manager – Vanilla You can make a difference in wildly different ways, and you are looking for one that you like. We need your passion and skills, you will have a real impact, and this is a wonderful sector to work in. Go for it! ” 81
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