Students choose ’‘not-for-profit’ careers

‘The Works – a world of alternatives’, organised by the University’s Careers Service, concentrates on careers that offer rewards beyond profit, such as individual fulfilment, contributing to a better world and personal challenge. There were displays from the highest ever number of employers in the not-for-profit sector in the fair’s nine-year history.

It covers the ‘not-for-profit’ sector, charities and social businesses, as well as what Cambridge calls ‘more-than-profit’ organisations, private companies whose activities benefit society in some way.

The Works gives students a way of exploring careers which can seem difficult to access in areas such as international development, charity management, conservation, social work, education in the UK and overseas, social regeneration and entrepreneurship.

“There has always been a strong interest among our students in what are sometimes called alternative careers,” said Gordon Chesterman, Director of the University’s careers service. “Many are more concerned with ideas and projects that will make the world a better place and less interested in corporate life and simply making money.”

This year 105 organisations, the largest number to date, came to the fair at the University’s Exam Halls. They ranged from high-tech technology transfer companies to charities working with the homeless.

19 were new to the event and included Demos, Chatham House and The Foreign Policy Centre, The Cabinet Office and Government Social Research, Peaceworkers International, Addenbrooke’s Clinical Science Services, the European Council for Refugees and Exiles, and companies working in sustainable urban development – Pinnacle psg and Intelligent Space. A common theme among many organisations, both old hands and new, was corporate social responsibility.

Standholders liked the variety of disciplines represented, and commented on how the Cambridge students “are very proactive – they came to find us. One arranged on the spot to come to visit our office”.

One employer was worried their stand was a bit home-made: “But a student said to me 'I didn’t come her to look at corporate stands’”.

Another standholder said: "I’d never have thought of employing an MBA student, but look at the skills this one can offer me."

A programme of talks expanded some of the themes of the event, with lectures on working in ethical businesses (the Co-operative Group), corporate social responsibility (the Smart Company), disaster relief work (RedR), the United Nations, and the environment. These can be heard on the Careers Service at the link above right.

The event was open to all Cambridge undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates and alumni. It was also supported by Cambridge University Students Union (CUSU), and this year sponsored by the Co-operative Group and Motability Operations (transport for people with disabilities).

‘The Works’ coincided with Cambridge University One World Week, an annual week of events which aims to provoke thoughts, ideas and discussion about other cultures and countries around the globe.

In its ninth year, The Works is the largest of a dozen events run by the Careers Service each year and will be back next February.

For more information about careers in the not-for-profit sector contact the University’s Careers Service on 01223 38288 or visit online.