World Youth Skills Day: Launching Your Career Through Temporary Work

Just two years ago, youth unemployment reached its lowest level since records began, but this was short-lived. Latest official figures show 570,000 young people were unemployed between February and April 2024 – a 15% increase on the same period last year. In light of these challenging times, the 15th of July marks World Youth Skills Day, a global celebration dedicated to promoting employability and encouraging young people to build their skill sets before entering the workplace (Children & Young People Now).

 

At Merrifield Consultants, we specialise in working opportunities in the not-for-profit sector, supporting many charity professionals from the start of their careers. In honour of this day, we’re sharing our team’s top employability tips for students and why young people should consider a career in the charity sector. This article focuses on the benefits of starting your career with temporary work and how it can be the perfect stepping stone for those just beginning their professional journey.

 

A Unique Opportunity for Young Professionals

 

Stuart Milliner, Head of Merrifield Consultants, highlights the unique opportunities available within the charity sector:

 

“Young people should consider building their skill sets within the charity sector because it offers unparalleled opportunities to make a tangible impact, develop empathy, and acquire diverse experiences highly valued across all career paths. Working for a charity and being a part of a mission not only enriches communities but also cultivates a sense of purpose and leadership, essential for both personal and professional growth. The third sector is unique. You can define your role in the sector based on a professional goal and a personal connection to a cause.”

 

The Benefits of Temporary Work in the Not-for-Profit Sector

 

Temporary work in the charity sector offers numerous advantages:

 

• Breaking Into Desired Fields: Temporary roles can provide a pathway into sectors you are passionate about or have studied. For instance, if you have a degree in marketing and aspire to a junior marketing role, temporary positions may offer opportunities that permanent roles might not.

• Enhancing Employability: Gaining work experience through temporary roles makes you more employable overall. This hands-on experience can significantly bolster your resume and increase your marketability.

• Exploring Career Interests: Temporary work offers a “taster” into various fields, helping you determine what you enjoy or dislike, which can refine your career search and direction later in your career.

• Pathway to Permanent Positions: If you are passionate about the charity or not-for-profit sector, temporary work is an excellent entry point. Many organisations prefer candidates with relevant experience for permanent positions, so this is your chance to get ahead of your peers when you’re seeking a job.

• Skill Development: Temporary roles are often more flexible regarding the required skill set, providing a valuable opportunity to gain and develop new skills. This will allow you to transfer your skills to different roles and bring valuable insight into other organisations.

• Future Opportunities: Temporary contracts can often be extended and may lead to future opportunities. Being open-minded about temporary roles can open doors to long-term career prospects.

• Variety and Exposure: The charity sector offers a diverse range of organisations and roles, including specialist roles that do not exist in other sectors. Because of this, temporary work can provide broad exposure to different areas within charitable organisations, enhancing your professional experience.

 

Preparing for Temporary Roles

 

To maximise the benefits of temporary work, preparation is key, and our specialist Consultant has shared their top 3 tips for applying for temporary work.

 

• Ask Questions: Temporary roles move quickly, so always be proactive in asking questions to understand your responsibilities fully.

• Research the Organisation: During interviews, demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched the organisation, understood its values, and comprehended the role you will be undertaking.

• Identify Transferable Skills: If you lack direct experience, identify, and highlight your transferable skills during the interview process.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Temporary work offers a unique and valuable entry point for young professionals eager to make a difference and build a rewarding career. If you’re currently seeking opportunities to launch your career and would like to know more about our current temporary roles, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of dedicated consultants.

Stay tuned for our upcoming articles, where we will delve into other career paths within the not-for-profit sector, including Fundraising, Memberships, Finance, and Marketing.