UoS Careers and Employability Service logo

Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
← back to search results
Sophie - 
Fundraising Product Manager

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

I project manage a series of events across the UK, which involves the following responsibilites; -
- coordinating all key stakeholders
- writing and reviewing project plans
- working closely with communications lead on project comms plan
- overseeing project strategy and product direction

Typical day

My job varies hugely depending on what time of year it is. As project manager of a series of summertime events, I oversee the events from planning & initiation through to analysis and evalution. At given times I can be involved in:
- researching pretigious venues across the country
- writing communications to supporters
- analysing and evaluating key event statistics
- organising working group meetings throughout the live event stage
- briefing photographers
- attending events
- working with colleagues in corporate fundraising to secure corporate support

What do I enjoy about my job?

- Knowing that what I do is helping people
- The people I work with are always fantasic - like-minded, generous, and fun
- It plays to my strengths: organisation, project management and communication

Challenging aspects

Multiple deadlines, heavy workload and high targets

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I like to know that the work I do is helping people, and as such I am very pleased with the decision I made to work in the charitable sector.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Communication skills (verbal and written)
Time management
People management
Project management
IT skills
Presentation skills
Interpersonal skills

Training I receive as part of my job

Management training
IT training
First Aid


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

First Aid Certificate

Where do I see myself in the future?

I see myself doing a similar role to what I do at the moment, possibly slightly more senior or heading up a team.

I'd possibly be interested in doing a Prince2 qualification.


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

The charity sector is a really enjoyable and rewarding area to work in - interesting work, fantastic people, and you know it's all for the 'greater good'.

Some areas of charity work are more competitive than others - if you're looking at going into fundriaising and some other popular areas, you may need to do some voluntary work in order to get your foot in the door, and some experience under your belt. Many large charities have internship schemes, and a few of the biggest do pay their interns. This is a fantastic way of getting into the sector - it's how I secured my first paid role.


You may also be interested in...

Last updated: 08 Apr 2013