In the Third Sector, MBAs are in demand.
While many full-time b-school students will be keen to kick-start careers after taking months out of industry, and look to regain from employment the thousands spent on a business school education, charity work could be a quicker route to the top.
In the current climate, with many European economies dragging themselves from the debts of recession or recently experiencing positive growth, more people are in need of help from charities. Spending cuts in some European countries have coincided with increasing debt among citizens, making charities in bigger demand than ever.
Although providing a valuable and often selfless service, the Third Sector is under pressure to do more with less income, says the Chief Executive of the Cranfield Trust, Amanda Tincknell.
The organization is England’s largest provider of tailored management consultancy support to the voluntary sector. Working with over 250 charities, the Cranfield Trust (CT) has over 700 volunteer consultants and takes talent from some of the best b-schools in the world.
Cranfield School of Management offers full MBA scholarships for CT members each year, while the organization is partnered with leading global universities such as Harvard. The organization is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary and has been providing MBA scholarships for almost ten years.
Amanda says that the Third Sector is under increasing pressure and needs business leaders. “I think the climate in the sector is so challenging because the recession affects fundraising,” she said. “Small charities have most of their contracts with local government, and at same time the whole economic climate means more people need more help from charities. There is tremendous pressure on charities to do more with a lot less.”
Prospective MBAs and b-school graduates have a prime opportunity to get into the sector. Working with organizations like the CT can provide valuable experience. Amanda says that there is a need for more support. “I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made and it is fantastic to have seven-hundred people provide skills,” she said.
“But there is an awful lot of demand out there for more support. Looking ahead for next five years, we need more help from people. This is a fantastic opportunity for people who want board-level opportunities, and a great opportunity to develop skills as manager.”
Many who take the opportunity to develop themselves and help a valuable cause stay in charities on a full-time basis. “We find that although people who do volunteer report back positively, eighty per cent stay in touch with charities, and a significant number get more involved and take over roles on the boards of charities,” she added.
The CT is hoping to take on more MBAs and the program has benefited a number of senior figures over the years. Amanda wants to raise the profile of the organization and see more people come forward, and take advantage of the Trust’s MBA scholarships.
Cranfield School of Management has for more than 40 years been helping individuals and businesses from around the world learn and succeed by transforming knowledge into action. They are one of the top b-schools in the UK’s MBA Rankings and have a strong connection to the voluntary sector.
Those seeking to study an MBA there can take advantage of the the Cranfield Trust MBA Scholarships, providing full tuition for candidates working for a European charitable voluntary organisation addressing issues of poverty, disability and social exclusion.
Past winners have gone on to prominent Third Sector success, including Charmaine Griffiths, whom is now Director of Strategic Planning, Performance & Assurance at the British Heart Foundation.
There are many ways to advance consultancy and management careers. But if you have a passion for the Third Sector, charitable work could a valuable route to your dream MBA Job.
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