Giuseppe
Why have you chosen to work in the not-for-profit sector?
My passion for the not-for-profit world comes from the desire to dedicate my professional life to something with a meaningful purpose. I discovered the International Development sector while I was studying for my BA in Economic Development and International Cooperation, during which I undertook two internships abroad that changed my life forever. The first was in North Macedonia, where I worked with an INGO supporting the Roma community, and the second one was in Ecuador, where I spent two months in the Amazon Rainforest researching the impact of oil exploitation on indigenous Kichwa communities. South America was love at first sight and in 2015 I spent one year in Ecuador working with an INGO, supporting indigenous children and street children in their educational journey. I have been profoundly touched by experiencing first-hand the inequality and injustice faced by the poorest minorities of the Ecuadorian Andes and Rainforest.
When I returned to the UK, I therefore carried on building my skill set and experience as it became clear to me that I wanted a career within the not-for-profit sector. I joined Prospectus’ Charity Core team in 2019 and since then I have specialised in International Development and Human Rights recruitment, working in partnership with the most compelling organisations within this space. My role allows me to recruit a plethora of professionals who will support a multitude of beneficiaries across the Global South, and I find this to be the main driver of my professional journey.
How have you progressed in your role at Prospectus?
Prospectus has given me the possibility to develop and grow professionally and personally. Initially, I trained as a Candidate Researcher focussing on the earlier stages of the recruitment cycle and I was then promoted to a Recruitment Consultant. From there, I stepped up to a Senior Recruitment Consultant. My career progression is something that I am really proud of and one of the greatest things about working at Prospectus is that consultants can build their recruitment specialism in line with their personal interests and passions. As a Senior Recruitment Consultant, I specialise in International Development, Sustainability, Human Rights, and Impact Investment, with a particular focus on the intersection between Sustainable Development and Human Security.
In addition to my role, Prospectus allows us 6 volunteering days a year and in 2020 I undertook a volunteering project with an Italian NGO working in Sierra Leone. The project consisted in launching the implementation stage of a multi-year programme of sustainable agricultural practices and systems of rice intensification, with the purpose of increasing food security and income generation in three of the poorest rural areas of the country. This experience has increased my genuine passion for the sector and my desire to develop my specialism further.
Finally, what’s one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to join the not-for-profit sector?
Follow your heart and never give up! We all have a cause that resonates with us most and the feeling of making your own little contribution to a fairer, better world is absolutely priceless. Sometimes this is not an easy journey as the not-for-profit job market is competitive and it may be challenging to take the first steps. However, your efforts, perseverance, and resilience will reward you in so many different ways. Remember that hard work pays back, always.
