What is your job and what does it entail? 
My job is Head of Services for NI Macmillan Cancer and Support and I have overall responsibility for Macmillan in funding the services across NI and being the face of Macmillan NI. My day-to-day role includes working with key stakeholders – senior people in health and social care including boards, public health interests, the five Health and Social Care Trusts, media, senior members of staff in department of health and politicians and civil servants. I also work cooperatively with other health charities within NI, working together to create the best possible service within NI.
How would having a degree in arts and humanities help with achieving a job in the charity sector?
Being educated to degree level you learn skills of analysis and research as well as providing you a platform to develop networks. Through studying and developing your personality throughout your degree you begin to see a wider view of the world which is beneficial in any job after you graduate.
Do you have any advice for students looking to enter the charity sector after graduation? What is the best and most relevant experience to gain?
It is important to keep any options as broad as possible and not to close off any opportunities that you don’t think are of interest to you. The best thing to do is to volunteer for a charity to understand what the charity is about and whether you like it and know when job opportunities are coming up, whether this is alongside paid employment or being involved in internships.
What have been the highlights of your job so far?
Building Macmillan’s profile in NI. In 2016 we have focused on securing a partnership with HSCB and the Department of Health to invest over £7million into specialist nursing posts to improve the care for patients with cancer across NI.
What makes your job a dream job?
Everyday is different and what you’re doing makes a difference to real people who are going through difficult times. (CY)