The Next Generation of Leaders are Entering the Not-for-Profit Sector and it’s through Graduates

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On Wednesday 07th November, For Purpose held its final roundtable session for 2018. We welcomed Caitriona Fottrell, Vice President and Director, Ireland of The Ireland Funds into our offices to speak to graduate trainees on the For Purpose programme.

Caitriona spoke about her incredible experience of working in the sector and how she first got involved in The Ireland Funds. She encouraged For Purpose graduate trainees to “find a cause and an organisation that they believe in” in their careers.

The discussion also covered that due to limited resources being available in the sector those who work in it must work harder in order to achieve things. Caitriona stated that to work in the sector a person must have a drive to make a positive impact and be able to work in a sometimes challenging environment.
Caitriona praised the For Purpose programme on how it is addressing a clear gap in terms of bringing graduates into the sector. It was noted that the sector needs innovation and new thinking and that this must come from graduates.

Finally, Caitriona said that she felt “incredibly fortunate to be working in a sector that does have purpose” and praised the current graduate trainees on deciding to choose a career with purpose. She spoke of her time in NUIG and how she is the only one of her class to end up working in the sector and how this must change in order to safeguard the future of the sector.

Last Wednesday’s roundtable finished off a year where For Purpose graduate trainees attended sessions with Eamon Timmins, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement of the Charities Regulator, Darren Ryan, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Kieran Joyce, Sales & Partnerships Manager of Everyday Hero and Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí, CEO of The Carmichael Centre. For Purpose would like to thank all of this year’s roundtable hosts for providing an informative series of discussions throughout the year.

For Purpose will be announcing our upcoming 2019 roundtables hosts over the coming weeks so watch this space for updates on what’s in store for next year!

Ireland’s Not-For-Profit Graduate Programme Launched

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For Purpose will connect organisations with graduates seeking careers in the not-for-profit sector

We are delighted to announce that this week marks the launch of the For Purpose – Ireland’s not-for-profit graduate programme. We have designed the programme in order to identify, mentor and develop the future leaders of the sector. The 12-month programme will connect participating not-for-profit organisations with graduates who want to make a positive impact on society.

We have set out to create a cohesive and unified graduate programme that will greatly benefit entry-level trainees with the best career opportunities possible. The not-for-profit sector is full of opportunities for graduates who are seeking an impactful career with purpose. The long-term sustainability of the not-for-profit sector relies on supporting and developing the future leaders of the sector and we believe that the For Purpose programme will contribute significantly to the sector.

For Purpose will offer graduate traineeships across a diverse range of career paths, including fundraising, communications, social care and roles in housing and international development.

Based around the aim of building a consistent pipeline of talent for the not-for-profit sector, the For Purpose graduate programme will provide participants with an immersive training experience along with one-on-one monthly mentoring sessions and roundtable events, ensuring a grounding in the key skills required to succeed in the sector.

In 2019, the For Purpose programme will take on its first graduate intake. Following a competitive interview process, successful candidates will be matched with participating organisations to undertake their traineeships on the programme.

For Purpose is the evolution and enhancement of the 2into3 Not-For-Profit Graduate Programme. Since 2012, 2into3 has placed 42 graduates into roles with not-for-profit organisations, including Age Action, Focus Ireland, Educate Together and Diabetes Ireland.

Today, over 60% of those graduates are still working within the sector and have risen to management and leadership roles in their respective organisations.

For more information on For Purpose, please contact For Purpose Manager, Adrian McCarthy at adrian.mccarthy@forpurpose.ie or on 01-234-3135.