I Got Hired: Fundraising Coordinator for Action Tutoring

Posted on: 15 September 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Molly Cottrill is a Class of 2022 English Language graduate who is now working as a Fundraising Coordinator for Action Tutoring.

I think I have always known that I wanted to work in the charity sector, as I like helping others and making a difference in society. In university, I volunteered as a retail volunteer for The Whitechapel Centre’s charity shop, Open Door. This and previous volunteering experience in high school helped me get a part time job, fundraising for the RNLI, whilst finishing my final year at university.

I continued this job after graduating, and although I enjoyed it, I knew I wanted a more permanent job in the charity sector.

I found my current role, Fundraising Coordinator at Action Tutoring, through a recommendation from a university friend who had previously volunteered for them as a tutor as part of a work experience module.

I have too many great experiences, it is hard to pick just one! My job as a Fundraising Coordinator is so varied and I am lucky to enjoy many aspects of the role. Running the London ASICS 10K in July for Action Tutoring alongside other volunteer runners was definitely a highlight.

Part of my role is to onboard our fundraisers onto races and events and help them reach their fundraising targets. I wanted to help steward our fundraisers along their journey and support them the best way I could, so I stepped into their shoes… literally!

The most challenging part of my graduate journey was facing rejection in the job market. It’s hard to keep going with job applications and interviews, and often not hearing back from employers. However, I wouldn’t wish it any other way now as I am so happy in my role at Action Tutoring- I'm glad they didn’t reject me!

My top three tips for current students and recent graduates would be:

1. Try not to just focus on your course or degree. Employers value skills made through sports clubs, extracurricular activities and real-world experience. So, join a club or find a volunteering opportunity that suits you (Action Tutoring is always looking for volunteer tutors!) and expand your skills beyond academia.

2. Don’t be hard on yourself. Getting into a job after being at university during the pandemic can be daunting. If you haven’t been able to get as much experience as you wanted at university due to lockdowns, don’t worry! You have so much time to build up skills in the workplace or through volunteering etc.

3. Follow your own path. There is no set way to go after graduation. You can take time off, travel, work part time, or work full time, there are endless routes and don’t feel like you have to take the most popular path.