In her influential Ted Talk<\/a><\/strong>, Laura Fortgang argues that – It\u2019s not what you do in your career; it\u2019s who you become<\/em> while you are doing it<\/em>. In other words, the impact you make in your career is more important than any other factor. So, try to choose a career that allows you to become the change you want to see in the world. Not sure what difference you want to make? If you\u2019re unsure, ask yourself:<\/p>\n If I could solve one problem in the world, what would it be? Once you can define the impact you\u2019re hoping to make, it will be easier to focus your job search. What\u2019s more, if you can define your reasons for wanting to act, you\u2019re more likely to stick with your goal because you\u2019ll understand why it\u2019s so important to you.<\/p>\n The impact we choose to make on the world is mostly influenced by our past experiences. The communities we grow up in, the relationships we have, and the challenges we face will all shape our ambitions.<\/p>\n For example, people who have hit rock bottom due to drug addiction will often try to help other addicts once they\u2019ve recovered. Similarly, people who have suffered some form of injustice are often inspired to promote social justice later in their lives. Sometimes, these people become activists for social problems that are entirely unrelated to the injustices they suffered themselves.<\/p>\n For the most part, ethical careers can allow you to create a positive impact in the following areas:<\/p>\n Most social-impact careers would fall under one of these categories, but there are bound to be others, too. Are any of these causes close to your heart? Perhaps you\u2019re drawn to one or two on this list.<\/p>\n As mentioned, try to be specific when you\u2019re looking for a new career. Even if you\u2019re not sure exactly what job you want to do, try to decide what social or environmental concern you\u2019re inspired to work for. Once you\u2019ve decided this, you can start building a strong and relevant resume. For example, if you know you want to help the environment, start volunteering for an environmental charity today so that you can have a resume to be proud of tomorrow.<\/p>\n Perhaps you like the idea of a social-impact career, but you\u2019re not sure whether you\u2019re the right \u201ctype\u201d of person to do this work? \u00a0Contrary to what you might think, it\u2019s not just free-spirited hippies or wealthy do-gooders who are suited to ethical jobs. Let\u2019s clear up some of the myths regarding social-impact careers.<\/p>\n So, if these myths have been putting you off pursuing a meaningful career, don\u2019t let them hold you back any longer. Below, we\u2019ll discuss 25 worthwhile jobs that can help you make a difference. Remember, keep your goals, aspirations, and values in mind when reviewing this list and see if anything catches your eye.<\/p>\n First and foremost, we are social creatures. When we think about making a positive impact on the world, many of us are drawn towards helping other people. If you can relate to this, you\u2019d probably enjoy working in a social care, rehab, or healthcare setting.<\/p>\n In most cases, you\u2019ll help other people to overcome barriers. These barriers could be physical, psychological \u2013 or a combination of the two. People who thrive in these careers are patient and compassionate but also resilient and assertive. Do this sound like you? Consider the following options:<\/p>\n Do you believe that everyone deserves a second chance? Are you patient and willing to mentor others? As a correctional treatment specialist, you\u2019d help to rehabilitate soon-to-be-released prisoners.<\/p>\n In essence, you\u2019d bridge the gap between prison services and social services. In this role, you could help inmates turn their lives around by helping them to secure employment, housing, or education when they are released.<\/p>\n The rewards from this job are potentially huge, but it\u2019s a demanding and responsible job. As well as being compassionate, you\u2019d need to be very observant. Part of your role will be to observe inmates – interview them \u2013 and determine whether they should be released on parole or probation. As such, you\u2019ll need to concentrate and make nuanced decisions based on all the information available to you. \u00a0You could expect to earn around $51,410 per year as a correctional treatment specialist.<\/p>\n How easy is it to enter this career? You\u2019ll typically need a bachelor\u2019s degree in social work, psychology, criminology or a related subject. If you think this career is only suited to men, think again. According to an interview on Mater Mea<\/a><\/strong>, this career can be very rewarding for women, too. \u00a0The lady in this article talks candidly about her reasons for becoming a correctional officer, and it\u2019s evident that she\u2019s chosen a career that fulfills her desire to help others.<\/p>\n Do you enjoy being around young people? Do you enjoy inspiring and mentoring others? If so, consider a career in youth development. As a youth development coordinator, you might work in a school, shelter, or outreach setting. You would design activities to help young people develop important life skills. For example, you might organize sports clubs, social events or parenting classes.<\/p>\n Indeed, you\u2019ll often work with the whole family to ensure the young person is getting all the support they need. According to a recent report, some of the issues facing young people in the US today include obesity, excessive materialism, bullying (particularly via social media), single-parent households, and drug abuse in the household. If you chose to work or volunteer overseas, there might be different issues to contend with.<\/p>\n So, how can you become a youth development coordinator? Some people have a bachelors degree when entering this career, but it is not always a requirement. Often, an associate\u2019s degree or some relevant work\/voluntary experience is acceptable.\u00a0 Quite often, this work can be done on a job share\/part-time basis, so it may be particularly suitable for moms.<\/p>\n Can you calmly take charge of a situation while putting others at ease? If so, you could make a great phlebotomist<\/a>.<\/strong> Around 10% of the population have Trypanophobia (an intense fear of needles). In some cases, this fear stops people from seeking out medical care. Diligent and caring phlebotomists can help put nervous patients at ease, so they\u2019re less likely to avoid doctors in the future.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, phlebotomists take a very active role in saving thousands of people\u2019s lives. This is because they help people to donate blood. According to Giving Blood<\/a><\/strong>, less than 10% of the US population give blood, even though almost 40% are eligible to do so.<\/p>\n This means that during summer and winter holidays, there are shortages of certain blood groups in the blood banks. As a phlebotomist, you could encourage donors to keep returning by making sure the blood drawing process<\/strong><\/a> is as pleasant as it can be. Also, some phlebotomists are involved in raising awareness around blood donation.<\/p>\n According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were approximately 554,000 homeless people across America in 2017. Although the national poverty rate has decreased over the last decade, homelessness has risen. This is partly because housing in some areas is becoming unaffordable. In some parts of the country, full-time low-income workers are unable to afford suitable\u00a0housing.<\/p>\n Many homeless people are ashamed to ask for help despite the fact they are in desperate need of assistance. If you\u2019re someone who can be openly non-judgmental and build rapport with people from all walks of life, this could be a great career for you. As a homeless services worker, you might distribute supplies, put people in contact with agencies, or help to run a night shelter. You won\u2019t earn a lot doing this job, but the rewards are potentially massive.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, if you\u2019re looking for a career in social care without a degree \u2013 it shouldn\u2019t be too difficult to find a job in homeless services if you have the right \u201csoft skills\u201d for this role.<\/p>\n Are you passionate about physical health? Physical therapists help people to get back on their feet after an injury. They also work with people who have long-term, chronic illnesses. \u00a0If you work in this career, you can help give the gifts of freedom, independence, and dignity to your patients.<\/p>\n To become a physical therapist, you\u2019ll need to study for a doctorate or professional masters. However, you don\u2019t need a degree to become a physical therapist assistant or aide. As an aide, you could expect to earn between $22,000 and $31,000 per year.<\/p>\n According to APA<\/a><\/strong>, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety, depression, phobias, and eating disorders. So, if you want to help others overcome mental illness, why not train to become a CBT therapist?<\/p>\n Cognitive behavioral therapy is a short, goal-focused treatment that aims to get to the heart of the patient\u2019s problem quickly. So, if you\u2019re a compassionate and pragmatic person, you\u2019ll probably get a lot of satisfaction out of a career like this. As a therapist, you could help people make positive changes in their lives in just a couple of weeks.<\/p>\n When choosing a social-impact career, some people are motivated by a desire to protect others. Careers in the police, the military, or children\u2019s services probably come to mind when you think about jobs that protect people. However, if these jobs don\u2019t appeal to you, here are some alternative options:<\/p>\n Are you tech savvy? If you have a bachelors degree in computer science or a related subject, you could train to be a computer security specialist. In this role, you\u2019d implement strategies to help protect people\u2019s data.<\/p>\n In the case of a security threat, you\u2019d need to be able to keep your cool and make decisions effectively. Unfortunately, malware attacks have increased in recent years as hackers have developed more sophisticated infiltration techniques. IT specialists are extremely employable and will continue to be sought after over the coming decades. Cybersecurity specialists earn in the region of $95,000 – $150,000 per year.<\/p>\n As an inspector, you\u2019d visit local businesses, offices, and schools to check that the environment is free of fire hazards. Ultimately, you\u2019ll make sure members of the public aren\u2019t needlessly injured in a fire.<\/p>\n As a fire inspector, you\u2019ll be working within strict frameworks and guidelines, so you\u2019ll need to be a detail-oriented person. You do not need a degree to become a fire inspector, though you will require several years of work experience in fire safety or compliance. The earning potential is good at around $60,000 per year.<\/p>\n Are you a calm and compassionate person who has advanced-level communication skills? If so, you could enjoy working as a dispatcher for the emergency services.<\/p>\n As a dispatcher, you\u2019ll make sure members of the public receive the appropriate help as quickly as possible. Your ability to relay information effectively could affect the outcome of the emergency, so you\u2019ll need to be able to communicate clearly under pressure. In many cases, you\u2019ll stay on the line with your caller until the emergency services arrive, so you\u2019ll provide emotional support during a crisis.<\/p>\n If you decide to pursue this career, you\u2019ll receive lots of on-the-job training. Most people enter this career with a high school diploma or some college education. Once you\u2019re experienced in your role, you can expect to earn around $40,000 per year.<\/p>\n Do you find yourself drawn towards helping animals? Some people who want to make the world a better place choose to help animals because animals don\u2019t have a voice. Some research suggests that there may be a genetic basis<\/a><\/strong> for wanting to help animals. This may explain why some people are very motivated to protect animals whereas others have very little interest in doing so.<\/p>\n So, if you\u2019re an animal lover, here are just a few career options:<\/p>\n Are you organized, energetic, and do you love being around animals? Being a vet\u2019s assistant is a fast-paced, exciting job that is perfect for animal lovers. On a standard day, you\u2019d be cleaning cages, caring for animals, sterilizing equipment, and administering medication. You\u2019d also be dealing with animals\u2019 owners, so you\u2019ll need to have good customer service skills.<\/p>\n According to Careeeronestop<\/a><\/strong>, around a quarter of veterinary assistants enter this career without a bachelor\u2019s degree. Many of the skills are learned on the job, so you don\u2019t necessarily need a degree or a lengthy work history to do this job.<\/p>\n In the last four years alone, the vegan population has grown by 600% in America. Also, lots of people are opting to become vegetarian or flexitarian (eating meat only occasionally). As a result, there is a growing demand for great tasting vegan\/vegetarian food.<\/p>\n If you want to become a chef and you\u2019re passionate about caring for animals \u2013 this could be the perfect career for you. By creating tasty vegan\/vegetarian dishes, you might even persuade meat eaters to cut down on their consumption of meat.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re already working in finance, administration, customer service, or marketing – but you\u2019re looking to find a more meaningful career \u2013 why not apply to work for an animal charity instead? Animal charities need admin people and accountants, too. Having said that, the charity will want to see evidence that you\u2019re committed to animal protection. So, be sure to highlight any relevant voluntary experience on your resume.<\/p>\n When we think about jobs that make a difference in people\u2019s lives, we tend to think of healthcare workers or human right activists. However, putting a smile on someone\u2019s face can help to make a difference in their life.<\/p>\n If you want to spread joy to others, consider the following career options:<\/p>\n 3<\/strong>hers to spread this message of joy, appreciation, or regret. Needless to say, you\u2019ll need to be creative, and have a good eye for color to work as a florist. On average, florists earn between $20,000 and $30,000 per year.<\/p>\n If you enjoy videography and editing, why not train to become a wedding videographer? Wedding films are cherished by couples because they help to keep precious memories alive. Through clever editing, videographers can create powerful and emotive videos that spread joy every time they are watched.<\/p>\n If you enter this field, you need to be prepared to work weekends and travel quite a bit. Having said that, you\u2019ll shoot videos in beautiful locations, and you\u2019ll be surrounded by lots of joyful people, so it\u2019s not all that bad.<\/p>\n As a cosmetologist, you\u2019ll help people to look and feel their best. Not only that, you\u2019ll help them to relax and unwind. Although you won\u2019t be \u201chelping\u201d them in the same way a doctor might, you\u2019ll have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n According to the Pew Research Center, 55% of Americans believe the government could be doing more to address environmental issues. If you believe this to be the case, perhaps you\u2019d thrive in one of these eco-conscious careers.<\/p>\n According to Worldwatch<\/a><\/strong>, Americans account for 4.5% of the world\u2019s population but consume about 25% of the world\u2019s fossil fuel resources. As such, renewable energy can only be a good thing.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a hands-on person looking for an active job, you might enjoy working as a solar photovoltaic technician. In this role, you\u2019d assemble, install, and maintain solar photovoltaic systems \u2013 mostly on roofs. You might also carry out compliance checks.<\/p>\n As you might expect, this industry is growing at an extremely fast rate, so it can offer workers a very bright future. You don\u2019t need a degree to enter this field, and you can expect to earn around $40,000 per year.<\/p>\n If you have an eye for good design and you\u2019d like to help protect the planet, why not become an eco-friendly interior designer? When designing a \u2018green\u2019 interior, you\u2019d consider:<\/p>\n Most designers have a bachelor\u2019s degree in a relevant subject. Interior design can be a very competitive sector to enter, but if you\u2019re passionate about your job, you can build up your reputation slowly. Eco-friendly interiors are becoming trendier by the second. So, if you specialize in this area, you\u2019re more likely to be in-demand.<\/p>\n Do you want to encourage other people to enjoy the great outdoors? If so, why not become a park naturalist? In this role, you\u2019d work for a national, state, or local park. You\u2019d help to inform visitors about the natural and historical features of the park. This can help increase tourism but also encourage people to take more care of the environment.<\/p>\n To be a park naturalist, you\u2019ll need to have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant subject. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you could expect to earn around $61,480 per year.<\/p>\n As an environmental technician, you\u2019d work under the direction of engineers or scientists to test and remedy environmental problems. You might be involved in waste treatment, for example.\u00a0 As you might expect, there will be lots of new vacancies in this sector over the coming decades. Most people entering this career have at least an associate\u2019s degree, and you could expect to earn around $50,000 per year.<\/p>\n Are you bothered by social inequality? Perhaps discrimination is one of the most hateful things you can imagine? If so, many careers can help you make a positive social impact.<\/p>\n In this role, you could teach children about equality and respect for others. Not only that, if you chose to work in a less affluent school with few resources, you could help to inspire underprivileged children to reach their full potential. In your role, you could encourage young people to recognize and nurture their skills and talents, so they feel more motivated about their future.<\/p>\n As a teacher, you\u2019d also have the power to campaign about racial, social, and economic justice in public education<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you were to specialize in human rights law, you could help your clients achieve equality and justice. You\u2019ll need to be persuasive, detail-oriented, and assertive to thrive in this role. It takes many years of study to become a lawyer, but less to become a paralegal or work in a law firm.<\/p>\n When art is clever, it can be more powerful than words. Many artists consider themselves to be social activists. Just take a look at these powerful artworks on Mashable<\/strong>.<\/a> Granted, not everyone makes it big in the art world, but if it is something you are passionate about, start creating artworks in your spare time and see where it takes you.<\/p>\n Watchdog journalists investigate and report on important issues that affect the public. In a way, watchdog journalists are \u201cmoral guardians\u201d for the reader, because they unearth cases of fraud, collusion, discrimination, injustice and so on.<\/p>\n To deliver these groundbreaking and shocking news reports, a reasonably big budget is usually required. So, if you want to get experience in this area, you should try to work for a large newspaper or news station.<\/p>\n According to Learn How to Become<\/a><\/strong>, urban planners can play an important role in reducing poverty. As an urban planner, you\u2019d balance the needs of everyone in a particular community, so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.<\/p>\n You\u2019d decide how much space is allotted to commercial buildings, how much to local residents, and how much to green spaces. You\u2019d use your professional skills to design places that are safe, comfortable, and which promote a healthy lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.<\/p>\n This occupation is growing at a rate much faster than average, so there will be plenty of new job openings over the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, urban planners earn between $70,000 and $140,000 per year.<\/p>\n As a victim advocate, you\u2019d help victims navigate their way through the justice system. This might involve:<\/p>\n Victim advocates also tend to work with other agencies such as social services, the police, the courts, and charities, to make sure the victim receives relevant updates and feels supported. Most people entering this career will have an associate\u2019s degree in psychology, criminology, social work or a similar subject.<\/p>\n Burnout is not inevitable, but social-impact careers can be more stressful than regular careers. If you work in social care or healthcare, you\u2019ll see trauma and suffering on a regular basis. Undoubtedly, this will have an impact on your emotions and could make it harder to relax outside of work. Nevertheless, there are ways you can manage stress effectively. For example:<\/p>\n Has this article inspired you to do something positive? What if you\u2019re not quite ready to change your career yet? If you want to start making a small difference today, there are many ways you can create a positive impact in your community. For example:<\/p>\n Hopefully, this article has helped you decide what type of career would be rewarding for you. Remember, try to be specific and understand the impact you want to make on the world. Let this guide your career choices, and you\u2019re much more likely to feel fulfilled.<\/p>\n Once you know what direction to head in, it\u2019s time to improve your resume. As always, you\u2019ll need to show employers you\u2019re suitable for the role you\u2019re applying for. So, if you\u2019ve been working in retail for many years and now you\u2019d like to become a homeless services worker, you\u2019ll need to show future employers that you have the right skills and attitude for the job. Follow these tips:<\/p>\n When we apply for jobs we\u2019re passionate about, our sincerity shines through during the interview. So, for now, focus your attention on finding the most meaningful job for you. \u00a0According to most psychologists, you\u2019re headed towards self-actualization if you can find a job that satisfies your skills, talents, beliefs, values, and ambitions.<\/p>\n [\/su_list]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What comes to mind when you think of a meaningful career? Perhaps you picture a world-class surgeon or a devoted nurse. 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\nWhy is this so important to me?<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat Impact Will You Make?<\/h3>\n
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Some Myths About Social-Impact Careers<\/h3>\n
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![\"jobs](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/jobs-that-help-people.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCareers that Involve Helping People<\/h2>\n
1) Correctional Treatment Specialist<\/h3>\n
2) Youth Development Coordinator<\/h3>\n
3) Phlebotomist<\/h3>\n
4) Homeless Services Worker<\/h3>\n
5) Physical Therapist<\/h3>\n
6) Cognitive Behavioral Therapist<\/h3>\n
Jobs that Protect People<\/h2>\n
7) Computer Security Specialist<\/h3>\n
8) Fire Inspector<\/h3>\n
9) Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatcher<\/h3>\n
Jobs that Help Animals<\/h2>\n
![\"jobs](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/jobs-working-with-animals.jpg\")
<\/p>\n10) Veterinary Assistant<\/h3>\n
11) Vegan or Vegetarian Chef<\/h3>\n
12) Work for an Animal Charity<\/h3>\n
Jobs that Bring Joy to Others<\/h2>\n
14) Wedding Videographer<\/h3>\n
15) Cosmetologist<\/h3>\n
Jobs that Help the Environment<\/h2>\n
16) Solar Photovoltaic Technician<\/h3>\n
17) Green Interior Designer<\/h3>\n
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18) Park Naturalist<\/h3>\n
19) Environmental Technician<\/h3>\n
Jobs that Promote Social Justice<\/h2>\n
20) Teacher<\/h3>\n
21) Lawyer<\/h3>\n
22) Artist<\/h3>\n
23) Watchdog Journalist<\/h3>\n
24) Urban Planner<\/h3>\n
25) Victim Advocate<\/h3>\n
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![\"working](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/victim-advocacy-job.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow to Manage Stress in a Social-Impact Career<\/h4>\n
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Other Ways to Create an Impact<\/h4>\n
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Taking the Next Step Towards a Meaningful Career<\/h4>\n
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