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Reade more
March 10, 2023
The desire to pursue a purpose-driven career leads many professionals to consider switching to the social impact sector at some point. For many mid-level professionals who have been working in other roles and companies, moving to an impact-oriented role might sound like a long way to go, but you’re closer than you think! We’ve gathered some advice that will help guide you through the process:
There’s a reason you decided to transition from another sector to the social impact space. That reason likely has something to do with making a difference to the people and places that need it the most. But, what is the cause that resonates the most with you? What role would allow you to use your experience and passion to create a positive impact? It’s important to narrow it down to determine what type of position and organization would be a good fit for you.
When we think about organizations, we mean both nonprofit and for-profit. The social impact space is not limited to charities and NGOs, but is also made up of other social enterprises, Sustainability roles, Corporate Social Responsibility roles, and ESG roles. Do your research, read about the organizations’ and companies’ missions and see how they’ve been mobilizing their resources to make an impact. Which one (or which ones) is (are) aligned with you?
After finding organizations you consider to be connected to your mission, look for opportunities within them and evaluate the required skills. Take some time to reflect on your own skills: what are the hard skills you’ve acquired throughout your formal education and career? What are the soft skills you’ve developed? Do they match the requirements? What are the skills you need to acquire or improve?
If you’re struggling to understand the overall social impact space, there are courses you can take that will help you expand your knowledge and develop new skills. Check out our courses page here.
If you’re considering a whole change towards the social impact sector, there are also great graduate courses that will allow you to become a specialist in the field and meet early, mid and advanced career professionals.
Gather some experience by getting involved in social impact organizations and initiatives. Engage in hands-on volunteering and/or join an organization as a board member and utilize your background to assist the organization in fulfilling its purpose while leveraging the skills you’ve learned throughout your professional career.
How would you apply your skills and experience in the social impact space? Are these skills transferable? How have your previous experiences prepared you for the role you are aiming for?
Be prepared to answer questions about why you want to work in social impact. Research and understand the organization’s mission and be ready to explain how your interest, experience and passion align with that mission.
You’re moving into a very different or almost completely different environment. Don’t assume that operating in the same way you did in your previous work will give you the same positive results. When working in social impact, the values and the mission are at the core of every organization. Impact-oriented professionals engage in a different way then corporate professionals do.
As a mid-career professional, you already have connections in the field you used to work. But if you’re looking for a change in your career path, it’s extremely important that you start making connections in the area you’re transitioning to.
Attend conferences, join professional groups on LinkedIn, follow and connect with professionals who have been in the area for a while, join volunteer organizations that are aligned with your purpose and engage with other volunteers and professionals who’ve been serving. You can learn more networking tips here.
Switching career paths in the middle of your career can be very challenging, but these are great strategies to apply if you’re looking to increase your chances of landing that dream job in social impact.. Engage your passion and your experiences toward your areas of interest, learn about the application process, and improve the skills that will make you stand out.
New email every Thursday packed with social impact jobs and news.
The desire to pursue a purpose-driven career leads many professionals to consider switching to the social impact sector at some point. For many mid-level professionals who have been working in other roles and companies, moving to an impact-oriented role might sound like a long way to go, but you’re closer than you think! We’ve gathered some advice that will help guide you through the process:
There’s a reason you decided to transition from another sector to the social impact space. That reason likely has something to do with making a difference to the people and places that need it the most. But, what is the cause that resonates the most with you? What role would allow you to use your experience and passion to create a positive impact? It’s important to narrow it down to determine what type of position and organization would be a good fit for you.
When we think about organizations, we mean both nonprofit and for-profit. The social impact space is not limited to charities and NGOs, but is also made up of other social enterprises, Sustainability roles, Corporate Social Responsibility roles, and ESG roles. Do your research, read about the organizations’ and companies’ missions and see how they’ve been mobilizing their resources to make an impact. Which one (or which ones) is (are) aligned with you?
After finding organizations you consider to be connected to your mission, look for opportunities within them and evaluate the required skills. Take some time to reflect on your own skills: what are the hard skills you’ve acquired throughout your formal education and career? What are the soft skills you’ve developed? Do they match the requirements? What are the skills you need to acquire or improve?
If you’re struggling to understand the overall social impact space, there are courses you can take that will help you expand your knowledge and develop new skills. Check out our courses page here.
If you’re considering a whole change towards the social impact sector, there are also great graduate courses that will allow you to become a specialist in the field and meet early, mid and advanced career professionals.
Gather some experience by getting involved in social impact organizations and initiatives. Engage in hands-on volunteering and/or join an organization as a board member and utilize your background to assist the organization in fulfilling its purpose while leveraging the skills you’ve learned throughout your professional career.
How would you apply your skills and experience in the social impact space? Are these skills transferable? How have your previous experiences prepared you for the role you are aiming for?
Be prepared to answer questions about why you want to work in social impact. Research and understand the organization’s mission and be ready to explain how your interest, experience and passion align with that mission.
You’re moving into a very different or almost completely different environment. Don’t assume that operating in the same way you did in your previous work will give you the same positive results. When working in social impact, the values and the mission are at the core of every organization. Impact-oriented professionals engage in a different way then corporate professionals do.
As a mid-career professional, you already have connections in the field you used to work. But if you’re looking for a change in your career path, it’s extremely important that you start making connections in the area you’re transitioning to.
Attend conferences, join professional groups on LinkedIn, follow and connect with professionals who have been in the area for a while, join volunteer organizations that are aligned with your purpose and engage with other volunteers and professionals who’ve been serving. You can learn more networking tips here.
Switching career paths in the middle of your career can be very challenging, but these are great strategies to apply if you’re looking to increase your chances of landing that dream job in social impact.. Engage your passion and your experiences toward your areas of interest, learn about the application process, and improve the skills that will make you stand out.
