You're looking to make a career change into social impact. What's the first step?

The why of a social impact work is very critical. Some name it an inner calling, for some it is solving something they are passionate about, for some it is a step for higher education, some feel it is an easier than corporate jobs and for some it is the last resort. People who make big in the social sector are who fully understand why they want to be in the social sector. Without that clarity and confusing it with just another job one will neither make an impact nor a career!

I was born and raised in the Bronx where I witnessed firsthand various inequities. This was and still is my why and fueled my passion for social impact but more importantly, my interest in aligning my passion with strategy through public-private partnerships to drive change. Throughout my career I’ve worked in education, the nonprofit sector, and financial services, working to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. In my experience, I've learned to manage my own expectations. Change takes time, my approaches may not always yield immediate results, and setbacks are possible. But, engaging in social impact work has kept me hopeful, optimistic, and dedicated to advancing equity-centered initiatives.

1) Start with your voice within: What area of impact are you most passionate about? Why? 2) Be self-aware: What areas of impact have you have been exposed to and what are the gaps? What skills do you bring and what else do you need to learn? 3) Give yourself space to explore different areas of work, intersections between them and have an open-mindedness to hone a wide range of skills! 4) Differentiate impact from meaning: sustained impact is the result of long-term work of many stakeholders. Internalise that your work doesn't exist in a silo, singularly may not realise all the impact you want to see but despite the uncontrollables, can and does contribute meaningfully. This helps sustain your 'why' as you journey in social impact :)

My journey into the development space started with a passion for improving Nigeria's healthcare system. As a medical doctor, I faced the challenges firsthand, fueling my desire to contribute and advocate for change. Despite doubts, my passion drives me daily, reminding me of my role in making a difference. I believe that when you start, your work will speak for you, and opportunities will come. But first, you need to know why and have a passion for your path. Just do what you love, and success will follow. Passion and learning are key to making a meaningful social impact, helping you understand the sector's needs and your purpose within it.

Don't go into social impact. It won't fix your desire to have work of purpose. Too many people want 'purpose' in their life. Find purpose in your current job. Purpose is not found in what you do, but how you do work. Social impact work is hard. You get paid less and the feedback metrics are far more complicated than a sales quota. If you've taken the time to do the internal work, then you already know why you want to do social impact work -- and that is what truly matters.

Social impact refers to the tangible and intangible outcomes resulting from actions or initiatives aimed at addressing social or environmental challenges. It encompasses a wide range of efforts, from implementing community development projects to advocating for policy change to launching sustainable business ventures. Social impact can be measured through various metrics, including improvements in health, education, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. Ultimately, it represents the positive change and lasting benefits achieved for individuals, communities, and the planet.

Venturing into social impact? It's more than just a career—it's a commitment to influencing well-being on multiple fronts. This field spans sectors and methods, aiming to enhance life through programs, policies, research, and innovative services. Whether it’s boosting health, education, or sustainability, your impact can reshape communities. Dive in, identify where your passion meets purpose, and let's create meaningful change together.

On October 7, I felt afraid, and although I was located in Spain, I felt like my being as an Israeli in this world was under attack.?I felt like I needed to prove to the world that being an Israeli, means that I want to impact the world for the sake of humanity, peace, and prosperity. This is when I understood I needed to keep on my mission to use technology to create social impact.?It’s something I knew before, but life changes you quickly, especially when you dive into individualistic capitalism.?At that point of fear and clarity, I decided to come back to this mission. I packed my stuff and went back home to the war in Israel, hoping I could help change this nightmare. Social impact is our ability to act upon things beyond ourselves.

Un domaine de plus en plus présent dans l'impact social est également la lutte contre les exclusions ou pour l'inclusion. Avec différentes thématiques : le handicap, les seniors, les personnes issues de QPV (quartiers prioritaires de la politique de la ville), etc...

The why of social impact is on a wide spectrum. Anyone could claim their own impact regardless of their activity. In my opinion, the main issue with social impact is how to measure the outcomes of our actions. Some non-profits are specialized in this reporting, for instance, through SROI measurement. However, in my field, marketing, it implies great transparency on 4P management.

Finding social impact jobs involves a multifaceted approach that leverages various resources and networks. Begin by exploring specialized online job boards or databases tailored to social impact sectors, where organizations actively recruit professionals committed to making a difference. Engage with networks and communities of practice within your field of interest, connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations to uncover hidden opportunities and gain valuable insights. Attend events and workshops focused on social impact, where you can expand your knowledge, network with industry leaders, and discover potential job openings.

Comme super outils en France, il y a On Purpose qui permet de découvrir le monde de l'impact par un an de formation et de missions de 6 mois dans ces structures. Comme outils il y a aussi Jobs That Makesense ou des cabinets tels que Omeva ou Partium. Enfin pour ceux qui souhaitent être freelance, il y a la super communauté de Social Declik qui réunit des freelances for good.

Pour le marché fran?ais je recommande les sites spécialisés notamment : Job_that_make_sense, les volontariats solidaires à l'étrangers (attention au volontourisme), et de manière générale le bénévolat pour développer sa compréhension des enjeux de marché (Makesense, Change.org, ...)

Go to every event, lecture, workshop and networking opportunity. Speak to everyone who is prepared to speak to you. And then, if the available jobs don't suit you, dare to go out and set it up on your own. Even if at the beginning you really have no idea how to go about it. My motto is: don't let ignorance stand in your way. You can learn as you go along, mistakes included.

Pour trouver des emplois à impact social, il est important de faire des recherches, je peux noter perso deux plateformes assez sympas, "Welcome to the jungle" et surtout "Jobs that make sense" qui vous permet de faire une recherche par impact. Après il suffit de regarder si l'entreprise a un label RSE, si c'est une société à mission, enquêter légèrement pour détecter si l'on est du greenwashing ou non. Linkedin est une bonne plateforme pour faire du réseautage quand on sait que 75 % des offres d'emploi se font par réseau. Je pense qu'il est important de mixer les 2 modes de recherche (classique plus réseautage) pour augmenter ses chances.

One very effective way to prepare for social impact roles is by volunteering. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to gain valuable skills needed in the impact space as well as positively drive impact while at it. It's a good way to gain exposure and build your skills in ways that will align with a non-profit or an impact initiative, as it shows not just drive and passion but proactivity towards the impact sector.

To prepare for social impact jobs, develop a comprehensive skill set spanning technical, soft, and cross-cultural competencies. Showcase domain-specific technical skills, crucial for addressing sector-specific challenges. Cultivate soft skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving, vital for navigating dynamic contexts. Foster cross-cultural skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and communities. Deepen your understanding of social issues through theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and best practices. Demonstrate a passion for social change, a commitment to learning, and humility in collaborating with others.

One thing I've found helpful is to "lift where you stand". Whatever role you're currently in, try to get involved in sustainability committees if they have one, suggest to your manager that you're interested in those kinds of initiatives. You might be surprised what comes from it. I suggested that very thing many times in my last role, and I ended up headed up the company's Green and CSR Teams.

Find out what you are passionate about. Find organisations that are aligned to your purpose. Bring your skills with you - both hard and soft skills. Keep learning and volunteer.

I think to move into the social impact space you must be clear of your motives. Social impact works to create change, inform, persuade, and educate, but usually this industry isn't as monetary fulfilling as many others. You need to know why you're moving into this field. You also need to be aware that it's going to be an uphill struggle, but eventually it'll be worth it. You also have to be skilled in many areas considering you will not have a specific job role in most cases. Good luck!

Transitioning into a career in social impact involves tailoring your application materials to showcase your fit and value for the desired position and organization. Highlight achievements and impact rather than just responsibilities, using specific examples and stories to illustrate skills and mindset. Communicate goals and motivations alongside qualifications and expectations. Prepare for interviews, which may include screening, behavioral, technical, or situational questions. While the transition may pose challenges, it also offers rewarding opportunities to contribute meaningfully to positive change.

To apply for social impact jobs, you can start by researching organizations and companies that focus on creating positive change in society. Look for job listings on their websites, job boards, and social impact job platforms. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for social impact work. Network with professionals in the field and attend relevant events to increase your chances of finding job opportunities. Be prepared to showcase your commitment to making a difference and be ready to discuss your potential impact during interviews.

Transitioning into a social impact focused career will definitely take some internal work. From a career perspective, it is very important to highlight your personal passions, projects and aspirations in your social profiles and résumé.

Speak to people, buy them in-person or virtual coffees, and understand the skills you need to have, sharpen, start nurturing, etc. The most valuable part of your application will be your personal skills. You may need to relearn or unlearn, but it's always a better idea to go in with an informed picture of where to start. Search for people doing what you want to do, and ask them for a coffee. I offered to contribute to a campaign they chose in exchange for an hour-long conversation. This is always better received than 'can I pick your brains for free and you give me a how to guide for my entire career'

Having some experience as a volunteer in the field would enable you to bring more intimate knowledge to the application process. You would be able to reveal real stories and insight. This leaves a heightened impression of real commitment to the social issue associated with the job.

Explore and join networks: Connecting with professionals and organizations in the social impact sector is crucial for building relationships, accessing opportunities, and staying informed. Join platforms like PCDN.global, Idealist.org, and Net Impact to engage with like-minded individuals and explore job listings. Participate in online forums, discussion groups, and social media communities related to your areas of interest. Attend networking events, volunteer for causes you care about, and reach out to professionals in the field for informational interviews or mentorship.

From my own experience of having made this switch, 3 things to think about: 1. PATHWAY into the sector: Dev sector fellowships, a higher educational degree during which you can also pursue internships, or volunteering / pro-bono projects during your 9-5 work are good ways to make inroads. 2. TRANSFERABLE knowledge/skills for the change: Find a sectoral, functional, or stakeholder match between your previous career and the social sector. E.g. you may have experience working on health-tech products, or in consumer research, or with government stakeholders. Use that as a hook. 3. MINDSET change: Realise that you will learn from the communities not just 'experts', that you want to collaborate not just compete, & forgo the saviour complex.

Consider leaving your MBA vocabulary behind. Be ready to do whatever is needed rather than stick to a particular job description.

Get equipped with a foresight and future-oriented mindset. Social impact may change depending on the perspective you assume and sometimes even context-dependent. Hence it is of the utmost important you know well where to go, what is the future you want to live in. And social impact becomes the path. Nothing makes a social impact specialist most appreciated than a systemic view and clear take on the direction of the social impact journey you are embarking on.

Build your community. Find people with similar interests, learn about trends and give back. It’s a competitive market and I’ve built relationships with people who have supported me, offered me their network and flagged jobs. I’ve also given back, which makes networking less transactional. Always ask about back doors for opportunities. For instance, orgs might use temps to hire as a tactic to vet candidates. If you have the bandwidth, volunteering (Catchafire), consultancy part-time work to gain relevant experience. Resources *Careers for Social Impact *Slack: Goodpeople Community, Women in CSR, Social Impact Chat, Good Ripple *Lunchclub #nickatnoon on LinkedIn