You have social impact experience but want to switch careers. How can you make your skills work for you?

Just because it was a social impact role, doesn't mean the skills you gained have any less value on another career path. You may be surprised how resourceful you were in your previous role. A good exercise is to look at a prospective job description and identify what type of circumstances in your social impact role match the responsibilities mentioned. A bit of creative thinking and you have unlocked a chest of transferable skills!

Consider whether there are social impact opportunities in your current organisation you can lean into. Meet with teams that are currently working on social impact pieces (e.g. sustainability, inclusivity and diversity) or even propose a new initiative to the workplace. Showing an ability to influence at your existing workplace can open doors elsewhere. Not only that, but your using your existing opportunities to build experience for future opportunities.

This is personal because it is my case. When I decided to switch careers, I realized how much of an asset I could be in my new career, given how much I have learned, and the similarities in both fields. My previous career exposed me to public speaking and as well boosted my communication technique. The transferable skills are endless, knowing how to adjust and applying them is key.

Think outside of your career experience and make sure you use your personal experience too. Have you got a section dedicated to your passions and interests in the social impact space? Having a section dedicated to the causes you're passionate about can give you an edge. Some examples: - Project management fundraising initiative for X - Introduced mental health forum in workplace - Volunteer x2 a week with a mental health charity If you don't yet have any "extra curricular" activities that create social impact, see what you can assist with in your local community

Cover letters aren't dead. Make it personal, different and make sure it shows you're passionate. The most impactful cover letter I've written shared a difficult experience I had at a previous, well known company. It wasn't bad mouthing, it just talked about my experience and why that lead me to a desire to be part of the social impact world. It was a hard one to write, but proved a great talking point in interviews - it showed I had emotional intelligence, resilience and that I knew exactly what I was looking for from future businesses - those that couldn't meet that didn't respond, and those that could knew what they were getting by hiring me from the word go!

1. Firstly, Its sooooo vital to identify your transferable skills. For example, a teacher still has the communication skills, as well as the ability to simplify complex concepts or problem solving skills. 2. Secondly, identify where you wanna be and how you can transfer your skills to that field 3. Thirdly, learn as much as you possibly can free, paid, whatever just learn as much you can. 4. Network with and learn from those already in that field because skills alone don't get you everything you need. The people you meet and get to know can also be of so much help when it comes to achieving what you want. Hope this helps someone.