Here's how you can navigate career paths in the social impact sector as a late career professional.

Start by evaluating your existing skills and experiences. Identify transferable skills that can be valuable in the social impact sector, such as project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Reflect on your past achievements and consider how they align with the needs of social impact organizations.

Explore courses that can help you update your skills and complement and expand your existing experience. Consider your ability to understand how to design for social outcomes and then being able to measure those outcomes and know that the social impact is achieved.

Conduct thorough research on different roles within the social impact sector. Look into various organizations, from nonprofits to social enterprises, and understand the responsibilities and requirements of roles that interest you. Familiarize yourself with the industry’s landscape to identify where your skills can be best utilized.

Reach out to those working in the sector. Ask to go for a coffee and find out how they got into the sector and if they know of any opportunities. Taking initiative and putting yourself out there lets them know you are committed. The advice will be more tailored as they will understand your skill set better. Also, consider joining a network group.

Consider upgrading your skills to meet the demands of the social impact sector. This could involve taking courses in nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, or specific areas like grant writing and fundraising. Continuous learning shows your commitment to the field and enhances your employability.

Lifelong learning is a great thing. I highly recommend upgrading your skill set. There are courses available online and in person. When choosing a course consider the role you are ultimately seeking. Social impact can be a technical expertise or you may be more interested in corporate strategic roles. Knowing how you want to use your skills will help to navigate the courses and pick the right one for you.

Strategically choose volunteer opportunities that align with your career goals. Volunteering in relevant projects can help you gain hands-on experience, expand your network, and demonstrate your passion for social impact. Select roles that allow you to apply your skills and learn new ones that are valuable in the sector.

Be genuine and know that volunteering is not about you. The more you give without expectation the more rewarding the experience will be. Choose an issue that you care and are passionate about. The lessons will be priceless. Whether or not it leads to permanent work, you will have learned a staggering amount that will stay with you throughout your career. I volunteered settling and tutoring refugees while at university and in the very early part of my career. It remains one of the most rewarding experiences and those lessons have stayed with me.

Networking is important. Not everyone is confident or comfortable networking. I personally found this difficult and had to learn it. I was advised to make sure that any event I attended to set a goal for how many people to speak to. Depending on how shy or uncomfortable you feel, start with one person and then as that no longer seems daunting add a person and keep doing that until you find you are comfortable to walk into any room. If you are comfortable speaking to people then I highly recommend reaching out to people you admire or who work at companies you are interested in working for and asking for their help and advice.

Networking is crucial for transitioning into the social impact sector. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with individuals working in social impact roles. Building relationships with industry professionals can provide insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.

Transitioning into the social impact sector might come with financial adjustments. Assess your financial situation and plan accordingly. Consider the potential changes in salary and benefits, and ensure you have a solid financial plan to support your career transition.

Reflect on your interests, values, and skills to determine which areas of social impact you would like to focus on. Research current trends in the social impact sector, participate in relevant training programs and consider obtaining specific certifications that can improve your profile Connect with professionals in the social impact sector through events, conferences, and online platforms to expand your network of contacts and learn about job opportunities Consider volunteering or consulting at nonprofit organizations to gain industry experience and build valuable relationships Be open to roles different from those you have previously held, as the social impact sector can offer diverse opportunities to apply your skills and experience