Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in life. After all, you will spend around a third of your time working until you retire, so you will obviously want to make a choice that allows you to live up to your highest values, as well as making a living, right?
For many of us, that will mean choosing a career path that enables us to both grow and give back to our communities or even the wider world. However, how exactly do you find a career like that when there are so many options and so many jobs that are all about the cold hard bottom line?
- Figure Out What “Giving” Means to You
Before you can find a career that lets you give back, it’s important to define what “giving” actually means to you. Are you passionate about helping people directly, like becoming a teacher or social worker? Or maybe you’re more interested in environmental causes, animal rights, or health advocacy. Giving back can look different for everyone, so spend some time figuring out what tugs at your heartstrings.
And let’s not forget—you don’t have to join a non-profit to make a difference. There are plenty of for-profit companies doing good in the world. Think about businesses that prioritize corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainable practices. These places often value employees who want to contribute to a bigger mission.
- Play to Your Strengths (Yes, They Matter)
You’ve got strengths—whether it’s empathy, leadership, creativity, or something else entirely. When choosing a career that lets you give and grow, it’s crucial to lean into those strengths. Not only will you be more successful, but you’ll also feel more fulfilled doing work that comes naturally to you.
If you’re great at connecting with people and making them feel heard, a career in counseling or HR might be right up your alley. Love problem-solving and building things? Look into careers in sustainability, green architecture, or even environmental engineering. The point is, there’s a way to use your unique strengths to make the world a better place—and grow while doing it.
- Look for Growth Opportunities
Sure, giving back is important, but a career also needs to offer personal growth. After all, no one wants to feel stuck in a dead-end job where they’re not learning or evolving. Find a career where you can grow your skillset, challenge yourself, and push the boundaries of what you thought you could do.
For example, let’s say you’re passionate about healthcare but don’t want to go the traditional doctor or nurse route. You could look into occupational therapy, a field that’s not only about helping patients regain independence but also offers continuous learning and development. As an occupational therapist, you’ll constantly be adapting to new patients’ needs, learning innovative treatments, and evolving your skills.
- Explore Careers That Make a Tangible Impact
If you want to give back in a really tangible way, consider careers where you can see the impact of your work. Jobs in education, healthcare, and social services often provide the satisfaction of knowing your daily efforts are changing lives for the better.
Take teaching, for example. Teachers have one of the most impactful roles in society. Not only are you educating future generations, but you’re also shaping young minds and providing the foundation for their success. And while teaching can be incredibly challenging, the rewards—both personal and professional—are huge. Plus, you’ll never stop learning and growing yourself.
- Consider Working in Non-Profit or Social Enterprises
If you’re really committed to making a difference, a career in the non-profit sector might be calling your name. Non-profits and social enterprises are built on the idea of creating positive change in the world, whether it’s through addressing social issues, protecting the environment, or supporting underserved communities.
One career option that might not have crossed your mind? Fundraising or development roles within non-profits. Fundraisers are crucial to the success of any charitable organization, helping to secure the funds that keep programs running. This is a great way to use your networking, communication, and organizational skills to make a real difference. Plus, you’ll get to meet passionate people who are also committed to giving back.
- Don’t Underestimate the Power of Mentorship
A big part of choosing a career that allows you to give and grow is surrounding yourself with the right people. Seek out mentors who inspire you, challenge you, and push you to think bigger. These could be leaders within your field, coworkers, or even people you meet through volunteer work.
Mentorship is a two-way street—while you learn from someone with more experience, you’re also giving back by sharing your fresh perspective, energy, and ideas. It’s a win-win, and it helps create a work environment where growth is encouraged at all levels.
- Find Companies That Prioritize People and Purpose
Not all companies are created equal. Some places just want to make a profit, and that’s fine, but others are focused on making a positive impact. Seek out companies that put people, purpose, and planet at the heart of their business.
Many companies today are adopting B Corp certification, meaning they’ve met high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Working for a company like this allows you to give back while growing your career in a variety of industries, from tech to fashion to food. You can find B Corps in everything from consumer goods to finance, so there’s plenty of room to explore.
- Consider Careers in Environmental Sustainability
If protecting the planet is your passion, there are tons of career opportunities in the field of environmental sustainability. From becoming an environmental scientist to working in renewable energy, there’s no shortage of jobs that let you give back to Mother Earth.
You might even consider working in green architecture, designing energy-efficient homes and buildings, or joining an environmental advocacy group. The key here is aligning your career goals with your values—so if sustainability is important to you, make it a priority in your career choice.
- Remember: Giving Back Doesn’t Mean Sacrificing Growth
One common misconception is that choosing a career focused on giving back means sacrificing growth or financial stability. But that’s not true! Many careers that let you make a positive impact also offer room for advancement, skill development, and yes—competitive pay.
For instance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) roles within large companies are becoming increasingly popular. In these positions, you’ll work to ensure the company’s actions align with environmental, social, and ethical standards, all while helping the business thrive. It’s a career path that lets you do good while still climbing the corporate ladder.
- Volunteer Before You Commit
Still unsure what path to take? Volunteering is an awesome way to test the waters and see what kind of work resonates with you. Whether you’re helping at a local food bank, trying out life as a compassionate suicide cleanup team member, mentoring youth, or working with a conservation group, volunteering allows you to experience different fields without making a full-time commitment.
Not only will you gain valuable experience and grow your network, but you’ll also be giving back in a way that makes a real impact. And who knows? You might just stumble across a new career passion while you’re at it.
When it comes right down to it, choosing a career that will enable you to give and grow means choosing a job that aligns with your core values, strengths and passions, so think about who you really are and what you really want to achieve and start there!
