I want to help society
Social change and community service jobs are far and wide. You can protect your community as a first-responder, get hands-on in healthcare, think your way through problems as a social worker or counselor or create better opportunities for those in need. Once you have identified the issues you feel most passionate about, you鈥檒l want to determine how you鈥檒l make an impact. Whether you want to fundraise, counsel, write policies and speeches or coordinate volunteers, there are many opportunities to explore in this industry.
Career Snapshot
- Salary Range 鈥 $33,120 - $158,120 annually (stats from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary varies by industry, education and experience)
- Work Environment 鈥 office setting, fast-paced, healthcare facility
Things to think about
Top qualities and skills needed for social impact careers:
Listening
Being a good listener means that you strive to understand others鈥 emotions, build strong relationships and resolve conflict. By listening you are able to ask the right questions to get positive outcomes.
Idea generation
Having the ability to brainstorm new and original ideas to solve problems is a must. You should also be open to innovation and having the mental flexibility to adapt to new issues as they arise.
Teamwork
You must be passionate about the issue you are working on and the people you are working with in order to make an impact. A strong desire to work with others for a common goal can only stem from being involved with the community or issue.
Critical thinking
Use thoughtful analysis to identify problems and make informed decisions. Having the ability to collect, discuss and analyze issues can help you find resolutions and achieve desired goals.
Majors
- Sociology
- Leadership & Community Engagement (Education)
- Political Science
- International Affairs
- Environmental Studies
Most Surprising Majors
- Women & Gender Studies
- Theatre
- Information Science (CMCI)
- Planning Studies (ENVD)
- Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
Handshake Job Search Terms
- Policy
- Social
- Justice
- Non-profit
- Organizer
Things You Can Do
Seek opportunities on campus to start developing skills.
Get Involved
There are many student organizations or groups that come together for the greater good of the community. You can also get involved in student government to make changes on campus. whose passions align with yours and get involved.
Get Connected
Shadow a local politician, non-profit or educator. Ask questions about how they got their start and how you can help. Find ways to make these connections at Career Services.
Get Experience
Volunteering your time for a cause or issue you are passionate about can help you be more informed and educated on the topic. Discover opportunities to get involved with the community through:
- - Login and search using keywords like 鈥渃ommunity鈥
- Handshake - Login and search by industry, job function or keyword
- Volunteer Resource Center - Search the calendar or organization database
Get Engaged
There are many events on campus that are geared toward educating on social issues, getting involved in the community and fighting to make change. Find these events in the .
Get Informed
Researching companies and the industry you鈥檇 like to work in is an essential step to narrowing your interests while in school. Use Industry Insider to learn more about careers in or .