Great Careers for People Who Want to Make a Difference

Do you want to make the world a better place? If you want to make a difference in the world but are unsure what career will allow you to do that, there are plenty of options to consider. 

Some people find their niche by joining organizations and non-profits, while others use their passions and interests to build successful businesses aiming to help people and the environment.

Whether you’re passionate about saving the environment or helping people, choosing a career path can be hard when so many options exist. People often choose careers based on how much they will earn or enjoy the work, but it’s also important to consider how your work impacts the world.

Understanding careers that make a difference

Careers that make a difference include various professions, employment or career paths that can help improve the world. These careers are geared towards those who want to contribute and provide care in different capacities.

They are designed to appeal to many individuals with a desire to improve society and the community in more than one way. These careers possess skill sets that allow them to assist in education, social welfare, conservation efforts, human rights advocacy and much more. 

Careers in this category may require empathy or emotional intelligence skills to care for others struggling with loneliness. For example, a social worker’s job entails meeting people where they are and helping them navigate through life’s challenges.

12 inspiring jobs for people who want to change the world

So how do you decide what to do with your life? One way is to choose a career that makes the world a better place rather than one that helps you make money or impress your peers. Some of these careers include the following:

• Nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioners provide patient care in different settings, including hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. They may perform physical exams, take medical histories and order diagnostic tests.

This profession requires empathy, compassion, strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals. These skills are essential because nurse practitioners have a very hands-on approach, meaning they must interact with patients to do their jobs well.

If you feel this might be your career, a BSN to NP programs at Spring Arbor University can help prepare you for this profession. The institution offers the programs online so students can complete their degree part-time while maintaining full-time employment.

They will prepare you to treat people of all age groups by leveraging learning experiences centered around care delivery. In addition, you’ll develop leadership qualities through extracurricular activities such as club leadership positions and community service activities.

• Humanitarian aid worker

A humanitarian aid worker is someone who assists in an emergency. They are often at the frontlines of conflicts, such as natural disasters or other emergencies. These professionals can be part of many organizations, such as the Red Cross.

Humanitarian aid workers help people in need by providing resources and services that can make life easier during difficult times. For example, they may supply food, water and shelter after a disaster.

They may also provide psychological assistance following traumatic events. The job can be challenging and dangerous, but it can also be rewarding knowing that you’ve helped someone in need.

• Environmental engineer

An environmental engineer could be the perfect career for those who want to impact the environment. Environmental engineers protect and improve our natural resources, including our air and water.

They do so by designing systems that clean up pollution, prevent harmful wastes from getting into our soil and water and by helping people save energy. For example, an environmental engineer might design a system to collect methane gas at an oil refinery.

Environmental engineers work in government agencies, engineering firms, research laboratories or educational institutions. They usually need a bachelor’s degree in engineering with courses in chemistry and biology.

• Firefighter

One of the most important jobs in the world is being a firefighter. Firefighters must be committed, brave and responsible, as well as ready to risk their lives to save others. 

They must also be physically fit and able to make quick decisions while working under immense pressure. Some firefighters may receive training on performing medical procedures such as CPR so they can assist during emergencies.

To become one, you will need training from a fire academy and certification from your state. Once certified, you can apply for positions at fire departments all over the country or seek out volunteer opportunities.

• Police officer

Becoming a police officer is an honorable way to serve the community. A police officer has the power and authority necessary to enforce the law and maintain order, ensuring everyone is safe from crime.

The role of a police officer continues to evolve as technology advances and communities become more complex. For instance, in many jurisdictions, cops have begun working with social workers and mental health professionals to help people in need rather than arrest them.

Police officers now have access to advanced tools such as body cameras that provide extra protection when things get heated. There are plenty of opportunities for advancement within the field, so you can always look into becoming a detective or even taking on leadership roles.

• Policy analyst

A policy analyst develops and implements policies and regulations. They may also review legislation, monitor political processes and trends or analyze public opinion on specific issues. 

This role is the perfect fit for people who want to be involved in the decision-making process in an organization. Policy analysts need strong analytical skills and must enjoy researching complex subjects.

In addition to staying up to date on current affairs, they must often deal with sensitive information. Analysts need a bachelor’s degree in anything from economics to business administration. 

It takes years of experience to advance into the top positions. To break into this field, you must build your network by attending events and conferences related to your field of interest.

• Social worker

For some people, the thought of helping someone in need is gratifying. Social workers receive special training to provide assistance and support to those who are struggling. 

They work with individuals and families dealing with various challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, mental illness or domestic violence. Social workers can work in private practices or with public agencies, such as hospitals and community centers.

Many social workers have advanced degrees, such as a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school.

• Sustainability consultant

A sustainability consultant advises companies on how to reduce their environmental impact. They typically work with businesses and organizations with sustainability as one goal. 

One way they can help is by evaluating the company’s goals and objectives, which will help them find areas where companies can make changes to be more environmentally friendly.

The role of a sustainability consultant is crucial because it helps companies understand how their decisions can affect the environment. It also helps them know what to do to reach their sustainability goals.

• Meteorologist

A meteorologist’s job is to study the atmosphere and predict the weather. Meteorologists are also in charge of providing forecasts and communicating this information to the public.

It’s an important job that helps people prepare for the day ahead by knowing what they should wear and how it might impact their commute.

Besides predicting and giving advice, meteorologists need to monitor atmospheric data and make regular reports on the current conditions of the sky, oceans, land masses, rivers and ice caps.

• Parole officer

A parole officer oversees the activities of people released from prison on parole. They work with the parolee, their family members and other community members to help ensure that the parolee does not re-offend and doesn’t violate any laws.

The position can be stressful as it involves dealing with potentially dangerous situations, but it also comes with great personal rewards. Parole officers need to remain unbiased and impartial when performing their duties.

• Psychologist

Psychologists study human behavior and emotional processes. They can work in schools, hospitals, clinics or private practices.

Psychology is the perfect career if you want to help people improve their mental health. You might work with children experiencing behavioral problems at school or provide therapy for patients suffering from depression.

You could even teach psychology at the college level. A psychologist will always be in demand as long as there are people who need help.

• High school teacher

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions you can have. You help mold the minds of future leaders, and you are constantly changing lives. 

Even if it’s not your intention, teaching makes an enormous difference in students’ lives. They get opportunities to learn about new cultures and different perspectives through their teachers.

Wrapping up

There are many ways to impact the world and make it your life’s work. One of these ways is pursuing a career explicitly designed for those who want to use their skills and knowledge to change the world.

As the world evolves and society changes, so does the need for different kinds of professionals. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level position or something more senior, these careers offer tremendous opportunities to become part of something bigger than yourself.