Last updated on Jul 2, 2024

Here's how you can develop the key skills employers seek in social impact career candidates.

Pursuing a career in social impact means you're ready to make a difference. But before you can start enacting change, you need to impress potential employers with a specific set of skills. These aren't just any skills—they're the competencies that demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to society and the organization's mission. Whether you're fresh out of college or transitioning from another field, understanding and developing these skills can set you apart in the job market.

1 Empathy First

Empathy is the cornerstone of social impact work. To develop this skill, immerse yourself in environments that challenge your perspectives and encourage active listening. Volunteer for causes that matter to you and engage with communities different from your own. By understanding the experiences and emotions of others, you'll be better equipped to address their needs effectively and compassionately.

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Sunish Jauhari

President of Vitamin Angels India | Chair of Executive Group Catalyst2030 India | Building Nutrition Equity in India |
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1. Volunteer for causes you care about. This puts you directly in touch with the issues and the people affected. 2. Step outside your comfort zone. Meet with people from different backgrounds and listen to their stories. 3. Be an active listener. Pay close attention to what people are saying, both verbally and nonverbally. By following these steps, you'll gain a deeper understanding of others' experiences, which will allow you to better serve them in a social impact role. Remember, everyone has something to teach us. Be open to learning and growing!

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2 Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essential for identifying and solving complex social issues. Enhance this skill by staying informed about global and local challenges, and practice analyzing problems from multiple angles. Engage in discussions that push you to consider various solutions and their potential impacts. This will prepare you to offer insightful contributions during interviews and in your role.

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Aline Ferreira
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Pensamento crítico e resolução de problemas são o ponto essencial para atuar com projetos de impacto. Inscreva-se em cursos que focam no desenvolvimento de habilidades de pensamento crítico e resolução de problemas. Envolva-se em projetos ou desafios que exijam a resolução de problemas complexos e análise crítica. Aprendizagem na prática é essencial. Sabe aquele trabalho voluntário? Pois é, o que aprendeu com ele? Analise estudos de caso de organizações de impacto social para entender como problemas foram resolvidos de forma eficaz.

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3 Effective Communication

Communicating effectively is crucial in social impact roles. Work on clearly expressing your ideas and being persuasive without being confrontational. Practice writing grant proposals or advocacy pieces, even if only as exercises. Your ability to articulate a vision and motivate others will be a key asset to any employer in the social impact sector.

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4 Collaborative Spirit

Collaboration is the lifeblood of social impact initiatives. To hone this skill, seek out team-based projects or leadership roles in community groups. Learn to navigate different personalities and leverage each person's strengths. Employers value candidates who can work harmoniously with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

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Daniella Foster

Executive Board Member & Global Head, Public Affairs, Market Access & Sustainability | Board Chair & Board Director | Investor | Chief Corporate Affairs Officer | Sustainability Leader | CPG Expert
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It's helpful to think of social impact and sustainability as a team sport. It's not about being the best individually but instead bringing together cross-functional teams to help solve challenges that can't be tackled by one person alone. Delivering social impact takes a diverse team willing to create and learn together.

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5 Adaptive Learning

In the ever-evolving field of social impact, the ability to learn and adapt is invaluable. Engage with new ideas, technologies, and methodologies that can advance your understanding of the sector. Attend workshops or online courses that focus on emerging trends in social impact. Your willingness to grow and adapt will show employers that you're prepared for the dynamic nature of this work.

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Carolina Dominguez-Pasaoglu

Award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility Professional | Ally | Youth Advocate | Public-Private Partnership Architect | Corporate Volunteerism @ EY Community Impact and Foundation
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Remember that social impact is about understanding the challenges facing communities, being able to align impact programs to business competencies and goals AND understand who you’re trying to reach. Yes, the needs of our time are evolving, but so are the interests and capabilities of your newest employees. Make sure you stay on top of where the synergies lie.

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6 Project Management

Lastly, project management is a tangible skill that shows you can turn ideas into action. Gain experience by leading initiatives, managing budgets, and meeting deadlines. Whether it's organizing a community event or spearheading a fundraising campaign, demonstrating your project management abilities will prove you have the practical skills to execute social impact projects successfully.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Social Impact

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Here's how you can develop the key skills employers seek in social impact career candidates.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Empathy First

2 Critical Thinking

3 Effective Communication

4 Collaborative Spirit

5 Adaptive Learning

6 Project Management

7 Here’s what else to consider

Social Impact

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Here's how you can develop the key skills employers seek in social impact career candidates.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Empathy First

2 Critical Thinking

3 Effective Communication

4 Collaborative Spirit

5 Adaptive Learning

6 Project Management

7 Here’s what else to consider

Social Impact

Rate this article

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