How-To

Give Something Back To The Community With Your Career

12:13 PM

man painting green on pink fence

What gets you out of bed in the morning? 

Motivation is a key factor when choosing which career path to follow. 

Some people are motivated by money, and while others prioritize low stress and flexible working hours. 

Others still put their creative or artistic talents to work or pursue their personal interests regardless of income. 

There’s no right or wrong answer, but it has to be said that there are many people in the world who have dedicated their time and talents to help their community to thrive.

Whether you are just starting out on your career path, are looking for a career change, or are returning to the world of work after having a family, choosing a role that helps your community could be the key to lifelong job satisfaction. 

In terms of the education and training required, some only need a high school diploma to get started. 

For others, you may need more advanced education. 

Here are some examples of fantastic careers that give something back to the community.


Give Something Back to the Community with Your Career 


1. Social Worker

A social worker supports people who are going through the most challenging times in their lives by connecting them with the right organizations and resources. 

The issues social workers are likely to face include family trauma, mental health, childcare, substance abuse, health, and employment. 

Social workers need to study for a bachelor’s degree in social work.

With an advanced degree, they may be able to advance to a higher salary or even obtain a position as a community services manager if they gain enough experience. 

woman volunteering with kids

2. Community Services Manager

While it is the social workers who are directly delivering programs of support in the community, the community services manager is responsible for the planning and development of community programs and social services. 

They are sometimes referred to as social services managers and are dedicated to developing and coordinating programs that will improve the lives of people in their community. 

This includes research and administration as well as monitoring progress and analyzing the impact of a program. 

A community services manager will need to have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills as well as experience in social work and a master of social work degree. 

hands together

3. Community Health Worker

A community health worker is someone who helps the community live healthier lifestyles and works to increase awareness around potential health issues and preventative measures they can take. 

They will assess the needs of the community, develop a program that meets those needs, deliver it, and monitor its impact. 

A community health worker can often represent a community when trying to secure improved health facilities or resources. 

To become a community health worker, a high school diploma is needed followed by specific training. 

Community Health Worker checking a child

4. Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is a highly regarded but challenging career, but there are few others that are quite so selfless. 

The law enforcement officer works to protect their community, often putting themselves in danger in the process. 

Officers can work at a local, state, or federal level by upholding the law, arresting those who are suspected of breaking the law, and helping people who are in emergency situations. 

They may also be involved in ongoing criminal investigations and/or legal proceedings. 

To become a police officer, you need to have a high school diploma, be over 21 and have passed the training (including a minimum level of physical fitness). 

police middle of the street

5. Firefighter

Firefighters are most associated with preventing and extinguishing fires in the community, but they are involved in protecting the community in many more ways. 

They will also respond to emergencies that don’t involve fire but require firetruck equipment, and they may care for injured people at the scene. 

Firefighters regularly put their lives at risk in their efforts to serve the community. 

What they do is not easy. 

Thankfully, there is now fire reporting software that helps fire services efficiently manage their entire operation throughout every step of the process, while also improving the safety of those involved in responding to incidents.

Having achieved a high school diploma, firefighters need to pass specific training, be very physically fit and have a driver’s license. 

fireman walking away from burnt building

6. Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist works with people of all ages to try and help them overcome health issues that negatively affect their quality of life. 

They help young children, teenagers, adults, and elderly people who have suffered injuries or illnesses (mental or physical) that are restricting them. 

Whether recovering from an accident, a life-changing injury, or an ongoing condition, an occupational therapist can be the key to their independence. 

Occupational therapists need to obtain a master’s degree and must be licensed. 

Occupational Therapist holding a senior man's hand with ball

7. Teacher

There is a very famous song that says that children are our future, and if you believe that to be true, helping to educate children is an incredibly worthwhile use of your career.

Education is not only about academic achievement but is also crucial in helping young people become the best possible versions of themselves. 

Equipping children with the academic, social, and practical skills (not to mention emotional maturity) they need in order to thrive as adults are literally building your community’s future. 

You can play a crucial role in helping them discover their unique talents and passions that could stay with them throughout their lives. 

teacher with students with hands raised

8. Counselor

Counseling is a broad term that encompasses several careers, but in general terms, a counselor is someone who supports people who are working through emotional and mental problems in their lives. 

Often, a counselor will work in a specific niche, such as couples counseling, school guidance counseling, mental health, family trauma or breakdown, or substance misuse and addiction issues. 

The support provided can take many forms, including cognitive behavioral therapy, talking therapy, and experiential therapy

woman praying and counseling a girl

9. Registered Nurse

A registered nurse is a crucial role in the community.

While a physician or surgeon will diagnose and prescribe treatment and/or surgery for patients, it is a nurse who provides practical and emotional care. 

Nurses are also often able to fulfill a wider role in the community, including educating people about healthy living and preventing illnesses.

A nurse practitioner can take on a lot of the same responsibilities as a physician, including prescribing treatment.

nurse taking vitals of patient

Are you still deciding which path to take? 

Steve Jobs once said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

Choose a career that gives back to the community and feel your love tank fill up. 

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