Some careers go beyond the well-worn capitalist goals of financial gain and professional growth by actively contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. This type of work leads to higher levels of personal fulfillment and positive societal change, and don’t worry. You’ll still be able to pay the bills and live comfortably. These seven careers, ranging from healthcare to education to social work, provide opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Why pursue a person-centered career?
Person-centered careers leave a lasting impact on you and your community. You can’t take it with you, after all, and these types of careers invest in the here and now by engaging the people and communities present in everyday life.
Personal fulfillment
It’s a deep satisfaction for many to know they work in jobs that help the world and improve the lives of others. Providing support and aid to those who need you can provide a strong sense of purpose.
Positive social impact
Helping professions contribute to stronger, healthier, and happier communities. Professionals in fields like public health, education, or social services create a lasting impact on society.
Diverse career opportunities
Below are only some of the jobs that help people and support communities. There are infinitely more jobs in similar fields that can lead to the same levels of personal and external fulfillment.
Job stability and demand
Social service professions and careers that help people are in high demand. People always seem to need help, and likewise, good people like you are always willing to stand in the gaps to offer it. This ensures stable employment for those interested in social and community jobs. Since the population is growing and societal needs are evolving, these roles remain essential.
Opportunities for growth
Helping professions provide constant learning and career advancement opportunities. These roles offer specialized certifications and training, allowing for long-term career development.
Jobs for helping people and communities
It takes a compassionate person to help others and a compassionate institution to support them. It’s important to seek out the necessary education for these jobs that help the world.
1. Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists specialize in alternative medicine and holistic healing. They use traditional techniques to alleviate pain and stress. Acupuncture helps patients manage chronic pain, anxiety, and overall wellness.
- Education & Certification: Acupuncturists typically require a master’s degree in acupuncture and certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- Work Settings: Private practices, wellness centers, hospitals
- Average Salary: $84,260
2. Child adoption specialist
Child adoption specialists guide families through the emotional and legal aspects of adoption. They ensure children find stable, loving homes and provide support to adoptive parents.
- Education & Certification: A degree in human services or a related field is required. These certifications and degrees offer crisis management courses and child psychology.
- Work Settings: Adoption agencies, government organizations, nonprofits.
- Average Salary: $59,190.
3. Nutritionist
Healthy eating habits are crucial for increasing public health, which is where nutritionists come in. There are a variety of specializations, including clinical and sports nutrition and community health.
- Education & Certification: A Master’s degree in Nutrition, dietetics, or a related field, plus certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- Work Settings: Hospitals, private clinics, schools, public health programs.
- Average Salary: $69,680.
4. Psychologist (military, school, personal)
Psychologists utilize therapies, like talk therapy, to better the mental health of their clients. They work to improve their sense of self and help those who struggle with mental health issues.
- Military Psychologists: Offer mental health support and PTSD care to service members.
- School Psychologists: Work in schools to help students manage academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
- Personal Psychologists: Provide therapy for individuals and families and work in various settings.
- Education & Certification: Requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s and then a doctorate. Licensure to practice in the state is needed.
- Average Salary: $92,740
5. Health educator
Through education and advocacy, health educators promote healthy lifestyles. They also raise awareness about public health issues to better the world.
- Responsibilities: Construct educational programs, conduct workshops, and influence health policies.
- Education & Certification: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, health education, or a related field.
- Work Settings: Schools, government agencies, nonprofits, corporate wellness programs.
- Average Salary: $62,860.
6. Herbologist
Herbologists integrate traditional Chinese medicine and holistic health methods into treatments. They use natural remedies and plant medicine to promote healing and wellness.
- Education & Certification: Training in herbal medicine, often through specialized programs or certification courses.
- Work Settings: Wellness clinics, herbal apothecaries, self-employment.
- Average Salary: $107,990.
7. Dean of Students
The dean of students oversees student affairs, academic advising, and campus wellness to provide support for students in higher education.
- Education & Certification: Requires an advanced degree in education, counseling, or student affairs.
- Work Setting: Colleges and universities.
- Average Salary: $102,610.
Working in a helping profession is a unique chance to help others while creating a stable career for yourself. With each of the jobs above, you can grow as a professional, as a person, and even help others do the same. In these roles, you can make a positive impact on individuals and communities. The idea of a fulfilling career sounds inspiring, but what career to pursue starts with self-reflection and research. It’s important to see the requirements of these careers to build a path forward for careers that help people.
Seeking the best choice for you
Helping yourself find the right career is equally as important as helping others. It’s important to assess your passions, skills, and long-term goals before going into jobs that help people. Some people lean toward working with patients one-on-one, while others may like to work on larger scale communities or in more management positions. Researching job responsibilities, work environments, and required qualifications can help narrow down the best fit.
Talking to others in the field helps network and build confidence that you want to go into this job that helps people. Educational programs may require internships and hands-on work, so it’s important to consider time costs when building your plan. Ensuring that the job that interests you is the right path can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Helping people for your job
Careers that help people are crucial for the evolution of the world and can lead to personal growth, helping individuals and communities create meaningful change while ensuring job stability.
Many educational institutions offer degree and certificate programs that align with jobs that help people. University of Bridgeport, among others, provides institutional support and individualized learning so you can make the most of your education. Entering into jobs that help the world leads to a deeply rewarding and impactful career.