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Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? Then here’s something you should consider: for most people, their sense of purpose will come from the career they choose—according to a 2022 McKinsey & Company survey that number is over 70 per cent.

As you explore your career options, keep in mind that you’ll put a lot of your time and creative energy into your career, so it’s wise to choose one that will dovetail into your desire to impact the world in a meaningful way.

One of the best ways to pursue a fulfilling job that will make a difference is by gaining a broader understanding of the world. And one of the best ways to gain a broader understanding of the world is through the Applied Bachelor of Arts: Community Research and Evaluation (ABA CRE) program. It’s an education pathway that develops your critical thinking skills and gives you multidisciplinary world views.

The ABA CRE encourages deep thinking, passionate feeling, and an empathetic understanding. These are all vital skills for anyone exploring meaningful, high-satisfaction careers: psychology or social work, public health or education, community development or nonprofit management.

What Drives You? How Do You Want to Make a Difference

Before jumping into an applied bachelor of arts program, you should consider what truly motivates you. Spend some time in self-reflection before you invest in this journey (you’ll enjoy the process a lot more if you know what’s waiting for you on the other side).

Maybe you’re outgoing and have a heart for people, public health could be an interesting option. If you’re passionate about justice, policy and human rights advocacy might be your calling. Are you driven to help those in need? You might want to move in the direction of social work. Or maybe you're interested in understanding people in a deep way—psychology could be the perfect fit.

Once you’ve considered what appeals to you, you’ll have a better idea of the direction you should move in, the courses you’ll want to take, and the careers that might align with your particular passions. 

Key Skills for Socially Impactful Careers

There are some common denominator skills needed for most careers that have a strong social impact. All of these are skills that you’ll develop and refine throughout our four-year ABA CRE program. Not only will they open up new career pathways, but they also ensure you have a robust ‘toolkit’ at your disposal.

Applied Research & Evaluation

This involves the ability to conduct thorough and methodical research, utilizing various methodologies to gather data and assess the effectiveness of programs. Being adept in applied research ensures that interventions are evidence-based and impactful.

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

These skills enable you to analyze complex situations, identify underlying issues, and develop innovative and practical solutions. Critical thinking helps in navigating challenges and making informed decisions that drive positive change.

Collaboration & Communication

Success in social impact roles often relies on working well with diverse teams and stakeholders. Effective communication ensures that ideas are conveyed clearly and persuasively, fostering teamwork and collaborative efforts toward common goals.

Data Analysis (Quantitative & Qualitative)

Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis allows you to interpret data accurately and draw meaningful conclusions. This skill is crucial for understanding trends, measuring outcomes, and informing strategic decisions.

Cultural Competency & Understanding

Respecting and understanding diverse cultures and perspectives is essential in social impact work. Cultural competency enables you to engage with communities sensitively and effectively, ensuring that interventions are relevant and inclusive.

Program Evaluation

The ability to evaluate and improve programs is a huge asset. This involves assessing resource allocation and continuously monitoring programs to ensure they meet their objectives and adapt to changing needs.

Ethics & Integrity

Maintaining high ethical standards and integrity is fundamental. This ensures that all actions and decisions are guided by a commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Community Engagement & Mobilization

Engaging and mobilizing communities is vital for creating sustainable impact. This involves building trust, fostering participation, and empowering community members to take active roles in initiatives.

Leadership & Strategic Planning

Effective leadership and strategic planning skills help you to set clear goals, develop actionable plans, and inspire others to work towards a shared vision. These skills are critical for driving long-term success in social impact projects.

What Types of Fulfilling Jobs and High Satisfaction Careers Exist?

As you move through the Community Research and Evaluation program, you’ll open up a world of diverse and fulfilling opportunities. Here are some exciting career paths that you could pursue:

• Non-Profit Research Positions: Work with non-profit organizations to conduct research that supports their mission. This can involve evaluating the effectiveness of programs, identifying community needs, and helping to develop evidence-based strategies.
• Community Development Specialists: Focus on improving the quality of life in communities by developing and implementing programs that address local needs. This role often involves working closely with community members, local governments, and other stakeholders to create sustainable solutions.
• Grant Writers & Program Evaluation Specialists: Secure funding for social impact initiatives by writing compelling grant proposals. Additionally, evaluate the success of these programs to ensure they meet their goals and make recommendations for improvement.
• Social Policy Analysts: Analyze and develop policies that address social issues. This role involves researching current policies, understanding their impacts, and advocating for changes that can lead to better outcomes for communities.
• Social Enterprise Development Roles: Combine business acumen with a passion for social good by developing and managing social enterprises. These roles focus on creating businesses that address social problems while being financially sustainable.

Each of these career paths allows you to apply your skills to make a significant difference in the world. Whether you’re working on the ground in communities or shaping policies at a higher level, the impact of your work can be profound.

Whatever career path you're interested in, the ABA CRE program offers a field placement and capstone opportunity directly after graduation. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running. 

Start Preparing Today: Volunteer Experience and Internships

Volunteering and internships can give you some great insight into what the day-to-day life of various careers actually involves. They are a way to get to know yourself better and discover your natural strengths—they may help you hone in on the type of career you want to set your sights on!

For example, you might quickly discover that interacting with people all day is a bit exhausting (valuable information to discover early-on, before you graduate into a social-heavy career).

There are lots of opportunities for you to “dip your toe into the water” of careers that you’re considering. Check out local non-profits, community organizations, or advocacy groups. They'll most likely have lots of ways for you to get involved and discover what areas of social impact resonate most with you—and they might not always be the ones you expect!

At Okanagan College, there is absolutely no admission requirement to gain

volunteer experience, internships, or demonstrate ‘soft skills’ for the ABA CRE program.

Already Know That Social Work Is Your Calling?

It can be complicated to plan your educational journey. But we’ve made it simple!

Okanagan College’s (ABA CRE) program offers direct entrance into UBCO’s Master of Social Work program.

Chat with our advisors to find out more!

Conclusion

There are so many careers that can bring your passion for social good into your professional life. And that’s one of the big keys to career satisfaction, feeling like your work matters.

If you're ready to take the next step towards a high satisfaction career that has meaningful social impact, take a look at our Applied Bachelor of Arts: Community Research and Evaluation program.

Our advisors can help you explore this program and how it can support your passion for making a difference in the world. Connect with us!