Originally shared via email. For early access to UN job search success tips and advice, subscribe to the newsletter here.

Last week's post about navigating the current impact job market appears to have stirred both hope and frustration. That's totally normal. Even for one person to feel both at the same time. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me!

 
This week, we'll look at the second half of that AMA question:

What options are there aside from the classical impact jobs?

When we say “classical impact jobs,” I presume we mean any job really in the UN, INGO, or other international organization. But there are do-good opportunities everywhere. Here are some places to consider:

🌏 Local and national impact – through community initiatives, non-profits, social enterprises, and public-sector programs that strengthen social inclusion, education, health, or environment within your own country or region.

🌍 Private-sector with purpose – from small businesses deeply rooted in and contributing to their communities through social responsibility initiatives, to large corporations advancing sustainability, climate action, or ethical practices and supply chains.

🌎 Public sector governance – working within your own government on domestic or international policy, humanitarian, or development cooperation.

If it’s the international aspect that calls to you, you might want to look at multinational corporations, in which you may work in highly diverse teams on global matters, while having the opportunity to live and work in another country.

Key #1 is knowing what matters most to you.
 

When you step back from the lure, or prestige, of a UN or INGO affiliation, what’s your deeper why?

Key #2 is looking for roles with at least one strong touchpoint with your deeper why:

• a skill or competency you’ll build

• a context you’ll learn

• a network you’ll grow

• a cause you’ll advance

• a population you'll serve

Everything we do adds to our professional story. And I’m a firm believer that we gain transferable skills in all that we do, if that's how we choose to apply them.

If you're currently in, or looking at "impact adjacent" roles, I'd love to hear from you! Please click here and tell me what you're doing and what your strategy is. Let's learn from each other!

Wishing you courage and curiosity as you explore your options.

PS. If you’re feeling torn between what’s practical and what’s purposeful for you, that’s something we can unpack together in a coaching session, always available to book here.