15 Jobs That Help People and How to Find One (2024)

By Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley

When you’re passionate about advocating for others, it’s natural to explore jobs that make a difference. Thanks to shifting job trends, many opportunities exist to build a meaningful career that offers the work-life balance you want.

From healthcare to life coach jobs, there is ample opportunity to find jobs that help people and pay well. You can build a career that supports your values in nearly every industry. That said, some sectors offer more opportunities to give back, so we’ve curated a list of 15 flexible industries offering jobs that help people for you to consider.

Note:

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What Are Jobs That Make a Difference and Help People?

As you start brainstorming jobs that make a difference, you might immediately think about nonprofits with flexible jobs. But you aren’t limited to the nonprofit sector to find careers that help people.

You can find many opportunities to help others, from embracing the societal benefits of remote work to working for a company that sponsors a cause you champion. That said, some jobs directly contribute to improving the well-being of others, from providing healthcare or education to advocating for social justice to preserving the environment.

In terms of building careers that help people, you might work with individuals or in a more macro-level role that affects larger populations. You can also provide behind-the-scenes support at an administrative level, ensuring that organizations are funded and running smoothly.

Whichever path you choose, know that jobs that help the community have the potential to create positive change while also meeting your long-term career goals and personal commitments. It all comes down to finding your passion and aligning it with a purposeful career.

15 Jobs That Help People

Explore the following career areas that offer jobs helping others to find an opportunity that suits you.

1.

Working in the arts goes beyond personal expression. The art & creative sector can be a robust community and platform for social change. Art and creative jobs include a diverse range of career paths, from art therapy and curation to writing self-help books or blogs to support personal reflection and growth in readers.

Creative professionals can influence positive change by championing causes like social justice, mental health, and environmental sustainability. Explore a career as a creative director or illustrator, raising awareness for causes you’re passionate about.

2. Bilingual Jobs

In our globalized world, breaking language barriers is more crucial than ever. Bilingual professionals, such as translators and interpreters, are fundamental to communication, impacting personal well-being and social progress.

Whether your language skills include Spanish, Chinese, or another language, bilingual jobs help people smooth interactions and open doors to essential services. Support others seeking better educational outcomes, career opportunities, and stronger cross-cultural understanding.

3. Customer Service Jobs

Spend your days problem-solving while enjoying jobs helping others without a degree requirement. In a customer support specialist or customer support agent role, for instance, you can resolve issues, turn everyday situations around, and enhance the customer experience.

4.

The education and training sector offers a variety of fulfilling job opportunities. From K-12 jobs helping the youngest learners to trainers teaching adult learners, education and training roles impact the world on a very personal level.

Education and training roles extend beyond traditional classroom settings. Careers can support your own interests, such as vocational training, corporate learning and development, online education, and specialized training programs.

5. Engineering Jobs

Engineers don’t just build structures; they create solutions for a safer, more equitable world. Think about civil engineers designing accessible structures or engineering managers crafting sustainable solutions when you’re exploring jobs that help people and pay well.

You can explore diverse specializations, like urban planning, for example. You’ll be able to address pressing societal challenges while making a positive difference in the lives of others and enjoying competitive salaries.

6.

Are you passionate about creating impactful action for the planet? The environmental & green jobs sector has opportunities to raise awareness and champion change. Conservation and sustainability jobs are just the beginning.

Positions in renewable energy, climate policy, eco-friendly technology, and sustainable agriculture are at the leading edge of environmental protection efforts. Building a future in this industry, you’ll contribute to a more eco-conscious future while building a sustainable career.

7. Event Planning Jobs

Behind every successful event is an event planner who ensures everything runs smoothly. Whether as an event coordinator or in a fundraising role, the work is about creating spaces for meaningful connections and support.

Beyond traditional event coordination positions, you might find your niche in planning community outreach events or cultural awareness festivals. Foster genuine connections and provide vital support to diverse communities.

8. Human Services Jobs

Human services professionals support and empower people facing challenges. Human services jobs can range from social workers assisting families to professionals in community jobs mentoring individuals and advocating for change.

In addition to social work and community mentoring, human services careers offer a range of impactful positions that cater to different needs and populations. Mental health counselors providing crucial support or caseworkers advocating for vulnerable populations are prime examples.

9.

Medical and health jobs are a clear choice when looking for jobs that make a difference. From medical research to becoming a pharmacy technician, or working in medical coding, various medical and health roles offer the chance to promote physical and mental well-being.

Beyond traditional healthcare, there are diverse ways to contribute to public health through healthcare administration, telemedicine, and health education. You can positively impact individuals’ lives and build healthier communities.

10.

Roles in mortgage and real estate often revolve around significant life events, like purchasing a home or launching a new business location. Loan processors and mortgage professionalsoffer essential guidance and support.

As a professional in this industry, you can promote financial literacy, housing stability, and property ownership. Empower consumers to build a more secure future while you build a solid career.

11.

Working in the nonprofit and philanthropy sector, you can help others in positions like nonprofit outreach or grant writing. In roles like these, you’ll maximize resources for causes you care about.

Many other nonprofit roles are dedicated to social good and community development. From program management for animal welfare to fundraising for environmental conservation, you can play a key part in driving change.

12. Research Jobs

Research jobs that help the community involve shaping policies, creating evidence-based practices, and advancing life-changing technologies. From market research to clinical research, the impact is extensive and meaningful.

Research professionals can make a tangible difference by producing valuable findings that benefit communities and address critical challenges. Embrace roles that prioritize collaboration to improve the quality of life for generations.

13.

Promoting health and wellness, health coaches, trainers, and wellness coaches are jobs that help people reach their personal best and foster communities pursuing well-being and vitality. Explore specializations such as adaptive sports coaching, corporate wellness programs, and community fitness initiatives.

Professionals in sports and fitness careers can make a significant impact by fostering inclusivity, motivation, and healthy lifestyle choices.

14.

The travel and hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities to connect with others and create memorable experiences. These roles, from hotel jobs to travel agent positions, focus on providing exceptional service and support.

When you’re exploring jobs that make a difference, consider jobs that emphasize personalization and cultural sensitivity and help people explore the world.

15.

Working with young people can be a fulfilling and impactful role, shaping the future by supporting and educating young minds. From speech-language pathologists to special education, these jobs help promote growth and development.

Look into many other opportunities to provide critical support through specializations such as child psychology, behavioral intervention, pediatric nursing, and youth advocacy. You’ll help create safe, supportive environments, addressing the unique needs of children and youth from diverse backgrounds.

10 Companies Hiring for Careers That Give Back

Another way to build the career you want is to find a company that you’re excited to work for. The following organizations offer excellent options for building careers that give back.

1. American Heart Association

With a mission to reduce heart disease and strokes, the American Heart Association offers various careers that help people in education and research.