In a world wrought with societal and environmental issues, both millennials and Gen Z strive to ensure their work serves the greater good, whatever that may mean to them. Finding purpose in their work is an attractive goal for both generations, and it’s one many of them are unwilling to compromise on.
To help employees looking for this purpose in their careers, a panel of Young Entrepreneur Council members offered their best career-building advice for Gen Zers and millennials who want to make a difference. Here’s how they recommend vetting potential jobs and work environments and cultivating a career that can make any professional feel more fulfilled.
1. Focus On Your Day-To-Day Actions
One might assume the only way to make a difference is with a career in the nonprofit sector, but I don’t believe that’s always the case. Oftentimes when someone says they “want to make a difference,” what they don’t realize is you can achieve this in many ways. Collectively, we can all make a difference in our day-to-day interactions and the way we treat others. – Ian Sells, Rebate Key Inc.
2. Identify The Cause You Want To Support
Know your cause. There are many ways you can make a difference. You can help one person who then helps another; you can help a cause get more visibility; you can donate money to fuel growth. These are just a few ideas, but if you don’t know the cause you want to affect, you will be in a fail-to-start situation. – Marjorie Adams, Fourlane
3. Find Ways To Empower Others
The quote “Teach a person to fish and they eat for a lifetime” really resonates with me and makes sense. Making a difference to others isn’t just about fixing things and putting a bandage on issues. You do your best work when you empower others to solve problems themselves. Think of ways you can teach and mentor others no matter what job you take up, and you’ll make a profound impact on people. – Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
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4. Make Sure Your Company Shares Your Values
Work in a place that shares your values. Corporate social responsibility has become increasingly prevalent, so ask about bigger initiatives while interviewing at a new place. If you’re already employed, don’t be afraid to speak up about causes you’re passionate about and see if you can get company backing on a new effort. – Shay Berman, Digital Resource
5. Have The Right Mindset
Mindset is key in every aspect of life, and this is no exception. If someone goes into business deciding they only want to profit for their own selfish gains with no mind paid to others, then their positive impact will be minimal. If they go into business knowing that, while their business needs to pay their bills, it is just as important to work ethically and make a positive impact, they will do so. – Morissa Schwartz, Dr. Rissy’s Writing & Marketing
6. Give Back
If you’re an entrepreneur, build in charitable giving to causes you believe in—and that your target market feels strongly about—right from the start. It helps define your brand and has a positive impact on your community. Your team will know that their hard work contributes directly to worthy causes that they care about. – Mark Stallings, Casely, Inc.
7. Pursue Your Interests
There are an incredible number of ways to make a tangible difference in the world. You don’t have to solve world hunger; you could just sell jump-ropes that make your customers healthier while having fun. I think the important thing is to pursue your own passions and interests and to give yourself credit for the difference you make in the world. – Fehzan Ali, Adscend Media LLC
8. Do Small Things To Help Others
You can make a difference by doing the smallest things to help others. You can run your business to truly look after its employees and continue their education. You can provide them with tools and resources for them to further their knowledge and give them more opportunities. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms