For most people, a rewarding career offers good pay and a chance to rise in ranks in a reputable industry. They find happiness in their growth and success as they achieve their career milestones, or at least they think they do. However, some people might think differently. They want to live a meaningful life driven by a higher purpose. They find their true calling in giving back to society. For them, true happiness is helping the needy and the marginalized.
Some even go as far as to want to devote their lives and make helping others their primary career. If you find yourself aboard this train and are now wondering what college degrees would help you embark on the path to serving humanity, we’ve got you covered. Whether you are just starting your career after high school or want to shift to a more humble profession, there are various undergraduate and Master’s programs for you. Below, we have listed the four best degrees you can acquire to give back to society.
Social Work
Social workers are concerned individuals who take action regarding the deteriorating conditions of the weak and vulnerable in society. As social work is an umbrella term, qualified social workers get opportunities to work in various areas. These may include administering social campaigns, working alongside other professionals such as doctors, and supporting less privileged families and children so they can lead a better and more fulfilling life, among many others. According to social workers history, they were initially a group of empathetic people who noticed rampant poverty despite the progressive economic conditions. Gradually, their area of focus expanded to crisis management, helping refugees, and standing up for women, children, and animals against abuse, among many others. These workers were given recognition and social work was eventually recognized as a profession in the 1900s.
If you are just starting your career, an undergraduate degree in social work will be best for you. You can specialize in its various niche, for instance, community service or substance abuse. If you are in the middle of your career but want to shift to social work, a master’s degree program is more suitable. Both will lead you to a practicing path. However, to become a full-fledged clinical social worker, you need to obtain a license from your state.
Special Education
You can combine your passion for teaching by sharing your knowledge with students with cognitive and learning disabilities. Every child has a right to have access to education. However, special children have trouble learning and excelling along with their peers as they have certain disabilities. As a result, they start to suffer from low self-esteem and anxiety related to school. Special teachers are trained to cater to their needs and teach effectively.
Ready to start practicing? You typically only need an undergraduate in Special Education and a state license. Some schools might want you to have a Master’s degree too. You could opt for a master’s if you already have an undergraduate degree in a different field and are looking to shift to teaching. Although it can be emotionally and mentally draining at times, the overall job is quite rewarding. Additionally, jobs in special education are likely to experience 3-8% growth in the coming years.
Psychology
Psychologists help people who are struggling with their mental health. They provide therapy and counseling to help deal with their illness better. Individuals from struggling backgrounds, or those who have suffered trauma and tragedies in life, are likely to develop disorders, anxiety, and addiction to drugs to help alleviate the pain. A psychologist could be the ray of hope these people need in their lives, someone who understands what they are going through and helps them manage their circumstances better.
There is a wide variety of specializations you could opt for, including occupational counselors, marriage, child and family counselors, clinical psychologists, and many more.
The academic path is not as easy as others. You need to have a postgraduate degree and a license to be able to practice psychology completely. However, you need to start with an undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by a master’s degree in the same discipline. Furthermore, you need to supplement your education with internships and practical exposure to trials and experiments.
According to the bureau of labor statistics, the job outlook of psychologists is likely to see a 14% growth rate, along with a high salary, making this job a full package.
Law
Lawyers take their clients’ cases and help them get the justice they deserve. Let’s focus on Human Rights lawyers. These individuals advocate for people who have suffered injustices at the hands of society or the government. They are found at the forefront, fighting for the well-being of the vulnerable and the marginalized groups of society. They hold the law, the government, the people in power, and abusers accountable for their deeds and highlight the impact of their actions on individuals.
Law is a prestigious, rewarding, and high-paying career that boasts a six-figure salary and a growth rate of 9%
Pursuing this field requires you to have an undergraduate law degree. It would be best if you perform internships in legal clinics to supplement your education and take part in extra-curricular activities in school that polish some of the essential soft skills of this field, such as speaking eloquently and persuasively. Upon graduation, you will be required to appear for a state test that will eventually get you a license. From there onwards, you can choose to practice in human rights or any other specialization of your choice.
Conclusion
There is no set-in-stone career path or profession that you must take to help society. You can easily combine your passion for helping others with your current job and help people indirectly with whatever means you possess. For instance, MBAs and people working in STEM fields can invest in and invent new technology that can benefit humanity, for instance, vaccines and cures to fatal chronic illnesses. You can’t help everyone, but you can help someone. As long as you are exerting efforts with the right intentions, your contributions are worthwhile and are truly helpful in making this world a better place.