Serving the community is a growing interest for many people, especially the youth. According to data, about 59.3 percent of this age group serve an average of 3.5 hours per week as a volunteer. That means more and more young minds are interested in careers that make a difference.
A career in this field offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others while also providing a sense of purpose and satisfaction. So, which among the many community-serving careers is the best fit for you? Below are some of the most in-demand jobs serving the community today.
Social Worker
A social worker supports and assists people with challenging life circumstances. They often work with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with mental health issues or substance abuse problems. A social worker aims to help clients improve their well-being and quality of life.
There are many types of social workers, such as clinical social workers, school social workers, and medical social workers. Clinical social workers provide individual and family counseling, while school social workers help students overcome academic and social barriers. On the other hand, medical social workers work with patients and their families to ensure they have the resources and support they need during a medical crisis.
To become a social worker, one must have a bachelor’s degree in social work. Some positions may require a master’s degree or additional licensure. By focusing on these study areas, you’re in a much better place to land a job in the said field.
Community Health Worker
Frontline public health workers, also known as community health workers, are often the link between health care providers and patients. They play a vital role in promoting health and wellness within their communities.
As one of the most fulfilling health-related careers, a community health worker typically provides health education, outreach, and case management services. They might also provide screenings, immunizations, and other preventative care services.
Community health workers often have at least a diploma in high school, although some positions may require secondary education or certification. Those interested in this career should focus on taking science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses. Other jobs in STEM strand are also in demand in the community-serving field, including research professionals, statisticians, and epidemiologists. So, investing in this field of study will bring you many future opportunities.
Urban Planner
An urban planner is a professional who helps create and implement plans that improve the quality of life in cities and metropolitan areas. They are often involved in projects that affect a community’s physical structure, such as transportation systems, land use, and public facilities.
An urban planner typically has at least a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field. Those interested in this career should focus on taking geography, environmental science, and public policy courses.
But aside from formal education, urban planners must also have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They must be able to work well with others and deeply understand the communities they serve. This way, they can develop the best possible plans for improving the quality of life in these areas.
Community Organizer
A professional who works to bring about social change within a community is a community organizer. They often work with groups of people who are marginalized or oppressed, such as low-income residents or minority groups.
There are no specific educational requirements for community organizers. However, those interested in this career should focus on taking sociology, psychology, and political science courses. Community organizers must also be excellent communicators and have strong critical thinking skills.
With enough experience, a community organizer can bring about real change in the communities they serve. They can help empower people to fight for their rights and improve their quality of life.
Local Government Officials
Perhaps one of the most critical careers serving the community is that of local government officials. These are the people who make decisions that affect residents’ day-to-day lives. They are responsible for ensuring that public services, such as schools and parks, are adequately funded.
Local government officials are elected by the people they serve. To be elected, one must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the municipality they wish to represent. There are no specific educational requirements for this career, but those interested in running for office should focus on taking public policy and government courses.
In addition to formal education, local government officials must also have strong leadership skills. This skill is necessary to represent their constituents’ interests effectively. In doing so, they can make a real difference in the lives of those they serve.
Careers in the community-serving field are essential and can be very fulfilling. They offer many opportunities for those who want to make a difference in their communities. The above highlights just a few of these careers, but there are many more out there waiting to get explored. So, if you’re interested in positively impacting your community, use these as your starting point. You might just find your dream career.
