Look around at the world today, and you’ll see that so much needs fixing. Climate change, inequality, mental health struggles, poverty—the list goes on. Though it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, the inspiring reality is that each of us is capable of creating positive change.
If you’re a high school student who dreams of making the world a better place, you’re already ahead of the curve. While many people focus only on landing high-paying jobs or chasing fame, you’re thinking about purpose. That is, how to use your skills, passion, and energy to help others.
The great news? There are so many career paths out there that let you make a meaningful impact. We’ll discuss a few of them here.
#1 Human Rights Lawyer
Human rights lawyers fight for fairness and dignity. They advocate for people facing persecution or abuse. They often work with organizations such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, or nonprofit advocacy groups to protect people from injustice.
As a human rights lawyer, your days might involve researching laws, meeting with clients who have been mistreated, or preparing cases to bring to court. You might help refugees seeking asylum, defend political prisoners, or advocate for policy changes that make society more fair and inclusive.
To get there, you need an undergraduate degree. Many aspirants study subjects like Political Science or Human Rights. Then you must complete three years of law school. You will earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This law degree allows you to take the bar exam.
Getting into competitive entry-level attorney jobs is tough. Programs that hire new lawyers, like the Department of Justice, look for excellence.
Build a record showing dedication to justice. Get legal aid or clinical experience early on. In high school, you can look for Federal Student Volunteer Programs. These unpaid opportunities show you what the government work environment is like.
#2 Social Worker
Social workers help individuals and communities navigate complex life challenges. They focus on issues like addiction, child welfare, and aging. So, you might work with children in foster care or help those struggling with addiction or homelessness.
Social work offers two primary ways to make a difference. The first is micro-level or clinical social work. Of 463,000 licensed social workers in the U.S., 59% are clinical social workers. You’ll work directly with individuals and families if you choose this path. You’ll help improve clients’ quality of life through assessment and short-term counseling.
The other path is macro-level or non-clinical social work. This work is focused on changing policies and large systems. You can start working in community support roles with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). But if you want to provide advanced therapy or clinical work, you will need a Master of Social Work (MSW). An MSW prepares you for clinical licensing and leadership positions.
Experts predict a 9% jump in employment by 2031. To meet this demand, many schools have recently launched social work online master’s programs. These programs are ideal for busy individuals as they offer flexibility. Online programs allow working professionals to earn their degree without quitting their jobs.
#3 Public Health Professional
Public health is all about improving the health and well-being of entire populations. Instead of treating one sick person, you focus on entire communities or states. You might work on vaccination campaigns, improve access to clean water, or educate the public about nutrition and disease prevention.
According to Fortune, medical director, natural sciences manager, and biostatistician are some of the highest-paying public health jobs. Salaries of these roles range from $199,661 to $125,350.
This field often requires specialized training beyond an undergraduate degree. You will need a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. You’ll also need two years of full-time, health-related work experience. This hands-on work experience is the required gateway to the graduate program.
As a high school student, for this post-college gap year. Your undergraduate major should lead directly to a health-related job. Take courses in math, statistics, and biology. Strong quantitative skills are important for analyzing population data.
Join high school groups that focus on health justice or community preparedness. This builds your professional network and practical understanding.
Launching Your Mission-Driven Career
All these career options let you dedicate your life to helping others. The right choice depends on your interests, strengths, and what kind of impact speaks to you. Have a passion for justice and advocacy? Become a human rights lawyer. Prefer direct, hands-on support for families? Social work would be an excellent fit.
If you’re drawn to solving large-scale community challenges, explore public health. Mental health counseling could be your ideal path if you feel called to help individuals navigate their inner struggles.
No matter which direction you choose, each of these careers allows you to make a lasting difference. You won’t just be earning a living, but helping to build a kinder, stronger, and more compassionate world.
