What do you do if you want to make a meaningful impact and build a strong portfolio in Social Impact?
If you're passionate about creating change and want to build a career in social impact, it's essential to understand where to start and how to showcase your contributions effectively. Social impact refers to the significant, positive change that addresses a pressing social challenge. To make a meaningful impact, you need to identify your strengths, understand the issues deeply, and work collaboratively with communities and stakeholders. Building a strong portfolio in social impact demonstrates your commitment and expertise to potential employers or partners and helps you reflect on your journey and learnings.
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Nora AgbakhamenThe Social Impact Storyteller | I Make Impact Storytelling a Breeze | Eco-Conscious [Sustainable] Brand? Let's Build…
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Pallavi MahajanOxford MBA | United Nations | Sustainability Consultant | Published Author | Chevening Scholar | Forté Fellow
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Rebecca RoebuckSocial Impact Advisor @ Social Impax | Linkedin Top Voice | Consultant working with pioneering organisations in…
To start your journey in social impact, pinpoint the issues that resonate with you deeply. This emotional connection will fuel your commitment during challenging times. Explore various social challenges, from environmental sustainability to social justice, and consider what stirs your passion. Your chosen cause should align with your values and the change you wish to see in the world. By focusing on a specific area, you can develop expertise and make a more substantial impact.
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If you want to make a meaningful impact and build a strong portfolio in Social Impact, you can employ the following strategies: 1. collaborate with industry leaders on projects that are making a deeper and intersectional impact. 2. Work on a range of projects to understand the cross-functional nature of the social impact. 3. Increase your visibility by participating in events, panel discussions, and being a key note speaker. 4. Keep your knowledge ad skill set updated with social impact industry advancements.
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Determine what you’re fighting for. Only enter the spaces of social issues that resonate most deeply with you. What you’re called to conquer. Whether it's environmental sustainability, education equity, or healthcare access, choose causes that ignite your passion and drive.
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El impacto social se vive desde el interior de cada persona. Aconsejaría hacernos las mejores preguntas para abordar grandes respuestas ¿Que te motiva en la vida? ¿En que crees que eres bueno/a? ¿Crees que en esto que eres bueno/a la sociedad lo necesita? ¿Crees que pueda haber mercado para tu solución? Las respuestas estan en lo mas profundo de ti A D E L A N T E !!!
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1. Educating the people to realise that we have only one life and that too is too short. Humanity comes first and humans live in society. 2. Do not make things complex and social problems are simple but it needs to exercise common sense. 3. Social living becomes sustainable if everyone thinks that they are in their neighbours shoes. 4 Realizing that basically humans are good and children are born innocent, indoctrination and influences should not impact the pure conscience, nobody is born to hate. Religion should not be the instructor for our inborn instincts of love, joy and peace.
Once you've identified your area of interest, immerse yourself in learning about the issue. This means going beyond surface-level understanding to grasp the complexities of the problem. Read books, attend seminars, and follow thought leaders in the field. This knowledge will not only inform your actions but also add depth to your portfolio, showcasing your dedication to becoming well-versed in the subject matter.
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No matter what social challenge or context you are looking at, it can be helpful to learn some fundamentals about social impact as well as build knowledge about your particular social topic/issue. I especially recommend learning generally about theory of change, influencing skills, and how to evaluate impact.
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#AlwaysLearning debe ser tu lema Siempre estamos aprendiendo, el cerebro debe ejercitarse, todo pasa muy rapido y avanza de forma exponencial Identificando tu area de interes dentro del ecosistema de impacto social, busca las formaciones mas adecuadas para potenciar tus conocimientos y que puedan ser utiles para alguien. Esto puede ser una comunidad, personas, empresas, asociaciones, etc Estar formado en las ultimas tendencias te permitira gestionar una cartera de proyectos de impacto social de manera eficiente
Volunteering is a powerful way to contribute to social impact while gaining practical experience. Choose volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and provide a chance to develop relevant skills. Look for roles that challenge you and allow for growth. Documenting these experiences in your portfolio will illustrate your hands-on commitment and skill development.
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Look for volunteer roles with organizations or initiatives tackling the issues you're passionate about. Volunteering is your humble entrance into this larger space, and allows you to gain hands-on experience, expand your network, and make a tangible impact in your community.
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Es muy importante en la etapa en la que te encuentres en ofrecer tus habilidades muchas veces sin pensar en nada a cambio...y cuando digo NADA es NADA El Karma existe, cuanto mas das de manera desinteresada esto se vuelve una ola de beneficios que se manifestaran en una gran red profesional orientada al impacto social y al gestion de tu cartera de proyectos
Building a network in the social impact sector can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals in your area of interest. Networking is not just about meeting people; it's about exchanging ideas, finding mentors, and building relationships that can support your goals. A robust network reflects a well-connected professional in your portfolio.
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In the social impact sector, effective networking is more than just a skill—it’s a critical pathway to growth and opportunities. Through my own experiences, every significant achievement and progress in my career has stemmed from the connections made within the industry. Attending events, participating in online forums, and actively connecting with professionals have not only opened doors to new collaborations but have also been invaluable for exchanging ideas and finding mentors. A robust network isn’t just about who you know; it’s a reflection of being deeply integrated and well-connected, which in turn enhances your ability to make a meaningful impact and build a strong, diverse portfolio.
Reflection is a crucial part of personal and professional growth in social impact work. Regularly take stock of your experiences, what you've learned, and how you've contributed to change. Be open to adapting your approach based on your reflections and feedback from the community or peers. A portfolio that shows your ability to reflect and adapt demonstrates maturity and a deep understanding of social impact work.
Effectively communicating the impact of your work is vital in building a strong portfolio. Develop the skill to articulate your contributions and their outcomes clearly. Whether through storytelling, data visualization, or case studies, make sure your portfolio conveys the difference you've made in a compelling way. This not only serves as a record of your achievements but also showcases your communication skills to stakeholders.
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It's no longer enough to say you're doing good. You need to show proof of the good you're doing or as they say in the impact space, proof of impact. When communicating your impact, it's important to use a blended approach to show proof of the good you're doing. For example, while quantitative data may show objective metrics, storytelling will show subjective metrics that numbers alone cannot capture. It is in telling stories that we learn about hope, joy, courage, and other emotions that your impact brings. It is in telling stories that you trigger imaginations, emotions, and relatability. It is in stories that you build a loyal community of engaged stakeholders. So by all means use data but marry them with social impact stories.
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Clearly communicating the impact of your work is essential for building a strong portfolio. Developing a digital portfolio—a dynamic website showcasing your work, partnerships, and achievements—is an effective strategy. This platform allows you to articulate your contributions and their outcomes using storytelling, data visualization, and detailed case studies. A well-crafted digital portfolio not only highlights the breadth and depth of your impact but also serves as a compelling record of your achievements. It showcases your communication skills and ensures stakeholders can see the tangible difference your efforts make in the community.
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It is important to communicate your social impact not just for resume/portfolio but to increase awareness of the social cause and rally for wider community support towards the non-profits. Start by being clear and specific about the problem you're addressing. Share compelling stories and data that highlight the outcomes and benefits of your efforts. Engage your audience by showing the real-life impact on the community and human interest stories from your perspective and from those you've helped. Use visuals (eg. using Canva) to make your message more engaging and easy to understand. With above, social impact can be more sustained and can proliferate. Every voice matters. 😉
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Keep a detailed record of your involvement in social impact initiatives and how they made you feel as they happen! Include your contributions, accomplishments, and lessons learned. Maintain this portfolio, showcasing your projects, outcomes, and any relevant skills or certifications.
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Stay informed about current social issues, emerging trends, and best practices in the field of social impact. Pursue ongoing education, attend workshops or conferences, and seek out mentorship opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills.
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