How To Pursue a Rewarding Career Helping People

Careers that help people can be incredibly rewarding and give you a deep sense of purpose. Jobs in social work, healthcare, and law enforcement fields can help you impact people's lives and increase your job satisfaction. If you're interested in a career helping others, the first step is to gain the right qualifications to get the job of your dreams.

There are many career options in professions that help others, so the first step is determining what field you would like to pursue.

15 Best Jobs for Helping People

Here are some of the best career paths for those interested in helping others.

1. Social Worker

Social workers work within the field of human services, meaning they provide helpful services to their community and help to identify those who need support. Those who hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) can enjoy a rewarding job while also earning a high-paying salary.

2. Police Officer

Becoming a police officer can help you have a positive impact on your community. You will help to maintain peace and reduce crime to make neighborhoods safer. Police officers respond to emergency calls and patrol their assigned areas.

3. Registered Nurse

Due to the aging population, registered nurses are in high demand, especially nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Nurses can work directly in patient care or on a broader level such as improving public health outcomes. Nurses have an increasingly important role in society and help to reduce health issues across the population.

Nurses can get specializations in areas such as:

• psychiatric nursing
• neonatal nursing
• cardiac nursing
• orthopedic nursing

4. Firefighter

Firefighters put out fires, but they also are often the first responders to an incident, helping to move people to safety in dangerous situations. They offer support to those who have been impacted by tragedy.

5. Occupational Therapist

If you are interested in improving people's lives, you should consider a job in occupational therapy. Those who work as occupational therapists help people improve how they interact with the world and resume their daily living, typically after an injury or illness, or those learning how to live with a disability.

6. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) are typically the first responders on the scene of an emergency. They support patients until further medical help arrives.

7. Paramedic

Similar to EMTs, paramedics are healthcare professionals who respond to emergency situations, often offering advanced life support to those who have been seriously injured. They help to transport patients to emergency rooms and hospitals and typically have a higher level of training than EMTs.

8. Dentist

Dentists are medically trained doctors who help people care for their teeth. They create treatment plans for patients, perform oral procedures such as fillings and root canals, and provide recommendations for lifelong oral health.

9. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work at dentist offices and actually carry out the dental cleaning for patients. They also help take X-rays and support dentists during more skilled procedures. This is a great career choice for recent high school graduates who want to start working quickly, as dental hygienists only need an associate degree.

10. Fundraising Specialist

Nonprofit organizations rely on fundraising specialists to raise money for the organization. They plan events, reach out to individuals and organizations, and share about how others can give financial support.

11. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help people improve their quality of life by rehabilitating after injury, reducing pain, and helping people feel better in their bodies.

12. Speech-Language Pathologist

Working with both adults and children, speech-language pathologists help people with communication, speech issues, and swallowing issues.

13. Substance Abuse Counselor

A highly rewarding career option for those who want to make a difference is becoming a substance abuse counselor. This career involves helping people learn the reasons behind their addiction and respond to triggers in a better way.

14. Pediatric Doctor

Pediatric doctors, also called pediatricians, help support the physical and mental well-being of babies and children. They support children as they go through the stages of development and can provide referral support for any concerns.

15. Disability Support Coordinator

Working as a disability support coordinator helps you to greatly improve the well-being and mental health of people with disabilities. Disability support coordinators help people to get connected to social services and support.

How To Start a Career Helping People

The best way to find a job helping people is to keep an open mind as you look into rewarding careers. Whether you hope to work with mental illness, supporting physical health, or at a non-profit organization, you never know what roles might open up and be the perfect fit for you.

Find Your Passion

The first thing to do when looking for a rewarding career is to find what excites you and makes you want to go to work every day. If you aren't sure what field you'd like to go into, consider volunteering at a local organization to determine what you are passionate about and how that can align with your career.

Get the Right Degree or Training Program

Once you've decided what career to pursue, you'll want to get a degree in a related field or enroll in a training program. What kind of qualification you need will depend on your chosen career path. While it might seem overwhelming to think about additional training, there are many online degree and training programs that support busy and working students.

Gain Experience

Another great way to start a career that helps others is to complete an internship. This can help you gain hands-on experience in the field while under the guidance and mentorship of a more senior employee. Having internship experience looks great on resumes and college applications.

Internships can also give you a realistic picture of the field and help you determine whether you want to pursue more formal training for that career. There are other ways to gain experience such as volunteering or applying for entry-level positions to learn more about the job.