Job offers Recruiters Trainings Media
Get Inspired

How can I find an impact-driven job that suit my profile?

•
•

Ever found yourself yearning for a job that truly makes a difference? The recent buzz around "Green Jobs" in the region might have piqued your interest. But… let’s be real – how do you actually make the leap?

You're not alone in grappling with these questions. Every week, I receive messages from people seeking advice on kick starting their impact-driven careers.

I figured it's high time to delve into the topic, providing insights on how you can land a job with purpose. 

Disclosure: as I’m not familiar with the entire region’s ecosystem, for the purpose of this article, I’ll provide insights based on my experience in the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

First off, what does a purpose-driven job mean to you?

The meaning of purpose-driven work is as unique as you are. What resonates with you might not be the same for your neighbor. So, ditch the idea of mimicking others to find answers. For some, it's about contributing to a company's mission; for others, it's the desire to create a positive impact on society.

In Southeast Asia, the concept of purpose extends to two levels:

  • the external impact of the organization, contributing to ecological and social transitions, and
  • the internal, adhering to ethical and moral standards to uphold the rights, development, and equality of its employees.

Take Angkas in the Philippines, for example – they're not just a bike-booking app; they're on a mission to regulate the industry, offering opportunities for development and poverty alleviation to all the drivers out there who often miss out on social security and salary growth.

To help you define what purpose you are seeking, you must authentically ask yourself: what drives you?

Here are three exercises to help you pinpoint a job that aligns with your aspirations:

🤔 MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator): Uncover how you function, your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. It's a fantastic tool for career planning and self-discovery.

Curious about your personality type? Take the test here.

🤔Ikigai This tool, often used in professional assessments, helps you understand what motivates and inspires you. It comprises four components:

1. What do you love?

2. What are you good at?

3. What does the world need?

4. What can you be paid for?

Take the test here! 

🤔 Portrait Values Questionnaire: This questionnaire is really great to help you identify the values that drive you both in a personal and professional setting. Understanding your values and living them are key in your quest for an impact job as misalignment between deep values and lived values can make a job lack meaning.

Take the test here!

Now that you know yourself, let's explore how the impact-driven sector is organized in the region and what types of organizations you could apply to!

While Green Jobs and ESG are hot topics, did you know that the Southeast Asia impact-driven sector is one of the largest globally? Let's dive in!

More than 1 million NGOs exist across Southeast Asia!

You might be thinking, "But NGOs pay peanuts, there's no room for growth, and their practices aren't very professional." Let me tell you, that's a big misconception!

A 2017 study by the World Bank estimated that the NGO sector in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam employs around 3% of the total workforce in these countries. This suggests that the total number of people working for NGOs in Southeast Asia could be well over 10 million.

Due to the diversity of needs these organizations address, jobs and types of NGOs cater to all tastes! For example, in the Philippines, organizations like Teach For The Philippines, led by young, civic-minded individuals, constantly innovate to expand opportunities for all Filipino children and therefore are always on the search for data-driven profiles.

You also have big international NGOs in Singapore looking for finance talents, such as Save the Children, WWF, Mercy Relief and more.

...the total number of people working for NGOs in Southeast Asia could be well over 10 million.

👀👀 How do you find and get to know NGOs that exist in your city? How do you find and get to know NGOs that exist in your city? 👀👀

  • The easiest way is to follow a few NGOs you know and appreciate on Instagram and check out others recommended by the platform. This way, you consistently have recommended content and discover the ecosystem around you!

Social enterprises have been booming in the region for the past decade!

Based on the British Council's latest report, over 600,000 social enterprises exist in SEA, ranging from small teams to companies with hundreds of employees. 

Whether you're looking for a tech-driven social enterprise or one working within communities on artisanal projects, I promise, you can find your fit!

👀👀 How to find and get to know social enterprises around you?How to find and get to know social enterprises around you? 👀👀

Lastly, the Green economy...

Driven by the corporate and startup scene, the green economy is thriving, representing 10% of job offers, just in Singapore!

Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and corporate services are actively seeking individuals with a green mindset. Notably, renewable energy is rapidly expanding, particularly in the manufacturing and automotive sectors of Thailand and Malaysia. Furthermore, the sustainable finance ecosystem is gaining momentum throughout the region, acknowledged as a vital contributor to carbon offsetting.

👀👀 Want to know about startups and corporations leading the ecological transition in the region? Want to know about startups and corporations leading the ecological transition in the region? 👀👀 

  • Follow Eco-Business, the first media dedicated to sustainability in Southeast Asia!
  • Check-out the list of companies certified B-corp in your country. The big majority in SouthEast-Asia are environment-centric. 

With all these resources, you should have enough material to identify exactly the type of job, organization, and work environment you'd like to join.

Stay tuned for our next article! We'll provide you with direct tips to find these jobs and apply to them! 🚀