To many people, working hard at a job and earning money for oneself and one’s family are essential aspects of life. Working diligently in a fruitful career not only enables people to support themselves and their loved ones and afford some luxuries, but it can also be a way for people to make a difference in others’ lives and their chosen career fields.

If being helpful and making a difference in others’ lives are your passions, consider finding ways to do so professionally on a larger scale. You could start a business offering services to others that could impact their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Listed below are four great career paths for individuals whose goal is to make a difference.

1. Pursuing a career in law enables you to make a difference on individual and social levels.

As a lawyer, you can make a change in various ways. Lawyers have the vital role and responsibility of working to right any wrongs they observe in their community or advocating effectively and passionately on behalf of those who can’t do so for themselves. If you desire a legal career, keep in mind that you could work in almost any field and make a difference. You could handle legal issues in criminal justice, business, politics, healthcare, education, entertainment, and more.

You could become a divorce lawyer or a bankruptcy lawyer and take up bankruptcy cases, helping people with bankruptcy filings and giving legal advice. One of the best Louisville bankruptcy lawyers, for example, is notable for thoroughly understanding bankruptcy laws, forging an excellent attorney-client relationship with clients, and years of experience giving people the fresh start they deserve during and after foreclosure and bankruptcy filing. Working as a bankruptcy attorney or in another practice area would require immense training, an understanding of the law, and the ability to establish an excellent attorney-client relationship with diverse clients who have various needs.

2. Consider a career where you can help others understand and improve their mental health.

Many people in the United States and other countries continue to struggle with the challenges and anxiety-inducing fears associated with the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). It can be challenging to stick to a daily routine, engage in physical activity, follow a balanced diet, and practice stress management or sufficient self-care. Adolescents and teenagers might be some of the hardest hit by the current pandemic, as worldwide societal changes may have exacerbated stress and depressive symptoms they may have already been experiencing regarding academics, social lives, body image and obesity, and bullying.

If you were a mom, dad, or guardian concerned about your child’s mental health and its impact on their physical health, you might turn to a counselor for what to do about happiness and your teen. Considering how helpful counseling professionals and therapists can be to individuals and families regarding youth and adult mental health, being a therapist could be the career path for you to make a difference to others.

As a therapist, you may also be the professional people turn to when their family deals with stressful events, such as a family member receiving a cancer diagnosis. Navigating cancer treatment can be overwhelming and emotionally and financially challenging for cancer patients with all types of cancer, like prostate cancer or breast cancer, and their caregivers. Using your expertise and having empathy and compassion, you can help people stay positive during cancer treatment and chemotherapy.

3. A career as a certified behavior analyst can help you impact others.

In behavior analysis, also referred to as applied behavior analysis (ABA), behavior analysts study behavior and learning principles and apply changes to improve specific behaviors. Behavior analysis can be effective for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, anxiety, behavior disorders, learning disabilities, and other psychological disorders, improving their behaviors at home, in the classroom, at the workplace, and in other places.

Before one can become a behavior analyst and make a difference in others’ lives through behavior analysis, they must obtain the proper qualifications. Earning your bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis and participating in an ABA internship are some ways to gain the skills and knowledge needed to be a behavior analyst. Take it a step further by pursuing a master’s degree in ABA. Don’t let the coronavirus stop your professional development—consider obtaining your masters in applied behavior analysis online. The best online master’s degree program empowers graduate students with the core skills needed to serve individuals with learning and behavioral challenges and prepares them for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam, equipping them to be behavior analysts in a variety of settings.

4. Take up a career in animal welfare.

Wildlife and animal lovers can make a difference in animals’ lives and well-being by exploring veterinary career options. Consider taking care of injured or orphaned animals and ensuring they receive the rehabilitation they deserve and need. Furthermore, you could play a vital role in planning animal relocation through release into the wild or adoption.

Using your talents, ideas, and services in the right career path can give you personal fulfillment while you benefit others.