The Launchpad by Second Day

Overall estimated read time: 14 minutes

Last updated: July 2021

Social impact consulting includes any sort of work where you are advising or supporting nonprofits, government, philanthropy, or other organizations focused on doing good in the world. An upside of this industry is that you generally have very focused training and feedback from managers. These organizations are generally better resourced, which allows for a higher salary and generally more time to invest in your own professional development. The promotion pathways are clear, and there are a range of exit opportunities available. Hiring timelines, particularly for larger firms, can provide more certainty for you than most nonprofits.

A downside of social impact consulting is that this work can often feel quite distant from the “actual impact.” If you are hoping for greater exposure to the issues you are working on, consulting can feel very abstract and distanced. Many of these firms are highly competitive and require more interview prep than a typical interview. However, if you are eager to learn quickly and enjoy analytical work, social impact consulting is one of the best ways to launch a social impact career!

If this career path sounds exciting to you, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about working in social impact consulting. To inform our work, Second Day has spoken to experts in the field and gathered the best information out there for upcoming and recent graduates. First, the guide will take you through the different entry-level positions to look out for in this field. Then, we’ll provide tips on actually getting those jobs. We’ll finish with our next three steps: actionable items you can take to make progress towards finding your first job in Social Impact Consulting. Let’s get started!