Become a changemaker, build a career with purpose and impact from Coursera

This course is designed to help anyone who wants to make a positive impact on society, but doesn't know how. Whatever your age, academic background or professional context, it will help you find the path that is right for you to make a difference. You will learn how to move from desire to idea, and from idea to action.

Jointly developed by professors and experts from HEC Paris and Ticket for Change, the course is conceived as a learning journey guiding you through the different steps to find one’s way as an actor of change. Along three main phases - Inspiration - Introspection - Action – you will:

- Develop awareness of the role and means of actions of social and environmental changemakers.

- Take stock of your own aspirations, motivations and strengths.

- Define your objectives towards a personal and professional transformation and initiate an effective transition to action.

At every stage of the course, you will:

- Gain concepts and methodologies from the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to help frame issues at stake, define and structure a viable project.

- Develop self-awareness thanks to concrete self-development tools and exercises.

- Get inspired by the testimonies of social entrepreneurs and corporate leaders sharing their experience.

The last module can be customized to your professional context or project as you may choose between three tracks whether you are aiming at becoming a "social entrepreneur", an "impact employee", a "corporate changemaker".

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the MOOC! In this introduction, you will find all the information on how the MOOC works.

Discover the different paths to be(come) a changemaker and why it is important

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Expands learners' understanding of the global challenges humanity faces

Develops learners' self-awareness, which is useful for personal and professional growth

Provides learners with concepts and methodologies from innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability

Offers learners inspiration from social entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who share their experiences

Reviews summary

Career with purpose and impact

According to learners, this course is a transformative journey for aligning career with purpose. Students consistently highlight the insightful self-discovery exercises and inspiring expert testimonies. The customizable career tracks (social entrepreneur, impact employee, corporate changemaker) are particularly valued for offering concrete paths. While praised for providing a strong foundational framework and guiding students from idea to action, a minority of reviewers found the content could be too high-level, desiring more detailed implementation guidance, especially for the social entrepreneur path.

Offers valuable inspiration through real-world examples.

"The testimonies of social entrepreneurs were very inspiring."

"I gained concepts and methodologies... Get inspired by the testimonies of social entrepreneurs and corporate leaders sharing their experience."

"The expert interviews were very inspiring, and the exercises really pushed me to think deeply."

Provides tools and steps to move ideas into action.

"I loved the balance between theoretical concepts and practical application. It's not just about ideas, but concrete steps to take action."

"It truly helps me move from desire to action and build my career with purpose."

"I gained concepts and methodologies to help frame issues, define and structure a viable project."

"This course provides concrete self-development tools and exercises to apply."

Allows customization of focus on specific career types.

"The customizable tracks in the final module allowed me to tailor it to my specific path as an 'impact employee.'"

"I particularly appreciated the module on becoming a 'corporate changemaker'—it gave me a new perspective on my current role."

"The course offers specific paths like 'social entrepreneur,' 'impact employee,' or 'corporate changemaker' to suit my context."

Profoundly clarifies personal purpose and career path.

"The self-discovery exercises were incredibly insightful, helping me connect my values to actionable career goals."

"The introspection modules were really powerful. It helps you think differently about your career."

"This course provided the framework and encouragement I needed to align my career with my values."

"I found the self-assessment tools to be particularly useful for clarifying my purpose."

Provides a broad overview, sometimes lacking deep specifics.

"I was hoping for more practical tools beyond just conceptual frameworks."

"While the intention is good, I found it too philosophical and not actionable enough. I didn't get enough concrete steps to launch a social enterprise."

"A deeper dive into financial models for entrepreneurs or specific change management tactics for corporate changemakers would be beneficial."

"It felt a bit high-level for me. Maybe better for someone just starting their exploration rather than someone already quite far along."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become a changemaker, build a career with purpose and impact with these activities:

Develop a personal mission statement

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This activity will help you clarify your purpose and vision, which is essential for driving your changemaking efforts.

Browse courses on Mission Statement

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Reflect on your values, passions, and aspirations.
Identify the causes you care about and the problems you want to solve.
Draft a statement that articulates your mission, purpose, and goals.
Share your mission statement with others for feedback and refinement.

Review the book 'Impact: How to Change the World' by Lisa Witter

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This book is recommended by the course instructors and focuses on real-life stories of social entrepreneurs. It offers valuable insights into the different ways to create social impact and can inspire you in your own changemaking journey.

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Read the book thoroughly and take notes.
Identify the key concepts and ideas related to social impact and changemaking.
Reflect on the stories of the social entrepreneurs featured in the book and consider how their experiences align with your own aspirations.

Attend a workshop or conference focused on social change or entrepreneurship

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Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in social change and expand your knowledge through engaging workshops and conferences.

Browse courses on Social Impact

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Research and identify workshops or conferences that cover topics relevant to your interests.
Attend the event and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Follow up with speakers and attendees to continue the conversation and build connections.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Join a study group or discussion forum

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Engage with fellow learners and exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences related to changemaking.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Identify a study group or discussion forum that aligns with your interests.
Participate actively in discussions, share your thoughts, and ask questions.
Collaborate with others on projects and assignments.

Volunteer with an organization that aligns with your social impact interests

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Gain practical experience in the field of social change and contribute directly to making a positive impact.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Research and identify organizations that align with your values and interests.
Reach out to the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and actively engage in the organization's activities.

Become a mentor to a younger student or someone new to the field of social change

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Sharing your knowledge and experience can help reinforce your own understanding while also supporting the next generation of changemakers.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify a potential mentee who could benefit from your guidance.
Establish clear goals and expectations for the mentorship.
Provide regular support, advice, and encouragement to your mentee.

Career center

Learners who complete Become a changemaker, build a career with purpose and impact will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Entrepreneur

Social entrepreneurs use their businesses to solve social and environmental problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful social entrepreneur, including innovation, design thinking, and social impact measurement. If you are interested in starting a social enterprise, this course is a great way to learn the basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants help organizations to reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and economic performance. They work with clients to develop and implement sustainability strategies, and they track progress and provide reporting. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful sustainability consultant, including sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement, and change management. If you are interested in a career in sustainability consulting, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate social responsibility managers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies for their organizations. They work with other departments to ensure that the organization is operating in a socially responsible manner, and they track progress and provide reporting. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful corporate social responsibility manager, including sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement, and change management. If you are interested in a career in corporate social responsibility, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Impact Investor

Impact investors invest in companies and organizations that are making a positive social or environmental impact. They use their investments to drive change and create a more sustainable future. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful impact investor, including investment analysis, due diligence, and impact measurement. If you are interested in a career in impact investing, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Impact Investor

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. They are responsible for developing and implementing programs, managing staff, and fundraising. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful nonprofit manager, including leadership, strategic planning, and financial management. If you are interested in a career in the nonprofit sector, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Community Organizer

Community organizers work with communities to identify and address social and economic problems. They organize campaigns, build coalitions, and advocate for change. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful community organizer, including community engagement, leadership, and strategic planning. If you are interested in a career in community organizing, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Program Manager

Program managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs. They work with stakeholders to develop program goals and objectives, create budgets, and manage staff. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful program manager, including project management, stakeholder management, and data analysis. If you are interested in a career in program management, this course is a great way to get started.

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Consultant

Consultants use their expertise, knowledge, and skills to advise clients on a wide range of issues. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful consultant, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. You will also learn about the different types of consulting and how to find and work with clients. If you are interested in a career in consulting, this course is a great place to start.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Corporate Sustainability Manager

Corporate sustainability managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for their organizations. They work with other departments to reduce environmental impact, improve social responsibility, and promote economic sustainability. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful corporate sustainability manager, including sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement, and change management. If you are interested in a career in corporate sustainability, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Manager

Nonprofit Fundraiser

Nonprofit fundraisers raise money to support the programs and services of nonprofit organizations. They work with donors to identify and cultivate relationships, and they develop and implement fundraising campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful nonprofit fundraiser, including donor relations, event planning, and grant writing. If you are interested in a career in nonprofit fundraising, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Fundraiser

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They provide policymakers with information and recommendations on how to develop and implement policies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful policy analyst, including research methods, data analysis, and writing. If you are interested in a career in public policy, this course is a great way to get started.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. They work with individuals, families, and communities to provide support and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful social worker, including case management, counseling, and advocacy. If you are interested in a career in social work, this course is a great way to get started.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. They develop and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and natural disasters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful environmental scientist, including research methods, data analysis, and environmental modeling. If you are interested in a career in environmental science, this course is a great way to get started.

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Journalist

Journalists research and report on news stories. They work with sources to gather information and write articles that inform the public about important issues. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful journalist, including interviewing, writing, and editing. If you are interested in a career in journalism, this course is a great way to get started.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to college. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and assess student learning. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher, including classroom management, lesson planning, and differentiation. If you are interested in a career in teaching, this course is a great way to get started.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher