Hey there, future changemaker! Thinking about diving into a social impact graduate program in the near future? That's fantastic!

The world needs passionate, educated individuals to tackle our most pressing social and environmental challenges. But let's be real - the process of finding the right social impact grad program can feel overwhelming.

Here are some key tips for anyone exploring grad school as an upskilling and career development path and a special emphasis on taking advantage of summer time to start.

First time is key. Starting your social impact grad school search early - like, summer-early - is not just a good idea, it's essential. Grad school is a massive investment of both time and resources, especially when you're dedicating yourself to making a difference in the world. We're talking years of your life and potentially tens of thousands of dollars. This isn't a decision you want to rush. By starting in summer, you're giving yourself the gift of time - time to research thoroughly, reflect deeply, and make a truly informed decision.

So, grab your favorite coffee or tea, find a comfy spot and here is why summer is your secret weapon in the social impact grad school game.

Why Summer is the Perfect Launchpad for Your Social Impact Grad School Journey

1. Mental Space and Clarity:
   Summer often brings a slower pace. Without the usual academic or work pressures, you've got the mental bandwidth to really reflect on your goals. Want to tackle climate change? Reduce poverty? Improve education? Summer gives you the space to dream big and plan accordingly.
2. Time for Deep Research:
   Finding the right social impact program isn't just about rankings. It's about aligning with your values and goals. Summer provides ample time to dive deep into program curricula, faculty research, and alumni impact stories. You can really get a feel for which programs walk the talk when it comes to creating change. Use resources like PCDN.global and Idealist.org to explore various social impact programs.
3. Early Bird Catches the Worm… and the Funding:
   Many scholarships and fellowships for social impact programs have early deadlines. Starting your search in summer puts you ahead of the game. You'll have time to craft compelling applications for those crucial funding opportunities that can make your social impact dreams financially feasible. Check out ProFellow and the PCDN Career Campus for tons of impact fellowships.
4. Building Relationships:
   Summer is a great time to reach out to current students, alumni, and even professors. They're often less swamped and more available for informational interviews. These conversations can provide invaluable insights into program culture, impact opportunities, and post-grad trajectories. Use LinkedIn to find and connect with people in your field of interest.
5. Campus Visits with a Twist:
   If you're able to travel, summer campus visits offer a unique perspective. While you might miss the bustle of the academic year, you'll get more personalized attention. Plus, you can explore the surrounding community and envision your life there. Is the area conducive to the type of social impact work you want to do?
6. Time for Skill-Building:
   Identified gaps in your application? Summer gives you time to address them. Whether it's boosting your quantitative skills, gaining volunteer experience in your impact area, or improving your writing, you've got time to strengthen your profile before applications are due. Platforms like Coursera and edX, Acumen Academy, Humanitarian Leadership Academy, Philanthropy University, and PCDN Career Campus offer courses that can help you build relevant skills.
7. Reflective Writing:
   Those personal statements and essays? They require deep reflection and multiple drafts. Summer provides the perfect environment for this kind of thoughtful, iterative writing process. You can really dig into your experiences, motivations, and vision for change without the pressure of looming deadlines.
8. Test Prep Without the Stress:
   If your programs require the GRE or other standardized tests, summer is an ideal time to prepare. You can create a steady study schedule without the competing demands of work or school.
9. Exploring Alternatives:
   Summer also gives you time to thoroughly explore alternatives to grad school. Maybe you'll discover a fellowship or work opportunity that aligns perfectly with your goals. Starting your grad school search doesn't commit you to that path – it's about exploring all your options for creating impact.
10. Building a Support Network:
    Use the summer to have in-depth conversations with mentors, family, and friends about your grad school plans. Their insights and support will be invaluable throughout the application process and beyond.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Mapping Out Deadlines and Regional Considerations

Summer is the perfect time to get a handle on application deadlines and explore programs across different regions.

Here are some key tips and info:

Deadlines:

• U.S. Programs:

• Most deadlines fall between December and March for programs starting the following fall.
• Some schools have multiple rounds of deadlines, with earlier applications often having a higher chance of acceptance and funding.
• Be aware of priority deadlines for financial aid and scholarships, which can be earlier than regular admission deadlines.

• European Programs:

• Deadlines tend to be later, often between March and May, but this can vary widely.
• Some programs have rolling admissions, so applying early can be advantageous.
• For EU students, deadlines might differ from those for non-EU students.

• Other Regions:

• Deadlines can vary significantly in other parts of the world.
• Some programs in Asia and Australia align with the Southern Hemisphere academic year, with intakes in February/March.
• Always check specific program websites for the most up-to-date deadline information.

Regional Considerations:

• U.S. Programs:

• Often offer a wide range of specializations within social impact fields.
• Can be expensive, but many schools offer substantial financial aid packages.

• European Programs:

• Many programs are taught in English, even in non-English speaking countries.
• Often shorter (1 year for many Master's programs) and less expensive than U.S. programs.
• Can provide unique perspectives on global social issues and development.

• Programs in the Global South:

• Can offer invaluable on-the-ground experience in developing contexts.
• Often more affordable than programs in the Global North.

Use resources like MastersPortal and GradSchools.com to explore programs across different regions.

Career Exploration and Growth Areas

Summer is also an excellent time to dive deep into career exploration and identify growth areas in the social impact sector. Some key things to explore while and before considering grad progams.

Identify Growth Areas:

• Research emerging fields in social impact. Areas like sustainable finance, AI for good, and climate tech are seeing rapid growth.
• Look at job boards on sites like Devex, Idealist, and Net Impact to spot trends in job postings.

• LinkedIn Research:

• Use LinkedIn to map out career paths of people in roles you aspire to.
• Look at their educational background, work experience, and skills.
• Join LinkedIn groups related to your areas of interest to stay updated on industry trends. Some good ones include PCDN.Global, Changemaker Capitalism , Climate Change Professionals, ICT4D Career Network

• Informational Interviews:

• Reach out to professionals in your target field for informational interviews.
• Ask about their career journey, skills they've found most valuable, and their perspective on the future of the field.

• Skills Mapping:

• Based on your research, create a list of key skills in demand in your chosen field.
• Identify which of these skills you already have and which you need to develop.
• Look for programs that offer strong training in the skills you need.

• Explore Emerging Programs:

• Look for innovative programs that combine multiple disciplines, like sustainability and business or technology and social impact.
• Consider programs with strong practicum components or partnerships with impact organizations.

• Follow Thought Leaders:

• Identify and follow thought leaders in your area of interest on social media and professional platforms.
• Their insights can help you stay ahead of trends and understand where the impact sector is heading.

Photo by Happy Lee on Unsplash

Is Social Impact Grad School Really the Right Choice for You?

While summer is the perfect time to start your search, it's also crucial to reflect on whether grad school is the right path for your social impact goals.

Potential Benefits of Social Impact Grad School:

1. Deeper Understanding: Grad programs can provide you with a nuanced understanding of complex social issues and effective intervention strategies.
2. Skill Development: From data analysis to policy writing to organizational leadership, you'll gain concrete skills to amplify your impact.
3. Network Building: You'll connect with passionate peers, experienced faculty, and alumni who are out there making waves in the social impact world.
4. Career Advancement: Many leadership roles in nonprofits, social enterprises, and international development organizations prefer or require advanced degrees.
5. Resources and Opportunities: Access to research opportunities, internships, and project incubators can help launch your big ideas.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider:

1. Financial Investment: Social impact programs can be costly. Consider tuition, living expenses, and potential loss of income.
2. Time Commitment: Most Master's programs take 1-2 years, while PhDs can take 5+ years. That's time you're not in the field, directly making an impact.
3. Opportunity Cost: You might miss out on hands-on experience or emerging opportunities in your field of interest.
4. Academic vs. Practical: Some programs may be more theoretical than practical. Make sure the curriculum aligns with your learning style and goals.

Key Questions to Ponder This Summer:

1. How will a grad degree help you create the impact you envision?
2. Can you achieve your goals through other means (work experience, fellowships, etc.)?
3. How will you finance your education? Are there scholarships or fellowships aligned with your impact area?
4. What's the employment landscape for graduates in your chosen field?
5. How will grad school affect your personal life and current commitments?

Summer Research To-Do List:

• Talk to professionals in your desired impact area about the value of graduate degrees.
• Reach out to current students and alumni to get the inside scoop on programs you're considering.
• Look up employment and impact data for graduates of various programs.
• Calculate the potential return on investment, both in terms of financial stability and social impact potential.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. A social impact grad program can be transformative for some and unnecessary for others. Use this summer to reflect honestly on your goals, circumstances, and motivations.

Alternatives to Social Impact Grad School

Summer is also a great time to explore alternatives to grad school. Consider these options:

1. Fellowships: Many organizations offer fellowship programs for emerging social impact leaders. Check out opportunities like Echoing Green, Acumen Fellows, or see the PCDN Career Campus
2. Direct Work Experience: Sometimes, diving right into on-the-ground work can be the best education. Look for entry-level positions at organizations aligned with your impact goals.
3. Online Learning: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and +Acumen offer courses and certificates in social impact topics at a fraction of the cost of grad school.
4. Volunteer or Service Programs: Organizations like AmeriCorps or Peace Corps offer immersive experiences that can kickstart a career in social impact.
5. Entrepreneurship: If you have an innovative idea for social change, consider launching your own social enterprise or nonprofit. Incubators like Y Combinator now have tracks for nonprofit startups.
6. Professional Certifications: Look into certifications relevant to your field.
7. Gap Year for Social Impact: Design your own gap year focused on volunteering, interning, or working in various social impact organizations to gain diverse experiences and clarify your goals.

Making the Most of Your Summer Search

To maximize your summer grad school search:

1. Create a Summer Schedule: Block out time each week dedicated to your grad school search. Treat it like a part-time job.
2. Set Clear Goals: What do you want to accomplish by the end of summer? Maybe it's narrowing down your list of schools, drafting your personal statement, or taking a practice GRE.
3. Stay Organized: Use tools like Trello or Notion to keep track of application requirements, deadlines, and notes from your research.
4. Engage with the Community: Attend virtual info sessions, webinars, or conferences in your field of interest. These can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
5. Start Your Application Essays: Begin brainstorming and outlining your personal statements and other essays. Getting a head start on these can significantly reduce stress later.
6. Prepare for Standardized Tests: If required, start studying for the GRE, GMAT, or other relevant tests.
7. Financial Planning: Research scholarship opportunities, fellowships, and start planning how you'll finance your education.

So, dive in, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of discovery. Your future self – and the communities you'll serve – will thank you for taking this time to make a thoughtful, informed decision.

Happy exploring. May your summer and beyond be filled with inspiration, clarity, and exciting possibilities.

Key Resources for Your Social Impact Grad School Search

To help you on your journey, here's a comprehensive list of resources:

1. PCDN.global: A hub for global social impact careers, including grad school options.
2. Idealist.org: A go-to for social impact jobs, grad programs, and volunteer opportunities.
3. ProFellow: Great for finding fellowships and funded grad programs.
4. Net Impact: Especially useful for MBA programs focused on social and environmental impact.
5. MastersPortal: A comprehensive database of master's programs worldwide.
6. GradSchools.com: A large directory of graduate programs.
7. LinkedIn: Essential for networking and career path research.
8. Coursera and edX: Online platforms for skill-building and even some full degree programs.
9. Devex: A media platform for the global development community with job postings and industry insights.
10. U.S. News & World Report: Known for their graduate school rankings.
11. FinAid: Great for understanding financial aid options.
12. Federal Student Aid: Official U.S. government site for federal aid information.
13. Echoing Green: Offers fellowships for emerging social entrepreneurs.
14. Acumen Academy: Provides free online courses in social impact and leadership.