How to Make a Career Switch From Finance to Impact Investing

At GreenBiz, Walk of Life Consulting's Shannon Houde advises a disillusioned fund manager who has "fallen out of love with making money" to think about a natural shift to impact investing:

Those looking to forge a career in this new and exciting area require financial know-how and savvy business intuition to crunch the hard numbers on the viability of an organization, fund or company, and ensure a financial return like any traditional investment. But impact investors also need a compassionate heart to generate the measurable, beneficial returns on social and environmental impact.

Houde goes on to detail her top four tips for making a move out of traditional finance to focus specifically on impact investing. In addition to research and networking -- staples of any successful job search -- she emphasizes the importance of carving out a niche in the industry that is aligned with your passions:

Are your passions in the developing world or closer to home? In environmental issues such as water, biodiversity and energy or more on the social side of the fence in health, gender or education? Get specific if you want to make maximum impact. Casting your net too wide works against you, especially when making a career change. The hiring manager you may network or speak with will want to know what your specific target is, and what the audience that you are selling your unique skillset to is.

More philosophically, Houde notes that this complement of work and purpose is vital. "Pursuing your passions is not frivolous," she writes. "In fact, it's the only way to ensure a sustainable career — one that satisfies you on every level, and one that you can imagine doing for a long, long time."

Read: Dear Shannon: How can I make a career switch to impact investing?