Looking for a more meaningful resolution for 2014? Challenge yourself to do away with cliche New Year's resolutions and think about what you really want to accomplish this year. Whether you want to work smarter, take on a new project, or make your work more meaningful, Net Impact has resolutions you'll actually be able to keep in 2014, no matter where you are in life (and don't worry, no gym membership required).
If you're looking to build your resume...
Get Real-world Experience
Shine in the crowded impact job marketplace with Projects for Good, our online platform that connects students who have the will - and skills - to make an impact with organizations who need them. Past projects have included designing a market analysis and expansion strategy for Kiva Zip, developing a CRM strategy for an NGO in India, and creating a marketing strategy for WRI's sustainability SWOT. Sign up now and be the first to know when new projects are posted.
Intern in the Great Outdoors
Apply for the National Parks Business Plan Internship (BPI). You'll spend 11 weeks living in a National Park developing financial and operational solutions that impact the long term health of these precious natural resources. BPI interns have worked across the country in Yellowstone National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and more. Applications for this competitive internship are due this Sunday, January 12.
Try out Sustainability Consulting
Want to test drive your sustainability consulting chops? Create your own engagement with one of our projects in a box. These toolkits provide you with the resources to assess whether an organization is socially and environmentally sustainable and what steps they can take to improve. Projects in a box include a green energy audit for small businesses, B Lab's B Impact Assessment, a SWOT analysis and more. If you're interested, email Laura Diez at ldiez@netimpact.org.
Flex Your Marketing Skills
The Banana Republic Grad Student Challenge wants your help increasing awareness of the This Way Ahead program, which provides job training and leadership development to underserved youth. The winning team will fly to San Francisco to present their idea to Banana Republic execs, meet the young people involved with This Way Ahead, and win a Banana Republic wardrobe. The Intent to Compete is due January. 31.
Create New Habits and Change the World
This spring, join thousands of other undergrad students who are taking, and tracking, small environmental and social actions (like riding their bike to class and pledging not to text and drive) as part of the Small Steps, Big Wins Campus Challenge. While the official challenge kicks off in February, sign up now to test out the new online platform and mobile app so you're ready to hit the ground running at launch time.
If you're about to launch your impact job search...
Find Your Passion
Considering a career change or looking for more meaning in your work? Start by clarifying the impact you want to make on the world by completing our Passions Mosaic exercise. In just 10 minutes, you'll have a better understanding of how to address the issues you care most about through your next job.
Discover Your Dream Job
Find a job that will let you make your mark on the world. Net Impact's Job Board is full of open positions from employers who share your commitment to making a social or environmental impact, like Nike, Teach for America, and more.
Ask the Right Questions
Looking for ways to make an impact beyond a CSR role? Many mainstream businesses offer opportunities to participate on green teams and plan community service events. Our Corporate Interview Toolkit provides tips, questions, and resources to evaluate corporate employers' sustainability practices to determine which companies best align with your values and provide opportunities to make an impact.
If you're happily employed...
Make an Impact at Your Current Job
Commit to implementing impact initiatives in your workplace. For inspiration, read Corporate Careers That Make a Difference, our guide to creating a career in sustainability with success stories from nearly two dozen professionals. Put that inspiration to practice by downloading the Impact at Work Toolkit to start your own social or environmental movement.