The seventh secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan once said, "Extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere".
The known and respected Indian political leader and firefighter of India, Mahatma Gandhi used to say, "Poverty is the worst form of violence."
Experts have different opinions on poverty, its existence, and reasons. Different people come up with different solutions to eradicate poverty. No matter how much differences are present on the origin and eradication, everybody is assured of the fact that this is not what human being deserves, and no human should have to stay in poverty.
There was a time where involving in social work and social activities used to be seen as a post-retirement job or something which is done without any expectation of monetary returns. However, that is not the case now. Now a day, NGOs are hiring people on the payroll to conduct and support social empowerment activities and contribute to them.
In today's age, many people are seeking unique job opportunities where they would not only be able to earn but lead a value-based life. These people want to contribute to society and make it a better place. Some people volunteer, some donate, and some make it their career choice. For those students and professionals who want to contribute to society by eradicating poverty, here is a list of courses to consider.
Choosing the following professions would help in improving the lives of the poor:
Teachers
You might wonder how teachers could help eradicate poverty! Children spend about 1000 hours/year in studying in school. Most of our lives are influenced by what we learned and heard during our school days. Teachers used to be an inevitable part of our life. Their influence on our minds and perspective is profound. A good teacher would not only help you score good marks in exams but would give a direction to your life.
A good student with a desire to do something in life has the potential to change the world. Children are said to be the future of the country in this sense. Education is what helps in having a broader perspective and transform poverty into prosperity.
Plus, as a teacher, you would be able to make your students understand the importance of hygiene, education, respect, and values. The classroom is supposed to be the place where students come together under one room irrespective of their gender, caste, culture, social status, economic strength, etc.
Social Workers
While teachers can help eradicate poverty indirectly, social workers work more closely with the society and people. They have a better opportunity of helping poverty eradication. If you are a social worker, you have a responsibility and a chance to support people through your work. You can choose your area of expertise from a wide range of work responsibilities and job - health, women, child-care, education, finances, etc.
As a social worker, your responsibility would be to counsel the affected people and motivate them to raise their standard of living. You could help them to reach a sound mental and emotional health in which they could think of having a better life. As a social worker, you make sure they receive the necessary medical facilities too.
All of this would expose poor people to experience a new way of living life.
Doctors and Nurses
If you are a medical professional, you can contribute to society for fighting poverty. If you are in the medical field, you have the power to affect the health of people living in poverty. You can join public campaigns or government programs to counsel and improve the health conditions of such people. Citizens in good health are less likely to remain in poverty.
Entrepreneurs
If you are a business person, you have a great chance of reducing poverty from the economy. Depending on your business structure, size, and requirements, you can create employment opportunities. As an entrepreneur, you can influence employees' mind positively and motivate them to lead a better life. If you are a small business, you can try creating local job opportunities and help people around you.
Journalist
The motto of journalism is to keep people updated with the latest happenings and share the reality of the society, nation, and world to the readers through the latest news, and views of the people. A journalist would play an important role in spreading awareness in the society about the way society is suffering due to unwanted elements like corruption, poverty, and crime. Journalists could educate people about the laws, policies, subsidies, schemes in the country which would help them to raise the standard of living.
You can acquire a diploma or degree in Journalism and spread the word for the betterment of society.
Photographer/Videographer
As a media professional, you have a huge power of spreading awareness and bringing issues in the limelight. One creative video/photograph by you could reach millions of people and attract their attention to the problems faced by the society and underprivileged population.
Economist
Economists observe how goods, services, resources, industrial production, and their distribution is taking place in the economy. They analyze the inequalities between income and wealth. Economist collects and analyzes data, understand the economic and provide a solution to shape government policies for the better economic picture.
As an economist, you could study the socio-economic structure of the people living in poverty and help government and social activist to frame a poverty-eradication plan. With a master's degree in economics and an insightful understanding of the surrounding society, you would be able to study the situation better.
Sociologist
Professional sociologists can help government authorities, think tanks, and NGOs in understanding society as an institution. They know how to study the psychology of society and its culture. Their understanding of the social system and hierarchies could help the government to come up with better social policies.
In case this career is attracting you; you could be able to help your society after acquiring a master's degree.
Apart from the above-mentioned career options, you could help society through the following professions:
Statistician
Human Services Professional
Correctional Officer
Politician
Grant Writer
Civil Rights Attorney
Those who want to help society doesn't need the right education or experience to do it. Anybody and everybody from society can help in the betterment of society.
Verifying, please be patient.