5 ways your tech career can change the world

Whether it’s an app that helps you buy environmentally friendly food or a game that raises awareness of homelessness, there are loads of incredible innovations out there.

Digital technology can actually change the world and have a real impact on the social issues we’re facing. 

If you’re interested in how technology can change lives for the better, you might want to pursue a career in this field (it's sometimes called "tech for good").

And you don’t necessarily need to be a coding expert – there are roles out there for creative problem-solvers and those who have a knack for story-telling.

So if you want to have a career where you can make a real difference, here are five ways you could use your tech talent and digital skills to change the world… plus some top tips on how to get there.

1. You could tackle poverty

Are you the kind of person who has to Instagram every meal? Well now you could be helping fight poverty. For every food photo taken at a restaurant and shared online, the app Feedie will donate money towards meals for students in South Africa. The people behind Feedie, and similar apps, used their coding know-how to build this nifty tool for a great cause.

How can I get there?

Your coding skills need to be up to scratch if you want to become an app developer. Find out where else coding can take you by checking out Why should I learn to code? And if you have some big ideas on how to change the world, and need some coding practice, why not consider joining a hackathon?

2. You could make people healthier and happier

There’s an incredible range of apps and digital tools out there that improve people’s physical and mental health. For example, Booster Buddy gives you a virtual animal friend to help people manage their mood, while the flash new website for Alzheimer’s Research boosted fundraising and awareness of the disease.

How can I get there? 

As well as tech gurus, projects like these need marketing experts who have brilliant communication skills, in order to tell a convincing story and encourage people to donate or volunteer. You don’t have to go to uni to launch a career in marketing, you can do an apprenticeship – letting you learn and gain experience on the job, while earning a salary.   

3. You could find a new energy source

Exciting new technologies like solar and hydro power mean we can have access to alternative, clean energy sources. This makes our homes and businesses more environmentally friendly.

How can I get there? 

How can I get there: you’ll need an ability to solve problems and a methodical, logical approach. There are lots of different engineering jobs that allow you to use technology to help the environment. Get there by doing an engineering apprenticeship.

4. You could raise awareness of the refugee crisis

My Life As A Refugee is a game that follows eight people who have been forced to leave their homes because of war or terrorism. It was designed for the UN Refugee Agency and the aim is to make people aware of the refugee crisis and how they can help.

How can I get there? 

Fancy a career as a games developer, using your creative talents for good causes? Check out our full guide to jobs in the games industry, which explains the different roles out there as well as the skills and qualifications you’ll need.

5. You could help save the animals

The Dolphin Project uses virtual reality technology to let you feel like you’re really swimming with dolphins. The idea is to raise awareness of the many dolphins that have been captured and killed in captivity. Virtual reality is a cutting-edge technology that's increasingly being used in tech for good projects. 

How can I get there? 

You can kick-start a career in digital media by doing an apprenticeship. you’ll need excellent communication skills and a knack for thinking outside the box.

Want to learn about more awesome jobs in technology? Check out our IT & The Internet Career Zone.

Image credits

Main image via Freepik