Lessons from Ajaita Shah: Creating a Purposeful Career in Social Impact

Experiential Learning is Important for Gen Z to Excel in Social Impact

The new generation has shifted their approach to work and compared to those from 20 years ago Gen Z is increasingly prioritizing purpose-driven careers as the work landscape evolves. Ajaita Shah, CEO of Frontier Markets, in an interview, emphasized this shift and provided valuable insights for young professionals looking to enter the social impact sector and make a meaningful difference.

She further broke down the necessity of thorough research and understanding the various factors of the social impact sector as it is crucial for making an informed decision to start students' careers. Before beginning any work this generation of students has taken some time to explore different organizations, and initiatives as well as work on addressing the challenges they have to face. Acquiring proper knowledge of the field will help students to articulate their interests and aspirations more clearly. The next thing Shah talked about was Networking, as it plays an important role in navigating the social impact sector. For this Young professionals need to engage with mentors and industry leaders to get the hang of the right insight and guidance. This generation should always remember that the idea they bring to the table is not new, many people already work and put years of experience into it, this generation can use different ways to build this idea and can use their critical thinking to make it innovative.

This techno-smart generation should open up to learn from others, regardless of their position and age, this will significantly enhance their personal and professional growth. With a humble attitude and approaching each interaction with a willingness to listen and learn, Gen Z can cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities within the social impact landscape. One of the most effective ways to gain insight into the social impact sector is through experiential learning. Shah encourages Gen Z to seek internships, volunteer opportunities, or project work that allows them to gain hands-on experience. This practical involvement not only develops essential skills but also helps individuals identify their passions and strengths.

Editor’s Note: 

Generation Z is now exploring new opportunities to work in the social impact sector. But before entering into this field this generation should learn the values which the older generations have provided them. The ideas they are creating and considering new were already built centuries ago and the previous generation has put years of experience in it.  They should learn, do research, and build a network to get expert opinions. Experiential learning is vital to finding a meaningful path in their desired field. As they navigate their careers, they will not only contribute to positive change but also grow personally and professionally, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities. 

Skoobuzz hopes that this insight of Ajaita Shah will help GenZ find suitable career paths that align with their values and aspirations.