Hi Kamil, this sounds like a great approach so far. I don’t have a complete answer, but wanted to flag a couple ideas. For freelance, fractional, or volunteer gigs, networking and building relationships can often really help. This might mean going to EAGx Berlin in October, doing outreach to organizations whose work you respect, or continuing to ‘work in public’ by putting yourself out there on the forum/twitter/substack/whatever. The EA Opportunities Board sometimes has cool projects as well.
You mention hoping to land a role in Global Health and Development. I try to flag to advisees that this is unfortunately a really difficult time to be job searching in that field- the USAID and broader funding cuts have led to thousands of people job searching all at once, and many orgs have had to cut back on hiring. You might’ve already known that, but I don’t want you to feel discouraged if you’re not finding traction at the moment. Keep focusing on core skills and getting ‘so good they can’t ignore you.’ I really like this post on what skills you need to be successful in operations, and how to identify and develop them.
Lastly, I’d also recommend Consultants for Impact, who have career advice tailored to consultants trying to use their specific skillset for good.
Switching from strategy consulting to high-impact strategy & ops roles – how to build traction beyond applications?
Hi all – quick background
Who I am: 5-year strategy consultant now based in Munich
Why I’m here: I want to learn what I can do beyond applying for roles to increase my impact and/ or prepare myself for those roles
Constraints: Must remain Germany-based; can travel/ work abroad up to 6 months / yr. Open to freelance or fractional roles
What I’ve already done
Applications: ~6 months of targeted apps (80k Hours job board, climate-tech start-ups, impact consultancies). → Very few interviews; roles are scarce
NGO pro bono program: Launched a pro-bono program in my firm: partnered with two EA-aligned NGOs
Networking: Warm intros inside EA / social impact circles
The ask – looking for concrete moves I’m missing?
Examples I brainstormed below. Please add more!
Freelance / fractional gigs—where can I find those projects?
Education: I am also considering some kind of upskilling/ formal education. My goal is to land a role in Global Health & Development.
Other levers: Anything else people used to break out of mainstream consulting and into high-impact roles faster?
Any pointers appreciated. Thank you!
— Kamil
Hi Kamil, this sounds like a great approach so far. I don’t have a complete answer, but wanted to flag a couple ideas. For freelance, fractional, or volunteer gigs, networking and building relationships can often really help. This might mean going to EAGx Berlin in October, doing outreach to organizations whose work you respect, or continuing to ‘work in public’ by putting yourself out there on the forum/twitter/substack/whatever. The EA Opportunities Board sometimes has cool projects as well.
You mention hoping to land a role in Global Health and Development. I try to flag to advisees that this is unfortunately a really difficult time to be job searching in that field- the USAID and broader funding cuts have led to thousands of people job searching all at once, and many orgs have had to cut back on hiring. You might’ve already known that, but I don’t want you to feel discouraged if you’re not finding traction at the moment. Keep focusing on core skills and getting ‘so good they can’t ignore you.’ I really like this post on what skills you need to be successful in operations, and how to identify and develop them.
Lastly, I’d also recommend Consultants for Impact, who have career advice tailored to consultants trying to use their specific skillset for good.