Applying your data skills for good - and how to get started
TL;DR
Many data professionals want to apply their skills for impact but don’t know where to start. This article explores five pathways: volunteering, at-work initiatives, fellowships, full-time roles, and consulting. Each offers unique opportunities to build experience, expand networks, and contribute to meaningful work. Whether you're looking for a small step or a career shift, there’s a way to get involved. The right approach can sharpen your skills, open new doors, and create real change. Explore resources, organizations, and the next steps to start your impact journey today.
How it all started…
“How were you able to use your data science background for climate change?” This is a version of the question I get asked most often—frequently by people I’ve never met before, who are either starting or considering their own journey in making a positive impact in the world.
It’s also a question I love answering—not only because I believe we need more people doing good things, but also because helping others feels great! So, in an effort to share what I’ve learnt, and to show how you—yes, you—can also use data science for good, I want to walk through my journey and the different ways you can get involved.
What the options
People often ask, "How do I get started?" While there’s no single answer, I’ve had the chance to try many of the typical paths myself, so I’ll discuss them here.
Volunteering
My first step into using data for good was volunteering with an organization called DataKind. By chance, I read about them in an article, and in another stroke of luck, I discovered they were based in New York, where I was living at the time. I went to one of their early workshops and immediately connected with Jake Porway and his team. They didn’t have opportunities immediately available, but I persisted in hanging around, and three hackathons and a consulting project later, I gained experiences and friendships that are still relevant to this day.
Takeaways – Volunteering is an incredibly low-friction way to get involved. Besides doing good, it has many other benefits (networking, project experience you can reference, etc.). It’s also a great way to figure out what kind of impact you enjoy having.
Best suited for – Someone wanting a risk-free way to get involved while building networks or skills in a different setting.
At-Work Programs
My second step in driving impact through data was at my workplace—then, Deloitte Consulting. Deloitte did some corporate volunteering at the time, including a single day in the year - Impact Day - where ~80% of employees worked on a low-stakes volunteering project of some kind (painting walls, cleanup walks etc…). My thought was simply—if we can plant trees and paint walls, why can’t we also use our technical skills to help?
That idea, plus a few conversations, led to the start of the Data for Good for program.
Of all the options I’ve explored, this was one of the hardest but also one of the most insightful. I learned about aligning corporate goals with impact initiatives, convincing naysayers, and wrangling with the legal team, among other things. I’m happy to say that we got several projects off the ground, and one of the sister programs (skill-based volunteering for strategy consultants) really flourished with the backing of senior leadership.
Takeaways – This can be a hard path, especially if you’re pioneering it, but you will gain deep insights into corporate dynamics and stakeholder management. If done well, it can lead to outsized impact due to the scale of a large firm and directly contribute to your professional growth.
Best suited for – Someone who wants to tie their impact work to their career growth and is willing to push for change within their organization.
Fellowships & Sabbaticals
My third step of doing impact-driven work was through a fellowship. In this case, I took a work-sponsored sabbatical with partial pay to volunteer full-time for a social enterprise in Kenya. Like many fellowships, I had to go through a rigorous application process, meet eligibility criteria, and put in substantial effort to secure the opportunity—it didn’t just materialize.
Of all my experiences, this was one of the most fun and immersive. Getting to do impactful work full-time, explore a new country, boost my resume, and build a strong local network made a huge difference. It’s no exaggeration to say that this experience played a big role in landing my next full-time role.
Takeaways – Fellowships are highly competitive, but they can be transformative for both personal and career growth.
Best suited for – Someone with the flexibility to take a career break or commit time outside of work and who is willing to put in the work upfront to get selected. Great for those looking to make a transition into impact work.
Full-Time Role
Finally, after several years of involvement through different channels, I landed a full-time role in a social enterprise. While it’s certainly possible to make this move immediately, my prior experience in impact work meant that 1) I had a strong understanding of what I was getting into and 2) I had relevant experience, even though I had never worked full-time in this sector before. This role brought me the most growth and future opportunities of any of the pathways I’ve taken.
Takeaways – This is the most direct way to have an impact and provides deep expertise and growth. However, depending on the organization (nonprofit vs. social enterprise vs. mission-driven company), you may need to consider trade-offs in compensation, location, or career trajectory.
Best suited for – Someone who wants to make an impact central to their career and is open to the trade-offs that come with mission-driven work.
Consulting (Part-Time)
To fully cover all avenues, I also started solo consulting in the past year, giving me more flexibility over the work I take on. And wouldn’t you know it? That also led me to impact-driven projects.
Like many independent consultants, I had to be flexible at the start, taking on pro bono and low-bono work. But with persistence and networking, I was finally able to work on impact projects on a schedule that suited me.
Takeaways – If you have the right connections, skills, and flexibility, independent consulting can be a fantastic way to get involved in impactful work. However, it requires self-motivation and the ability to create your own opportunities, which can be more challenging than other pathways.
Best suited for – Individuals with strong networks who are comfortable with uncertain career paths and are willing to actively seek out opportunities.
Resources & People
If you’ve made it this far in the article and are dying to get involved, let me suggest a few resources and organizations that have helped me along my journey.
Volunteer organizations
| Organization | Description | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| DataKind | DataKind is a remote skill-based volunteering platform targeted at people with a data science background. Their core involvement is through DataCorps (part-time consulting-style projects) and Datadives (hackathons). | People with data science or data-adjacent roles (PM, etc.). Historically, DataCorps has been more selective, but Datadives have been open to everyone. |
| Omdena | Omdena is a global, collaborative AI platform where data scientists and engineers work on real-world social impact projects. Projects run in 8-week sprints, often in partnership with NGOs or social enterprises, and are open to contributors at all experience levels. | People interested in applied AI and data science, from beginners to experienced professionals. Great for those looking to gain hands-on experience in AI for social impact. |
| Ideas42 | Ideas42 applies behavioral science to solve complex social challenges. They work with governments, NGOs, and businesses to design interventions based on insights from behavioral economics. They offer fellowships and consulting-style projects. | Best for people with backgrounds in behavioral science, economics, psychology, or UX research. Some projects may be suitable for data scientists interested in behavioral insights. |
| TechnoServe | TechnoServe is a nonprofit focused on economic development through market-based solutions, working with small businesses and farmers in developing countries. They offer pro bono consulting and technical assistance opportunities. | Ideal for business professionals, economists, and data analysts interested in international development and economic growth. |
| Catchafire | Catchafire connects skilled professionals with nonprofits needing pro bono support. Projects range from one-hour consultation calls to multi-week engagements in areas like data analysis, strategy, and technology. | Best for professionals from various backgrounds, including data science, marketing, finance, and strategy. Flexible for those who want to contribute on their own schedule. |
Fellowships
| Organization | Description | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Climatebase | Climatebase is a job board and talent network focused on climate-related careers. It connects professionals with companies, startups, and nonprofits working in climate tech, sustainability, and policy. They also offer a fellowship program for those transitioning into climate work. | Ideal for professionals looking for climate-focused jobs, career changers interested in sustainability, and early-career professionals seeking networking opportunities. |
| Terra.do | A global climate learning and action community that includes professionals transitioning into climate careers. They offer fellowships, courses, and networking with experts in climate tech, policy, and sustainability. | Best for mid-career professionals and technical experts looking to transition into climate work, especially those interested in structured learning and mentorship. |
| Data Science for Social Impact Network Summer Experience | A summer program run by the University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute, designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in applying data science to social impact challenges. Participants engage in research projects, mentorship, and technical training. | Best for students and early-career professionals looking to gain experience in data science for social impact, particularly in academia and research settings. |
Networking Groups
| Organization | Description | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Work on Climate | A highly active Slack community connecting people working in or transitioning into climate careers. It has dedicated channels for different skill sets, including data science, software engineering, and finance. | Best for professionals looking for career guidance, networking, and collaboration in the climate sector. Great for career switchers and those seeking community support. |
| 9Zero | 9Zero is a community-driven organization that supports climate-focused entrepreneurs and professionals through networking, funding opportunities, and knowledge-sharing. It aims to accelerate impact by connecting individuals and organizations working in climate solutions. | Best suited for climate entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, and professionals looking for collaboration and funding opportunities in the climate space. |
| My Climate Journey (MCJ) | A community of climate professionals, founders, and investors discussing solutions and industry trends. They have a paid membership with networking events, a podcast, and forums. | Best for those looking for deep industry insights, connections with investors and startups, and exposure to the latest trends in climate innovation. |
| The Climate Network | The Climate Network is a global community that connects climate professionals, businesses, activists, and researchers to collaborate on climate action. It provides networking opportunities, resources, and events for individuals and organizations tackling climate challenges. | Ideal for professionals, NGOs, policymakers, businesses, and climate activists looking for a global network to drive impactful climate action. |
People to follow
Jake Porway | @jakeporway | LinkedIn | Founder of DataKind, advocating for using data science for positive social impact.
Cathy O'Neil | @mathbabedotorg | LinkedIn | Data scientist and author of "Weapons of Math Destruction," focusing on algorithmic accountability.
DJ Patil | @dpatil | LinkedIn | Former U.S. Chief Data Scientist, emphasizing data's role in public good and policy.
Rayid Ghani | @rayidghani | LinkedIn | Founder of Data Science for Social Good (DSSG), integrating AI with public policy and social impact.
Jed Sundwall | @jedsundwall | LinkedIn | Former head of AWS Open Data, focusing on open data's applications for public good.
Renee Cummings | @reneedubose | LinkedIn | AI ethicist and data activist, addressing fairness, bias, and AI governance.
Ben Wellington | @benwellingtonnyc | LinkedIn | Data scientist and founder of "I Quant NY," utilizing open data to enhance urban living.
What’s next
I hope these resources and stories inspire you to start your own journey in applying data skills for social good. There are many ways to get involved, and you don’t need to completely overhaul your career to start—just take one small step, then another, and then another.
I’d love to hear from you! What paths, resources, or networks have you found helpful? Is there anything else you’d add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments.
