Success Stories

Real stories from professionals who transitioned into impactful careers through our fellowship program

AP

Aisha Patel

Global Poverty
Before:Senior Software Engineer at Tech Corp
Now:Product Manager at GiveDirectly

After 7 years in tech, I felt like I was just building features that didn't matter. The Impactful Career fellowship helped me realize I could use my skills in product management to directly help people living in extreme poverty. Now I work on digital cash transfer programs that have reached over 500,000 families.

Impact & Outcome

Transitioned from $180K tech salary to $140K at a high-impact nonprofit, feeling fulfilled every day

"The fellowship helped me see that taking a salary cut doesn't mean sacrificing career growth—I'm learning more and making real impact."

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Rohan Verma

Global Health
Before:Management Consultant at BCG
Now:Strategy Lead at Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness

I was advising pharma companies on profit margins while the world faced health crises. Through the fellowship, I found my calling in epidemic preparedness. I now lead strategy for vaccine development programs that could prevent the next pandemic.

Impact & Outcome

Moved from consulting to global health policy, directly influencing $2B in vaccine R&D funding

"The structured approach to career pivoting made what seemed impossible feel achievable. The mentorship was invaluable."

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Priya Krishnan

Climate & Environment
Before:Marketing Manager at Consumer Goods Company
Now:Communications Director at Clean Air Initiative

I spent years selling products people didn't need. The fellowship opened my eyes to how marketing skills could drive behavior change for climate action. Now I lead campaigns that have influenced policy changes in 5 cities, improving air quality for millions.

Impact & Outcome

Shifted career to environmental advocacy, leading campaigns with measurable policy impact

"You don't need to start over—your existing skills are valuable in impact sectors. The fellowship showed me how to translate them."

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Vikram Singh

Global Development
Before:Financial Analyst at Investment Bank
Now:Program Officer at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Working in finance felt hollow. I wanted to use my analytical skills for something meaningful. The fellowship connected me with mentors in philanthropy and helped me land a role evaluating global health programs. I now help allocate millions in grants to the most effective interventions.

Impact & Outcome

Successfully pivoted from finance to philanthropy, now evaluating $50M+ in annual grants

"The fellowship's network was game-changing. My mentor introduced me to opportunities I never would have found on my own."

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Sneha Deshmukh

Human Rights & Governance
Before:Corporate Lawyer
Now:Policy Advocate at Rights & Resources Initiative

After 5 years defending corporations, I wanted to use my legal expertise to protect vulnerable communities. The fellowship helped me navigate the transition to policy advocacy. I now work on land rights issues, helping indigenous communities secure legal protections.

Impact & Outcome

Transitioned from corporate law to human rights advocacy, contributing to policy changes in 3 countries

"The fellowship gave me confidence that my corporate background was an asset, not a liability, in the nonprofit sector."

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Arjun Mehta

Emerging Technology & Safety
Before:Data Scientist at E-commerce Startup
Now:Research Scientist at AI Safety Institute

I was optimizing product recommendations when I became concerned about AI risks. The fellowship introduced me to the AI safety field and helped me pivot into research on AI alignment. Now I work on technical problems that could shape the future of humanity.

Impact & Outcome

Moved from commercial AI to AI safety research, publishing papers on crucial alignment challenges

"The fellowship opened doors to a field I didn't even know existed. The career exploration phase was incredibly eye-opening."

Featured Projects

Impactful work our fellows and alumni have contributed to

GiveDirectly

Cash Transfer Program Optimization

Redesigned the recipient selection algorithm, improving targeting accuracy by 35% and reaching 100,000 additional families in need.

Impact

100K families reached

Fellow

Aisha P.

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness

Vaccine Distribution Strategy

Developed distribution models for COVID-19 vaccines that influenced WHO guidelines and helped vaccinate 50M people in low-income countries.

Impact

50M vaccinations enabled

Fellow

Rohan V.

Clean Air Initiative

Air Quality Policy Campaign

Led advocacy campaign that resulted in stricter emission standards in 5 major cities, projected to save 10,000 lives over 10 years.

Impact

10K lives saved (projected)

Fellow

Priya K.

Gates Foundation

Effective Giving Research

Conducted cost-effectiveness analysis of malaria interventions, influencing $120M in grant allocations to the most impactful programs.

Impact

$120M optimized

Fellow

Vikram S.

Rights & Resources Initiative

Indigenous Land Rights Framework

Drafted legal framework adopted by 3 governments, securing land tenure for 500,000 indigenous people.

Impact

500K people protected

Fellow

Sneha D.

AI Safety Institute

AI Alignment Research

Published breakthrough paper on reward modeling that has been cited 200+ times and influenced leading AI labs' safety practices.

Impact

200+ citations

Fellow

Arjun M.

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