Introducing TeenLife’s Global Impact guide

Stop scrolling for a minute and think about this: when was the last time you saw something happening halfway across the planet and knew about it instantly? That’s the world we’re living in, right? It feels like you can glance to your left from a living room in Connecticut and connect with someone in Sydney thanks to fiber optics and the tiny computer living in your pocket. 

Instant communication. Instant connection. Instant responsibility. Global access is an accepted feature of modern life and a total game-changer for your future. 

So, what are you gonna do with all that global access?

You already live a global life

Real talk time. Being globally-minded isn’t an extra credit assignment anymore. It’s the main event. Remember how, a couple of years ago, a distant conflict caused gas prices to jump at your local station? Or when a massive climate event overseas shifted supply chains for your favorite merch? Everything is connected today. The world’s issues — climate change, economic development, diplomacy, humanitarian crises — are knocking on everyone’s doors, not just someone else’s. 

That’s why we created the TeenLife Global Impact guide. If you’ve ever found yourself doomscrolling about a world problem and thinking, “Someone should fix that,” this guide is your answer. It’s for the dreamers looking far beyond their backyard fence who are curious about what it’s like to deliver aid, build a school, or sit at the table where real policy is made. Your passions and curiosity don’t have to be mere hobbies; use them as fuel for making real-world change.

The career demand is real

Think about the job market that your parents or older family members discuss. Now, think about this: today’s top employers, from tech giants like Meta and Google to nonprofits like Doctors Without Borders, want people who don’t just “get” their local community but who can navigate a world of diverse cultures and perspectives. The demand for globally-minded employees is exploding. 

Why? Because every significant business decision today has an international echo. Your future boss doesn’t need someone who only crunches numbers or drafts good emails; they need a diplomat, a translator of cultures, someone who understands that a factory decision in Berlin has ripple effects on wages in Bangkok. If you’re managing a product, you have to think about regulatory differences in Europe, consumer preferences in Asia, and sustainability standards everywhere. Suddenly, that understanding of history, language, and global economics becomes priceless.

Thinking about a career in sustainable fashion? That’s global, with a focus on ethical sourcing and labor laws worldwide. Interested in cybersecurity? Talk about an international chess match!

We've packed this guide with articles that break down the top careers in international relations and global studies. We highlight the college majors that can set you on a path to a global career and explain the role of social entrepreneurship, where you can be a savvy businessperson and a world-saver. Think you’re a leader — or want to become a leader — but you’re not sure what kind? We’ve got you covered!

Why just get a job when you can find a career that really matters? That’s the difference between a paycheck and a purpose.

Skills you can start building now — yes, even in high school

So, how do you stop thinking about global change and start taking action? It boils down to skills. And guess what? You don’t have to wait until college to begin developing them.

• Empathy and perspective are the bedrock. Can you step into someone else’s shoes, even if they live thousands of miles away and speak a different language? Volunteer locally, read books written by foreign authors, and listen more than you talk.
• Language is power. This guide has the scoop on the languages you should study for a global career. Knowing Mandarin, Arabic, French, or Portuguese can open doors to entire continents and career paths.
• Digital fluency is non-negotiable now. You may be a pro, so use your powers for good. Can you leverage social media platforms to organize a cross-continental campaign? That’s a skill. Our article, “Start Local, Think Global,” has other ideas, too.

Your invite to impact

Use this guide as a launchpad or spark for other ideas. We’ve done the heavy lifting, packing these pages with resources, programs, and articles — from inspiring stories of regular people who became changemakers to organizations with a global mission that you can connect with right now. You’ll read about how one person really can change the world (hint: that person could be you!). 

We invite you to dive in, find that one career or topic that makes your heart beat a little faster, and start building the future. The world is growing smaller, which means your opportunity to lead with empathy and make a lasting global impact is bigger than ever. What are you waiting for? The world needs what you’ve got.