Applications Open for Impact Accelerator Program for EA Professionals

High Impact Professionals (HIP) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the next round of our Impact Accelerator Program (IAP). The IAP is a 6-week program designed to equip experienced (mid-career/senior) EA-aligned professionals (not currently working at a high-impact organization) with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a meaningful impact and empower them to start taking actionable steps right away. 

To date, the program’s high action focus has proven to be successful:

• 55 participants (out of 284 in total) from our first six program rounds have transitioned into high-impact careers, through various paths, including founding new charities, starting founding-to-give companies, and joining high-impact organizations such as GiveWell, Charity Entrepreneurship, ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS), Malaria Consortium, and more;
• an additional 139 participants are taking concrete actions towards a high-impact career, including skilled volunteering roles at high-impact organizations; and
• many participants are donating a meaningful percentage of their annual salary to effective charities, with 44 having taken the 🔶 10% Pledge (15) or 🔷 Trial Pledge (32) during a IAP round.

We’re pleased to open up this new program round, which will start the week of October 27. More information is available below and here 

Please apply by Sunday, September 21.

Program Objectives

The IAP is set up to help participants:

• identify paths to impact,
• take concrete, impactful actions, and
• join a network of like-minded, experienced, and supportive impact-focused professionals.

At the end of the program, a participant should have a good answer to the question “How can I have the most impact with my career, and what are my next steps?”, and they should have taken the first steps in that direction.

Program Overview

Important Dates

• Program duration: 6 weeks (October 27  – December 7)​
• Deadline to apply: September 21
• Questions? Join one of our informational webinars
  • Wed., 17 Sept., 8-9am UTC → https://bit.ly/45KbZsf
  • Wed., 17 Sept., 4-5pm UTC → https://bit.ly/4nfw3dx

Format

• Weekly individual work (2–3 hours). A mix of:
  • Learning: Reading resources on how to think about and prioritize different options for impact
  • Doing: Taking impactful actions, such as developing your own personalized impact plan and taking concrete steps to begin implementing it
• Virtual group sessions (1.5 hours of discussions and coaching)
  • Includes mastermind sessions where each member of the cohort has the opportunity to present their plans, obstacles, and uncertainties and get in-depth, tailored feedback
• 1-on-1 sessions with other IAP participants and facilitators
• Extracurricular sessions: The possibility of extra sessions on topics defined by the needs of the cohort (e.g., job search strategies, networking, advice from high-impact organization recruiters, etc.)
• Post-program support sessions: Access additional group sessions in the months following the program, as well as regular alumni sessions, to maintain momentum and continue implementing your plan

Topics covered

• Paths to impact for professionals – explore the landscape of career possibilities, address your key uncertainties, and identify your best career and impact options
• Develop an action plan – put all you’ve discovered into a roadmap with actionable steps to guide you to your impact goals
• Implement your plan – Begin taking active steps to turn your plan into an impactful reality

Why Should You Apply?

• Overcome Barriers: We'll guide you in exploring your personal obstacles to impact and assist you in taking real-world, impactful actions.
• Understand Impact: Delve into the complex nature of creating positive change and discover the diverse opportunities available to experienced professionals.
• Develop and Implement a Solid Impact Plan: Acquire tools to assess and plan for impact, and integrate them into your own circumstances to create a personal roadmap for maximizing your positive influence. Then, begin taking concrete steps to put your plan into action. All with tailored feedback
• Connect with Like-Minded People: Embark on this journey alongside others who share similar goals and aspirations, fostering a supportive community of impact-oriented professionals.

Who Should Apply?

You'll likely get the most value from the program if you:

• are a mid-career or senior professional,
• are not currently working at a high-impact organization,
• have contemplated how you can do the most good, and
• haven't yet taken many significant steps in that direction.

Please note that the above are guidelines. Therefore, if you feel you'd benefit from the program but don't think you fit the criteria, please apply anyway!

We look forward to receiving your application and helping you make a lasting difference in the world.