Reaching Out to Formerly Engaged EAs

As a community builder, it doesn’t get much better than receiving a message like this:

Others who work on movement growth have mentioned similar success stories: someone learns about EA, doesn’t immediately work in an EA-shaped role, but then transitions to impactful work years later. I can’t help but wonder: might there be people who lost touch with EA, but would be excited to put themselves back out there if nudged? 

When I learned about EA as a college student in 2017, there were relatively few “EA jobs” I was a fit for. After getting rejected from a few roles, I ruled myself out for most of the next five years. If someone had messaged me “there are a ton of opportunities now; you should consider applying again!” I certainly would have done so.

I think now is a better time than ever before to apply for jobs at organizations doing good effectively. Hundreds of impactful organizations across the EA ecosystem are hiring for a greater number and variety of roles, and I anticipate continued growth in opportunities to keep pace with expansion in effective philanthropy. Plus, with greater resourcing, staff at impactful organizations may have the potential to generate even more impact now than in the past. 

With all of this in mind, I think that reaching out to friends who were previously interested in EA can be quite valuable. Formerly engaged EAs may be especially likely to be great candidates due to their context on the work, values, and transferable professional experience. People appreciate messages that make them feel valued, so I think there is no downside to reaching out (in a respectful, non-pushy way).

Thanks in advance for considering this. Your message might make the difference of a friend finding a more fulfilling career, and help the world make better use of the windfall of effective philanthropy on the horizon.