Application Guide
How to Apply for Career Planning Course (Summer 2026)
at Scaling Altruism
🏢 About Scaling Altruism
Scaling Altruism supports local effective altruism (EA) community builders by reducing their operational workload, enabling them to focus on outreach. The organization is unique in its mission to scale high-impact career planning through structured, peer-driven courses. Joining means contributing to a movement that helps individuals find careers where they can do the most good.
About This Role
This six-week course helps participants develop a personalized career plan using frameworks for comparing high-impact problems, evaluating career paths, and assessing personal fit. You'll engage in structured planning, peer discussion, and build a community of impact-driven individuals. The role is impactful because it directly equips participants with the tools to make a difference in their careers.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reading assigned materials on career frameworks, completing personal exercises to evaluate your skills and values, and participating in a structured group discussion with peers and a facilitator. You'll also spend time reflecting on your career plan and providing feedback to others in your cohort.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Scaling Altruism Is Looking For
- Open to anyone interested in high-impact careers, regardless of background or experience.
- Committed to participating fully in six weeks of reading, exercises, and group discussions.
- Eager to engage with EA concepts and apply them to personal career planning.
- Collaborative and willing to give and receive feedback in a peer setting.
📝 Tips for Applying to Scaling Altruism
Highlight any prior exposure to effective altruism or related concepts, even if informal.
Demonstrate your commitment to the six-week timeline by mentioning your availability and readiness.
Explain why you specifically want to participate in Scaling Altruism's course rather than a generic career planning program.
If you have experience facilitating groups or leading discussions, mention it—even if not required.
Show genuine interest in helping others find high-impact careers, as the course is community-focused.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your motivation for pursuing a high-impact career and how this course fits into that journey.', 'Your willingness to learn and apply EA frameworks to career planning.', 'Your ability to commit to the full six-week program and actively participate in discussions.', 'Any relevant experience in career development, mentorship, or community building.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read the introductory post about Scaling Altruism on the EA Forum (linked in job description).
- → Familiarize yourself with common EA career frameworks like 80,000 Hours' key ideas.
- → Understand the concept of 'cause prioritization' and how it applies to career choice.
- → Look into past Scaling Altruism courses or similar programs to understand their structure.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the course as a passive lecture series rather than an active, participatory workshop.
- Overemphasizing personal career advancement over the altruistic mission.
- Failing to demonstrate commitment to the full six-week schedule.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: June 7, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Scaling Altruism!