Publication date:
May 16, 2025
Author Challenges Graduates to Pursue Careers Addressing Global Issues
Rutger Bregman's new book 'Moral Ambition' urges top graduates to choose careers that tackle pressing global challenges rather than defaulting to finance and consulting roles.
Climate & Energy
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and bestselling author, is challenging the status quo of career choices for top university graduates. In his latest book, "Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference," Bregman argues that too many bright minds are being funneled into what he terms "socially useless" professions, particularly in finance and consulting.
Bregman criticizes the current landscape of career fairs at elite institutions, which he says are dominated by firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Kirkland & Ellis, rather than opportunities focused on solving global challenges such as pandemic prevention, malaria eradication, or extreme poverty elimination. He describes this trend as a "Bermuda triangle of talent," where potential for significant positive impact is lost.
The author suggests that many graduates choose these paths not primarily for monetary reasons, but out of a desire to "preserve optionality" and postpone major life decisions. This tendency, he argues, is particularly prevalent among "insecure overachievers" who are uncertain about their long-term goals.
To counter this trend, Bregman advocates for creating more intellectually stimulating opportunities in fields that address critical global issues. He likens this to establishing a "Champions League for do-gooders," referencing the prestigious European soccer competition to illustrate the need for high-profile, challenging roles in socially impactful sectors.
Bregman's proposed solutions include encouraging graduates to enter large-scale research and innovation fields focused on solving humanity's biggest problems, such as hunger and the climate crisis. He emphasizes that the key is not necessarily following one's passion, but rather identifying where one's impact can be greatest.
To support this vision, Bregman has co-founded the School for Moral Ambition, aiming to guide individuals towards careers addressing pressing global issues. He draws inspiration from historical moral pioneers, suggesting that engaging in meaningful work often precedes and shapes an individual's moral character.
The author's message challenges conventional career wisdom and calls for a reevaluation of what constitutes success and fulfillment in professional life. By encouraging graduates to consider the broader impact of their career choices, Bregman hopes to redirect talent towards solving critical global challenges.
This perspective has significant implications for various sectors, including energy and environmental fields, as it could potentially influence a new generation of professionals to focus on sustainable development, renewable energy innovations, and climate change mitigation strategies.
Bregman criticizes the current landscape of career fairs at elite institutions, which he says are dominated by firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Kirkland & Ellis, rather than opportunities focused on solving global challenges such as pandemic prevention, malaria eradication, or extreme poverty elimination. He describes this trend as a "Bermuda triangle of talent," where potential for significant positive impact is lost.
The author suggests that many graduates choose these paths not primarily for monetary reasons, but out of a desire to "preserve optionality" and postpone major life decisions. This tendency, he argues, is particularly prevalent among "insecure overachievers" who are uncertain about their long-term goals.
To counter this trend, Bregman advocates for creating more intellectually stimulating opportunities in fields that address critical global issues. He likens this to establishing a "Champions League for do-gooders," referencing the prestigious European soccer competition to illustrate the need for high-profile, challenging roles in socially impactful sectors.
Bregman's proposed solutions include encouraging graduates to enter large-scale research and innovation fields focused on solving humanity's biggest problems, such as hunger and the climate crisis. He emphasizes that the key is not necessarily following one's passion, but rather identifying where one's impact can be greatest.
To support this vision, Bregman has co-founded the School for Moral Ambition, aiming to guide individuals towards careers addressing pressing global issues. He draws inspiration from historical moral pioneers, suggesting that engaging in meaningful work often precedes and shapes an individual's moral character.
The author's message challenges conventional career wisdom and calls for a reevaluation of what constitutes success and fulfillment in professional life. By encouraging graduates to consider the broader impact of their career choices, Bregman hopes to redirect talent towards solving critical global challenges.
This perspective has significant implications for various sectors, including energy and environmental fields, as it could potentially influence a new generation of professionals to focus on sustainable development, renewable energy innovations, and climate change mitigation strategies.
