System messages
Actions on this page
Business careers with social impact
While many paths exist to a social-impact career, job seekers can enter through several "lenses" (similar to the five-lens framework approach in the nonprofit sector):
Position
The number of companies offering positions focusing on corporate responsibility and sustainability is growing.
Job titles include:
- CSR (corporate social responsibility) specialist
- sustainability consultant
- director (or staff) of the corporate foundation.
Often companies fill positions related to sustainability and corporate responsibility from within, offering them to current employees who have incorporated social change into their job or department.
To prepare for a business career in social responsibility, look for jobs with responsibilities that attract you. As you research and interview, investigate the business's commitment to social responsibility and culture of innovation.
Once you're hired, create a sustainable strategy for including a triple bottom line approach in your daily work.
Company
A growing number of companies recognize the value of the triple-bottom-line approach to their work.
Such companies provide ideal employment opportunities for mainstream jobs that will already have social-impact goals integrated into the position description.
Find links to company rankings and listings.
Industry
Many fields have experienced significant growth in forwarding corporate social responsibility goals, including sustainable design, renewable energy, microfinance, venture philanthropy, and green building — to name a few.