Career Options

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) careers are on the rise as corporations emphasize sustainable practices and contributing to their communities. As the field evolves, CSR professionals will often interact cross-functionally with supply chain, marketing, and research and development departments. Corporations at the forefront of this field see sustainable business practices and corporate citizenship as a way to enhance the bottom line, not just as a public image or responsibility. MBA students interested in applying analytical, research, and project management skills in the context of environmental and social sustainability pursue CSR careers.

Nonprofit Management

Leadership roles in non-profit organizations entail financial management, development of an organizational culture, and often public-facing responsibilities as a spokesperson. Non-profit management involves an understanding of fundraising, strategic planning, securing corporate partnerships, program development, proposal writing, and board and staff development.

Social Enterprise

A social enterprise is an organization or venture that uses commercial strategies to advance the welfare of society or the environment. Less focused on maximizing profits for external shareholders, social enterprises can take the form of for-profit or non-profit organizations. Examples of social enterprises include Ashoka, Kiva, Applegate, Acumen Fund, Teach for America, and RSF Social Finance.

Social Impact Investing

As defined by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), social impact investments are made to companies, organizations, and funds with the intention to generate a measurable, beneficial social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Impact investments provide the capital to find and implement solutions to issues related to education, housing, healthcare, climate change, and other areas. Organizations that focus on impact investing include the Aspen Institute, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Global Opportunities

Many large U.S. corporations, nonprofits and social enterprises have offices worldwide and source applicants for all possible locations.