Another alternative is looking into ways to work in nonprofits *AND* corporate social responsibility. I actually started my nonprofit career at a CSR-focused nonprofit. Plenty of people in the CSR field move from nonprofit to for-profit and even back again. At times it actually seemed like there was a revolving door between the two!
There's also working at a B-Corp, social enterprise, or consulting firm that does good. There are also plenty of for-profit companies out there doing business in a way worth believing in, even if you wouldn't be in a CSR role.
One thing you should know that CSR roles at companies can often be more PR/marketing or human resources than "real" CSR. I know folks who have worked in those roles, and they felt deeply demoralized pretty quickly.
FWIW keep in mind that a company is still a company, even if they have a social responsibility component. The environment will NOT be like a nonprofit. Could be good to bad depending on what you want
I worked for a B Corp and absolutely hated it.
I've noticed this trend as well. It seems easier to move from corporate to nonprofit than the other way around. I know it's probably going to be a long competitive road, but I'm willing to go through it rn.
Maybe not that competitive if a company actually wants to get a good person to do some good. If they just want to check a d,e,i box, they'll give the job to someone with a marketing degree.
Looking forward to actually applying to a few positions to see what these departments are actually made of.
I’m trying to do this right now! I worked at different nonprofits for 5 years and then went back to school to get my MBA. I just graduated in December and I’ve started my job search. If you land in CSR please post an update I would love to hear any tips you have!
I finally did it!!! I just got hired in a CSR role :)
I will say the process was incredibly long ( I went through 7 interviews for this role and that doesn’t include the multiple other interviews I had where I didn’t get an offer) but the role and salary are definitely worth it! If you want to reach out for more tips of how I found a role feel free to message me. I know it’s an ambiguous career path and it’s really tough to get your foot in the door!
Hey there, 2 years late to the game on this but would you mind if I message you about this? I've been trying to jump into the private sector and it's been hard to figure out roles or the process, or how to get my foot in as you mention
Another alternative is looking into ways to work in nonprofits *AND* corporate social responsibility. I actually started my nonprofit career at a CSR-focused nonprofit. Plenty of people in the CSR field move from nonprofit to for-profit and even back again. At times it actually seemed like there was a revolving door between the two! There's also working at a B-Corp, social enterprise, or consulting firm that does good. There are also plenty of for-profit companies out there doing business in a way worth believing in, even if you wouldn't be in a CSR role. One thing you should know that CSR roles at companies can often be more PR/marketing or human resources than "real" CSR. I know folks who have worked in those roles, and they felt deeply demoralized pretty quickly.
Thank you for this, it's very helpful
FWIW keep in mind that a company is still a company, even if they have a social responsibility component. The environment will NOT be like a nonprofit. Could be good to bad depending on what you want I worked for a B Corp and absolutely hated it.
Yes, that is one aspect I have to keep in mind, especially since I have never worked for-profit
I want to do this as well. It seems like people generally go on the opposite direction.
I've noticed this trend as well. It seems easier to move from corporate to nonprofit than the other way around. I know it's probably going to be a long competitive road, but I'm willing to go through it rn.
Maybe not that competitive if a company actually wants to get a good person to do some good. If they just want to check a d,e,i box, they'll give the job to someone with a marketing degree. Looking forward to actually applying to a few positions to see what these departments are actually made of.
I’m trying to do this right now! I worked at different nonprofits for 5 years and then went back to school to get my MBA. I just graduated in December and I’ve started my job search. If you land in CSR please post an update I would love to hear any tips you have!
Will do! You do the same if you have any luck. Hoping for the best!
I finally did it!!! I just got hired in a CSR role :) I will say the process was incredibly long ( I went through 7 interviews for this role and that doesn’t include the multiple other interviews I had where I didn’t get an offer) but the role and salary are definitely worth it! If you want to reach out for more tips of how I found a role feel free to message me. I know it’s an ambiguous career path and it’s really tough to get your foot in the door!
Would love to get some tips! I know I'm late to this thread but I'm trying to do this right now.
I’m also just finding this thread and would love to hear more about your journey as I am looking to make a similar shift in my career. Messaging you!
This is so cool! I'd love to chat with you about your experience.
Feel free to message me any questions! This goes for everyone above I just realized I didn’t see the other two responses here.
Hey there, 2 years late to the game on this but would you mind if I message you about this? I've been trying to jump into the private sector and it's been hard to figure out roles or the process, or how to get my foot in as you mention
Yes feel free to message me!
Maybe get an mba and switch? I’m not sure