I’ve just started my MBA at Fuqua and, like so many of my peers, the preeminent question on my mind is: What in the world is my next career move? Over the past 6 weeks, a personal question has also been surfacing: What kind of impact do I want to create in the world?
Thankfully, I’m in the perfect place to explore different careers and avenues for impact. I looked into different events and resources available to students and found “Starting Line: For Careers in Social Impact & Sustainability,” hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE), Center for Energy, Development, and Global Environment (EDGE), and Fuqua’s Career Management Center (CMC). The event, comprising insightful presentations, a thought-provoking career panel, and a mini-action workshop, was an incredibly rewarding way to usher in my Fall 1 term at Fuqua.
Being surrounded by so many like-minded students and professionals, all seeking out ways to harness the power of business and drive lasting change, was energizing. In a sector often defined by ambiguity, this event transformed my vague fears into clear, actionable next steps for navigating the world of impact careers.
A key takeaway was learning about the vast array of career paths available. Understanding the organizational types — nonprofits, for-profits, investors, and public/government — showcased the breadth and depth of opportunity in the sector. From the role and function to the industry and organization type, the social impact and sustainability space is ripe with possibilities. The first step is simply understanding which corner of the landscape resonates with you.
The engaging career panel, “Putting Social Impact & Sustainability Into Practice,” moderated by Professor Cathy Clark, CASE faculty director, featured alumni and a second-year student from diverse career stages and professional backgrounds, sharing reflections on the various avenues to pursue in the field. The panelists’ experiences provided insights into roles including impact investing and venture capital, entrepreneurship, leadership within impact-focused organizations, and corporate sustainability.
The guest speakers counseled us to remain curious, adaptable, and open to new opportunities. One alumnus reminded the audience just how significant a portion of our lives we spend working and emphasized the value of loving what you do professionally.
One of the most valuable topics broached during the session was a common dilemma: “Is it better to take a safe job early or wait until spring for mission-aligned opportunities?” My fears were almost completely abated with the mention of diverse support systems offered, including CMC coaches, faculty, staff, alumni, industry-specific symposiums, and Career Fellows, who are second-year MBA students trained to support first-years through their recruitment journeys. Another interesting resource mentioned was The Fuqua Summer Internship Fund, providing up to 1:1 matching support for impact internships.
Erin Worsham, CASE’s executive director, reminded us that the custom search for a social impact and sustainability career is fundamentally different from other paths, like consulting or investment banking. Ultimately, it would be up to us to create our own definition of success. Her encouraging message helped shift my initial perspective and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
I ultimately chose Fuqua to drive impact and change. After attending “Starting Line,” I am more confident than ever that I made the right choice joining this community of movers and shakers. I left the event with a crystallizing career roadmap, key resources and tools to guide the custom impact job search, and the inception of a powerful impact-oriented network. As I embark on recruitment and the rest of my MBA experience, I’ll reflect on the session’s fitting concluding message: “Stay curious, stay connected, and keep moving forward.”
The post Exploring a Social Impact Career in 3 Steps appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
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I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : Exploring a Social Impact Career in 3 Steps
Thankfully, I’m in the perfect place to explore different careers and avenues for impact. I looked into different events and resources available to students and found “Starting Line: For Careers in Social Impact & Sustainability,” hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE), Center for Energy, Development, and Global Environment (EDGE), and Fuqua’s Career Management Center (CMC). The event, comprising insightful presentations, a thought-provoking career panel, and a mini-action workshop, was an incredibly rewarding way to usher in my Fall 1 term at Fuqua.
Being surrounded by so many like-minded students and professionals, all seeking out ways to harness the power of business and drive lasting change, was energizing. In a sector often defined by ambiguity, this event transformed my vague fears into clear, actionable next steps for navigating the world of impact careers.
Step 1: Narrow Your Focus
A key takeaway was learning about the vast array of career paths available. Understanding the organizational types — nonprofits, for-profits, investors, and public/government — showcased the breadth and depth of opportunity in the sector. From the role and function to the industry and organization type, the social impact and sustainability space is ripe with possibilities. The first step is simply understanding which corner of the landscape resonates with you.
The engaging career panel, “Putting Social Impact & Sustainability Into Practice,” moderated by Professor Cathy Clark, CASE faculty director, featured alumni and a second-year student from diverse career stages and professional backgrounds, sharing reflections on the various avenues to pursue in the field. The panelists’ experiences provided insights into roles including impact investing and venture capital, entrepreneurship, leadership within impact-focused organizations, and corporate sustainability.
The guest speakers counseled us to remain curious, adaptable, and open to new opportunities. One alumnus reminded the audience just how significant a portion of our lives we spend working and emphasized the value of loving what you do professionally.
Step 2: Leverage Fuqua’s Supportive Network
One of the most valuable topics broached during the session was a common dilemma: “Is it better to take a safe job early or wait until spring for mission-aligned opportunities?” My fears were almost completely abated with the mention of diverse support systems offered, including CMC coaches, faculty, staff, alumni, industry-specific symposiums, and Career Fellows, who are second-year MBA students trained to support first-years through their recruitment journeys. Another interesting resource mentioned was The Fuqua Summer Internship Fund, providing up to 1:1 matching support for impact internships.
Step 3: Consider What Success Looks Like For You
Erin Worsham, CASE’s executive director, reminded us that the custom search for a social impact and sustainability career is fundamentally different from other paths, like consulting or investment banking. Ultimately, it would be up to us to create our own definition of success. Her encouraging message helped shift my initial perspective and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
I ultimately chose Fuqua to drive impact and change. After attending “Starting Line,” I am more confident than ever that I made the right choice joining this community of movers and shakers. I left the event with a crystallizing career roadmap, key resources and tools to guide the custom impact job search, and the inception of a powerful impact-oriented network. As I embark on recruitment and the rest of my MBA experience, I’ll reflect on the session’s fitting concluding message: “Stay curious, stay connected, and keep moving forward.”
The post Exploring a Social Impact Career in 3 Steps appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
More...
How does this impact your International MBA decision?
I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : Exploring a Social Impact Career in 3 Steps