You're passionate about sustainability. How can you make a career out of it?

1 What is CSR?

CSR is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Different companies have different approaches, priorities, and standards when it comes to CSR. Some may focus on compliance and risk management, while others may strive for innovation and leadership. Some may adopt a global perspective, while others may tailor their CSR to local contexts and needs. However, regardless of the specifics, CSR generally aims to create positive social and environmental impacts through a company's core activities, products, and services. CSR can also enhance a company's reputation, trust, and loyalty among its stakeholders, such as customers, employees, investors, regulators, and communities.

2 Why choose CSR?

Working in CSR can be fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding. You can use your skills, knowledge, and creativity to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as climate change, poverty, human rights, and diversity. You can also make a difference in the lives of people and the planet, by helping your company operate more responsibly and sustainably. Working in CSR can also offer you opportunities for personal and professional growth, as you can learn from different perspectives, cultures, and disciplines, and collaborate with various internal and external partners.

3 What are the challenges?

Working in CSR is not without its difficulties. You may face resistance, skepticism, or indifference from some of your colleagues, managers, or clients, who may not share your vision or values. You may also have to deal with complex, ambiguous, and dynamic situations, where there is no clear or easy solution. You may have to balance competing interests, expectations, and demands from different stakeholders, who may have conflicting or contradictory goals. You may also have to cope with limited resources, time, and support, and measure and communicate your impact effectively.

4 What are the skills?

To succeed in CSR, you need a combination of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical or specialized knowledge and abilities that are relevant to your specific role or industry. For example, if you work in CSR reporting, you may need to know how to use certain tools, frameworks, and standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), or the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). If you work in CSR strategy, you may need to know how to conduct stakeholder analysis, materiality assessment, or impact evaluation. Soft skills are the interpersonal or behavioral skills that are essential for any role or industry. For example, some of the key soft skills for CSR are communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and empathy.

5 How to start?

If you're interested in working in CSR, there are several ways to start. One way is to look for CSR-related roles or projects within your current company or industry. You can also network with other CSR professionals, join online or offline communities, attend events or webinars, or take courses or certifications. Another way is to explore CSR-related opportunities in other companies or industries, especially those that align with your passion, values, or goals. You can also research the CSR trends, best practices, and challenges in different sectors, and identify the gaps or needs that you can fill or address. A third way is to create your own CSR-related opportunities, by starting your own initiative, venture, or organization, or by volunteering or consulting for a social or environmental cause.

6 How to grow?

Once you start working in CSR, you can grow your career by continuously learning, improving, and adapting. You can keep yourself updated on the latest CSR developments, research, and innovations, and apply them to your work. You can also seek feedback, mentorship, and coaching from your peers, managers, or experts, and learn from their experiences and insights. You can also challenge yourself, by taking on new or different roles or projects, or by pursuing further education or qualifications. Finally, you can also share your knowledge, skills, and impact, by mentoring, teaching, or speaking to others who are interested or involved in CSR.