Introduction

Overall estimated read time: 17 minutes

Last updated: July 2021

It is undeniable that corporations are a powerful force in the United States and worldwide--creating jobs, employing millions of people, and influencing the state of our politics and economics. While a lot of that work is focused on their bottom line, corporations have gotten increasingly involved in the social sector over the past decade, giving more than $20B per year to nonprofits and standing up for social justice issues  in politics and the media. 

A corporate social responsibility (CSR) team is charged with harnessing the potential of the corporation to have a positive impact in the world. The CSR team works to mobilize a corporation’s money for good, and also employs its skilled volunteers and a corporate megaphone to make a positive impact in society. Working in CSR often has very low turnover because the job is a coveted blend of social impact and high salaries. It is also one of the hardest fields to break into at an entry-level that Second Day has analyzed. 

If this career path sounds exciting to you, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about working in CSR. To inform our work, Second Day has spoken to experts in the field and gathered the best information out there for upcoming and recent graduates. First, the guide will take you through the different entry-level positions to look out for in this field. Then, we’ll provide tips on actually getting those jobs in CSR. We’ll finish with our next three steps: actionable items you can take to make progress towards finding your first job in CSR. Let’s get started! 

Preview curriculum

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  • 1

    Introduction

    • So you want to work in Corporate Social Responsibility?
  • 2

    What types of jobs exist in CSR?

    • The work of a CSR team

    • Potential roles in CSR

    • CSR by the numbers (pay and hours)
  • 3

    How to get a job in CSR

    • What to demonstrate in your application

    • Bonus content! Understanding the nuance of CSR work

    • Who might thrive in these roles

    • Exit opportunities

    • Next three steps