2 answers
Gavin
Student
Red Hook, New York
2
Questions
Updated
204 views
How can I connect my values to a career that makes an impact in people's lives I delivered food during covid when I was in 9th grade and have been committed to my community ever since. I want a career where I can make a difference and as I enter college next year I want to find ways to connect with people whose work is meaningful.?
I delivered food during covid when I was in 9th grade and have been committed to my community ever since. I want a career where I can make a difference and as I enter college next year I want to find ways to connect with people whose work is meaningful.
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2 answers
Kevin Yang
Impact Investing
10
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Gavin,
Absolutely love this question! I was similarly in your shoes in trying to find professional roles that aligned with my values of doing good for people and the planet.
Here are the main categories that come to mind:
By sector:
-- Non-profits:
-- Social Enterprise or mission-driven organization:
-- Impact Investing
By function/role:
-- Corporate Social Responsibility
-- Employee engagement
-- Supply Chain (if you're interested in sustainability)
Without knowing your specific studies of interest, I'll touch more on the opportunities by sector. There are many non-profits working in the food and agriculture space, and any role within that (operations, development i.e., fundraising, HR, etc.) would allow you to engage with your values. Similarly for a social enterprise with many roles (marketing, accounting, sales, etc.). Impact investing (what I work in) is putting capital/money into companies seeking to not only earn a financial return, but to also generate some measurable social or environmental benefit as well.
I'll give you some examples of food-related social enterprises that I've invested in: (1) Ryp Labs, which produces stickers and packaging that extends the shelf life of produce by up to 3x, (2) 12 Tides, which makes a puffed kelp chip (sourcing for regenerative agriculture farmers), and (3) Clean Crop, which helps farmers produce healthier peanuts without aflatoxins.
Of course, many non-profit models might have something even more up your alley. As you enter college next year, perhaps my biggest recommendation would be to actively look for and join a student organization that is focused around volunteering or community support. There will be many classmates and upperclassmen who might know of resources in your area that could help you explore your interests further.
Cheers to your professional journey ahead! Please don't hesitate to shout if you have any follow-up questions.
Best,
Kevin
Absolutely love this question! I was similarly in your shoes in trying to find professional roles that aligned with my values of doing good for people and the planet.
Here are the main categories that come to mind:
By sector:
-- Non-profits:
-- Social Enterprise or mission-driven organization:
-- Impact Investing
By function/role:
-- Corporate Social Responsibility
-- Employee engagement
-- Supply Chain (if you're interested in sustainability)
Without knowing your specific studies of interest, I'll touch more on the opportunities by sector. There are many non-profits working in the food and agriculture space, and any role within that (operations, development i.e., fundraising, HR, etc.) would allow you to engage with your values. Similarly for a social enterprise with many roles (marketing, accounting, sales, etc.). Impact investing (what I work in) is putting capital/money into companies seeking to not only earn a financial return, but to also generate some measurable social or environmental benefit as well.
I'll give you some examples of food-related social enterprises that I've invested in: (1) Ryp Labs, which produces stickers and packaging that extends the shelf life of produce by up to 3x, (2) 12 Tides, which makes a puffed kelp chip (sourcing for regenerative agriculture farmers), and (3) Clean Crop, which helps farmers produce healthier peanuts without aflatoxins.
Of course, many non-profit models might have something even more up your alley. As you enter college next year, perhaps my biggest recommendation would be to actively look for and join a student organization that is focused around volunteering or community support. There will be many classmates and upperclassmen who might know of resources in your area that could help you explore your interests further.
Cheers to your professional journey ahead! Please don't hesitate to shout if you have any follow-up questions.
Best,
Kevin
Chin Lee Yeap
CSR and Employee Engagement
5
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Chin Lee’s Answer
Hi Gavin, giving back to the community is really rewarding and gives life a sense of purpose. I admire your choice to go down this meaningful path. I'm on a similar journey in my career. There are many ways to volunteer, and it's great to focus on something you're passionate about, like food security. Dive into that area and connect with others who are also involved. Try to network as much as you can, reaching out to charities, government groups, and companies that might help support the same community and people in need. Be open to exploring new areas, like helping low-income families, people with disabilities, kids, or the elderly. You might discover new interests and meet more people who share your passion.
Thank you. I appreciate your responding. What is employee engagement? I see that's what's listed as your job title.
Gavin