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what should I study to become a social entrepreneur?
I want to become a social entrepreneur and I am studying business but I feel that its not helping and I don't really know what to study or where to begin to get experience.
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Ryan Fu
Director, Global Markets Team at Clinton Health Access Initiative
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Ryan’s Answer
Hi Adam,
First of all, I wanted to say that many business skills would come in handy as you explore social entrepreneurship opportunities in the future, so you are off to a good start! Depending on where you are in your studies, it may be difficult to connect the dots and see how business skills could help tackle social issues, but I can assure you that many things you learn in business - from accounting/ finance, strategy, project management, organizational management, etc are all valuable skills for launching and managing social enterprises well.
There is certainly value in expanding beyond developing business skills and also learning more about social issues though. Is there a particular issue or area that you are interested in? If so, I agree with Rachel above that connecting with non-profit organizations/ social enterprises that you are intrigued with their work could be great and give you a better sense of how business skills are applied in a real life setting at the same time. Another angle is to read / learn more about the specific social issues to develop a better understanding of the problems you are trying to solve, perhaps research on what has already been done to tackle them (and how they may or may not have worked), and see what you could observe from these experiences and maybe formulate your own hypotheses / ideas about how you may go about doing it. This could be through reading, research, coursework, connecting with non-profit professionals, etc.
I hope this is helpful!
Best,
Ryan
First of all, I wanted to say that many business skills would come in handy as you explore social entrepreneurship opportunities in the future, so you are off to a good start! Depending on where you are in your studies, it may be difficult to connect the dots and see how business skills could help tackle social issues, but I can assure you that many things you learn in business - from accounting/ finance, strategy, project management, organizational management, etc are all valuable skills for launching and managing social enterprises well.
There is certainly value in expanding beyond developing business skills and also learning more about social issues though. Is there a particular issue or area that you are interested in? If so, I agree with Rachel above that connecting with non-profit organizations/ social enterprises that you are intrigued with their work could be great and give you a better sense of how business skills are applied in a real life setting at the same time. Another angle is to read / learn more about the specific social issues to develop a better understanding of the problems you are trying to solve, perhaps research on what has already been done to tackle them (and how they may or may not have worked), and see what you could observe from these experiences and maybe formulate your own hypotheses / ideas about how you may go about doing it. This could be through reading, research, coursework, connecting with non-profit professionals, etc.
I hope this is helpful!
Best,
Ryan
Updated
D.C.’s Answer
Hi Adam,
As someone who started their own non-profit from scratch and ran it for 13 years, I wish more liberal arts students studied business. Every time I spoke to one of our students in our programs (we taught media + media literacy), I always encouraged them to explore business courses. They need to learn budgeting, financial tracking, income vs. revenue, etc. So, like others have said, I'd encourage you to look into non-profits, especially ones in areas you're passionate about. And one last thing, before you start your own socially-focused venture, consider perhaps working for one first. Take it from someone who started something from scratch - it's very hard work and sometimes there are other, more well-established organizations with the same/similar mission. Being able to partner with them or to stick out as unique and importantly different from them will take you further.
Sincerely,
D.C. Vito
As someone who started their own non-profit from scratch and ran it for 13 years, I wish more liberal arts students studied business. Every time I spoke to one of our students in our programs (we taught media + media literacy), I always encouraged them to explore business courses. They need to learn budgeting, financial tracking, income vs. revenue, etc. So, like others have said, I'd encourage you to look into non-profits, especially ones in areas you're passionate about. And one last thing, before you start your own socially-focused venture, consider perhaps working for one first. Take it from someone who started something from scratch - it's very hard work and sometimes there are other, more well-established organizations with the same/similar mission. Being able to partner with them or to stick out as unique and importantly different from them will take you further.
Sincerely,
D.C. Vito
Rachel Richardson
Career Consultant and Instructional Aide at Arizona State University
4
Answers
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Adam,
Your off to a great start by studying business!
Do you have a minor/concentration?
(organizational development, leadership, project management?)
I would suggest working for non-profit organizations, this can give you some experience with social change, organizational management and the opportunity to expand your network.
Also, create a LinkedIn in page and begin networking with other professionals in your intended field.
Best,
Rachel
Your off to a great start by studying business!
Do you have a minor/concentration?
(organizational development, leadership, project management?)
I would suggest working for non-profit organizations, this can give you some experience with social change, organizational management and the opportunity to expand your network.
Also, create a LinkedIn in page and begin networking with other professionals in your intended field.
Best,
Rachel