Ananya, a talented corporate lawyer and associate partner at a top Indian law firm, often witnesses the injustices faced by the less privileged in the same court where she wins cases for her wealthy clients. As she observes these inequalities, she wonders if there is any way she can use her skills to support those with fewer resources. She often asks herself – what does it mean to work for the rights of the underprivileged? However, she struggles to find answers because of her limited knowledge of the social sector. Her decision to explore working in this sector is further clouded by the numerous misconceptions she harbours, the most common among them being that the sector is solely about charity, confined to grassroots or ‘jhola wala’ work that typically involves rural fieldwork or direct community engagement. As she contemplates on her intent, she also wonders – how much of it is true and what are the other avenues to contribute?
Ananya is not alone. The last decade has seen an upsurge in the number of talented private sector professionals who have shown interest in working with the social sector. However, many are held back due to their limited understanding and the numerous misconceptions that create a negative narrative around social sector careers. Here, we attempt to break these stereotypes and offer a clearer understanding of the social sector as it exists today.
Busting myths about the social sector
The social impact sector is often misunderstood and has several common misconceptions surrounding it. Many believe that transitioning from the corporate world to the development sector means moving into easy and low-pressure jobs, as compared to the hectic corporate environment. Some also believe that most of the organisations working for social impact are not-for-profit and the sector may not offer ample avenues to demonstrate innovation and professionalism. However, challenging these myths reveals a completely different reality.
The social sector in India is diverse, dynamic, and ever-evolving. Driven by the growing availability of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds and philanthropic capital, the Indian social sector is currently in a high-growth phase. The sector employs some of the most versatile and brightest minds, who maintain high levels of professionalism and skilled expertise to address some of the most complex problems through innovation and sustainable solutions. Much of the social sector now thrives on innovation, passion, vigour, and genuine commitment. Take, for example, the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), which focuses on rural development and has been instrumental in empowering women through microfinance initiatives. By providing women the financial resources to start their own businesses with, SEWA has not only transformed individual lives but also informed policy changes to support women entrepreneurs. Anecdotes from SEWA’s work include women who, with a small loan, started their own weaving business that eventually employed many villagers, showcasing the ripple effect of their grassroots impact.
Another example is the Central Square Foundation (CSF), a leading social sector organisation involved in multiple aspects of educational reform. They are not only engaged in rigorous research and policy advocacy but also in practical implementation, collaborating with schools to ensure that their work has a tangible impact at the classroom level. The CSF employs some of India’s brightest minds, who steer the organisation’s multifaceted approach with strong commitment and dedication.
SEWA and CSF are just two examples of the many other organisations that form the dynamic social sector in India. As the sector rapidly evolves, there is a growing demand for more talented professionals working in the sector, across various capacities.
Career Opportunities in the Social Sector
The evolving social sector landscape is creating a wealth of career opportunities for skilled professionals. Here are some of the key roles available in the social sector:
- Research and Analytics: These professionals gather, analyse, and interpret data to inform decisions and strategies. They conduct studies to understand social issues, guide program design, and measure effectiveness, optimising interventions and demonstrating impact.
- Strategy: Strategy professionals focus on long-term planning, aligning activities with mission and goals. By developing strategic plans, analysing markets, and engaging stakeholders, they ensure cohesive and effective initiatives in the sector. Their strategic vision helps organisations navigate challenges, drive innovation, and enhance overall impact.
- Project Management: Project management professionals oversee planning, execution, and completion, ensuring projects meet objectives on time and within budget. They coordinate with stakeholders, manage risks, and ensure efficient implementation.
- Impact Evaluation: The professionals working in this domain measure program outcomes using qualitative and quantitative methods. They analyse data, assess effectiveness, and provide feedback to improve programs, ensuring accountability and meaningful change.
- Fundraising: These professionals secure financial resources through strategies like grant writing, donor cultivation, and events. They build relationships with donors and sponsors, ensuring financial stability for continued mission success.
- Enabling functions: These include roles in finance, HR, IT, legal, and administration that ensure smooth operations. They handle budgeting, recruitment, and IT management, supporting the organisation’s mission and impact.
There are also numerous roles within the private sector that address social and environmental concerns, driven by government mandates, corporate social responsibility, or a combination of both. Some of these private sector roles include:
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Professionals in CSR roles design and manage initiatives aligned with company values and community needs. They ensure compliance with CSR mandates, manage budgets, and measure impact, collaborating across departments and engaging stakeholders effectively.
- Environment, Society and Governance (ESG): ESG professionals integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into business operations, ensuring sustainability and ethical practices. They develop policies for reducing environmental impact, manage social issues like labour practices, and ensure regulatory compliance. Their role includes risk assessments, setting targets, and preparing sustainability reports to drive long-term business sustainability.
- Social Impact Consulting: Social impact consulting firms guide organisations in achieving social outcomes. Firms like Dalberg, Sattva, and Bridgespan offer expertise in strategy, planning, and scaling, enhancing impact and best practices.
Dealing with social issues in India is a challenging task that requires many bright minds working together in the sector. The sector is brimming with diverse opportunities for those with passion, offering a dynamic environment for innovation and growth. Bridging the gap between passion and skills, organisations like the India Leaders for Social Sector play a crucial role in building leadership capabilities, enabling career transitions, and mobilising the ecosystem for catalytic impact. Their programs equip corporate leaders with the essential knowledge, skills, and mindset to navigate the complexities of the social sector effectively.
Whether you’re drawn to research, strategy, project management, or fundraising, your expertise can contribute significantly to creating impact in the social sector. The sector needs more talented individuals like Ananya to drive progress, create lasting social impact, and contribute to a more equitable world.
Insights on Social Sector Career Transition from Aakanksha Gulati, Ashish Dhawan, & Tarun Cherukuri
