In collaboration with the Swearer Center for Public Service, the Careers in the Common Good program seeks to support Brown students and alumni in their exploration of socially responsible careers. Socially responsible careers are defined as careers which aim at building a better world. As such, Careers in the Common Good can be found across sectors such as the government, corporate organizations (for example socially responsible businesses and corporate social responsibility programs) and non-profit organizations. Furthermore, Careers in the Common Good are available in a wide range of fields and issues, including the environment, human services, health, policy and activism.

If you are a Brown student or alum interested in Careers in the Common Good, we encourage you to explore your options and design your career path. The steps highlighted below are a good guide. Keep in mind that you are welcome to schedule a phone or in person appointment with a counselor who will be happy to help you each step of the way. Click here for other great resources on the Brown Campus related to Careers in the Common Good.

Self-Assessment: The first step to a fulfilling career

By exploring your values, skills and interests, you will clarify your goals and identify which careers might best suit your desire to positively impact our society. Identifying your values and the kind of impact you want to have on our society is key, as once you have taken the time to investigate your values and which careers might satisfy you best, constructing an effective internship or job search strategy becomes much easier.

Self-Assessment Tools 

Career Exploration

Once you have identified a few possibilities that intrigue you, there are a number of ways for you to research options:

Domestic and International Careers in the Government

Domestic and International Non-Profit Careers

Domestic and International Careers in Socially Responsible Businesses

Domestic and International Careers in Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility

Reality checks

During your time at Brown, we encourage you to volunteer and/or find internships that will enable you to further explore opportunities and assess whether a specific career is for you.

Volunteering

Interning

Other opportunities (funding, time off, etc)

Putting it all together: Job Search Resources

Key information to help you move forward to a socially responsible career

Job search

Graduate School

Fellowships/scholarships

STAY INFORMED THROUGH THE ENGAGED LIFE LISTSERV

Subscribe to the Engaged Life Listserv to receive information about and opportunities (internships and jobs) in socially responsible careers (from the Venture Consortium)