Impact Career Panel Connects MBAs with Impact Alumni

How do you translate an MBA education into an impact-driven career? That was the topic of conversation at the Social Impact Careers panel discussion hosted by the Robert H. Smith School of Business's Office of Career Services on Monday, Novemeber 10th. 

Panelists representing organizations in grassroots sustainability, evinonmental finance, health and wellness and community development shared their personal stories of how they aligned their careers with causes they're passionate about and discussed how their education translates into their day-to-day work. Many of the panelists were Smith MBA alumni and could directly relate with the challenges of finding an impact career as an MBA student. 

Students also asked questions about some of their most pressing concerns as they prepare to enter the impact workforce, such as how do they navigate a situation where profit and purpose don't align, how do they build momentum around social impact within organizations and what other professional organizations and resources exist outside of their work? The panelists were able to use their own experience at Smith and their extensive professinoal experience to give current MBA students some of the tactics and resources they've found most useful. 

MBAs left the session with clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges in finding an impact career and some of the tools necessary to make the transition from MBA to impact career.