Social Impact Career Path

Students looking to pursue purpose-driven careers choose opportunities across sectors and functions that include technology, health care innovation, education, sustainability and public policy. Organizations hiring Anderson students ranged from nonprofits, the government sector and private foundations to B corporations, flexible-purpose corporations and traditional for-profit firms. The Parker Career Management Center helps students determine the right organizational fit and opportunity for their short-term and long-term goals focused on social impact.

Where You Want to Be

 
The following are some of the organizations hiring UCLA Anderson MBA students in social impact roles (both full-time employment and summer internships):
MBA Employment Report download
See the recruiting, hiring and full-time salary trends for the Class of 2022 and internship data for the Class of 2023.

Academics

 
An MBA specialization in social impact allows students to build in-depth expertise in a chosen career path, while customizing academic preparation to lead transformational social change in any sector. It encourages students to graduate with a common language and comprehensive understanding of positive social impact. Courses in entrepreneurship and sustainability may also be of interest.

Specializations:
Social Impact, Entrepreneurship, Leaders in Sustainability

 
Sample Electives
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Business Sustainability and the Environment
  • Market Entry Strategy
  • Managerial Decision Making
  • Business Law
  • Ethical Considerations in Business
  • Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation
  • Affordable Housing Development
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Business of Health Care: A Global Perspective
  • Managing Entrepreneurial Operations
  • Law and Management of Nonprofit Organizations
  • Managing Entrepreneurial Organizations
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Business and Economics in Emerging Markets
  • ESG & Sustainability Reporting
  • ESG for Managers and Investors

Applied Management Research (AMR)
Sample Projects

  • Researched how to sustainably increase the revenue and profitability of a household product in Nepal
  • Formed strategic recommendations for a nonprofit microfinance institution to improve and expand a program for small rural producers and businesses
  • Developed a marketing and sales strategy to help a company working in the sustainable farming and coffee industry expand into the California market
  • Addressed waste management in developing countries with a nonprofit that provides innovative technologies to help reduce poverty

Resources

Chongo Bwalya ('23)

"I came to Anderson because I am passionate about improving equity for those from underserved communities and I believe that businesses will play an increasingly large role in shaping that future. I think that an impact mindset is crucial for all MBAs, as they will be the ones making decisions that will affect people, communities, and the world around us. Through the Center for Impact, I've been exposed to various forms of social impact and different thought leaders who have changed the way I view business and the role it can play in changing the world for the better.”

Chongo Bwalya ('23)

Associate, McKinsey and Co. 

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Our Admissions Ambassador Corps (AAC) is a group of diverse student leaders who can guide you through life at UCLA Anderson and answer your specific questions about their experiences. Ambassadors lead live webinars on a regular basis and are on call to help you with your process.

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