6. Mapping your background to this career area
Social/Environmental Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Engineering, Math/Stats
Related
Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Process and procedural thinking
- Mathematical skills
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to model and simulate
- Systems thinking
- Invention and innovation mindset
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Social and environmental innovation & entrepreneurship professionals can employ engineering, mathematics, and statistics skills to enhance the effectiveness of their initiatives and ventures.
- Depending on your specific background you might consider launching to the market new environmentally friendly or inclusive products or services, analyze data related to social and environmental impact, user behavior, or market trends, helping refine your venture’s business strategies, develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurement frameworks to quantify the social and environmental impact of products, services, or initiatives.
Natural/Hard Sciences
Related
Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Knowledge of physical/natural systems
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to measure, distill, draw conclusions
- Research and inquiry skills
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- By integrating natural and hard sciences skills into their work, social and environmental innovation & entrepreneurship professionals can develop evidence-based solutions that address complex environmental challenges.
- Some examples include utilizing knowledge of chemical properties and materials science to identify recyclable materials and develop innovative recycling processes, applying principles of physics and engineering to design and implement improved renewable energy systems, using agronomic and soil science expertise to develop sustainable farming practices that improve soil health and crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts.
Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences (Ethnography, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, …) and Humanities
Related
Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Critical thinking & reasoning
- Knowledge of human behavior
- Knowledge of human systems
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to measure, distill, draw conclusions
- Research & inquiry skills
- Making sense of complexity and diversity (in attitudes, preferences, behaviors)
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- By integrating behavioral sciences, social sciences, and humanities skills, social and environmental innovation & entrepreneurship professionals can develop initiatives that are culturally sensitive, address societal needs, and drive positive change. Collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as community leaders, and social justice organizations, ensures a comprehensive and impactful approach to their work.
- Some examples include using ethnographic research to understand the cultural values and practices of local communities affected by the social or environmental initiatives you launch, leverage political science knowledge to navigate governmental policies and advocate for legislative changes that support the social and environmental goals your organization is pursuing.
Business
Related
Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Problem solving skills
- Project management skills
- Knowledge about branding, marketing, sales and customers
- Knowledge about product development and business services
- Skills in finance, accounting
- Entrepreneurial mindset
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- By integrating business skills into their work, social and environmental innovation & entrepreneurship professionals can ensure the financial sustainability and scalability of their initiatives.
- These skills will be fundamental to develop a robust business plan that outlines the value proposition, revenue model, and cost structure of a social or environmental initiative, implement sound financial management practices to ensure the initiative’s long-term financial sustainability, attract impact investors and secure funding from sources interested in both financial returns and social or environmental impact, develop strategies for scaling the initiative, whether through expansion into new markets, replication, or strategic partnerships.
Design, Arts, Architecture, Media and Other Creative Backgrounds
Related
Skills
- Creative thinking skills and methods
- Critical thinking
- Skills in “making”
- Knowledge of principles of design
- Knowledge about human visual perception
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Social and environmental innovation & entrepreneurship professionals with creative backgrounds can employ their skills to enhance the effectiveness and appeal of their initiatives.
- Some specific examples are Create compelling visual content, such as infographics, videos, and multimedia presentations, to communicate the impact and mission of the initiative, collaborate with user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers to create user-friendly digital platforms or applications, collaborate with local community organizations to involve artists in community-driven initiatives.