Career Options In The Social Development Sector For India’s Youth

Are you one who likes to work for society and thinking of making it a full-time career? India offers a lot of career opportunities for youth varying in several sectors and the social sector is one of them presenting multiple opportunities for young individuals to make a difference and create a larger impact. According to the Survey of Youth Aspirations, 19% of the youth respondents who reportedly showed interest in starting their businesses were mostly keen on working in social work. The social sector enriches the stakeholders with valuable experiences and broadens perspectives, especially those related to rural and sub-urban realities.

In India social sector had a remarkable evolution over the years. Nowadays, thousands of young people contribute to societal change in a meaningful way and thereby contribute to nation-building. As per a report titled ‘India Philanthropy Report 2024,’ India’s social sector spending over the last five years experienced a robust annual growth of 13% and stands at approximately Rs 23 trillion ($280 billion) in FY 2023 (8.3% of GDP). Professionals with required Qualifications and sector-specific skills are a growing demand in the social sector.

Why do youth pursue a career in the social sector?

The social sector allows individuals to directly contribute to addressing issues faced by society, whether it’s poverty alleviation, education reform, healthcare access, or environmental sustainability, every effort made in the social sector can bring about meaningful change at large among youths.

The social sector provides a chance for personal growth and development by challenging individuals to think creatively, with a problem-solving mindset, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, such as policymakers, communities, NGOs, etc., to achieve common goals. Working in a dynamic and often resource-constrained environment fosters resilience, adaptability, and empathy – qualities that are lacking in both personal and professional life.

A career in the social sector consists of career paths and opportunities for advancement. From grassroots organisations to international NGOs, and social entrepreneurship, to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, there are countless avenues for young professionals to explore and carve out their niche and encourage them to think outside the box and develop solutions to complex challenges. The ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances is essential for effectively solving society’s issues.

The most compelling reason to pursue a career in the social sector is the profound sense of fulfilment and purpose to improve the lives of others, even in small ways, bringing a deep understanding of satisfaction and fulfilment that transcends monetary rewards.

Skills required

1) Empathy- Working for people and with people

Empathy is not only a skill but a core value to start a career in the sector, working with communities, groups and individuals whose lived reality is diametrically different from yours. In this context, empathy is your only tool to connect with your end beneficiaries to understand and formulate any solutions.

2) Research and analysis

Every field needs research so does the social sector as it connects people living different lives. The social sector like any other sector is a sea of information and data. Understanding and making sense of it is critical to be effective. Professionals need to decode data into specific policies, programs, projects and actions. This is a hard skill but seeing patterns in the data, reporting it, and making sense of it by creating appropriate measures needs keen focused attention.

3) Critical thinking- Asking the right questions

Critical thinking is an approach to meaningful dialogue for social, economic, political and environmental problem-solving and decision-making. It is also the practice of engaging in analytical conversations and problem-solving mechanisms, through active cognitive inquiry for the transformation of individuals, communities and institutions.

4) Entrepreneurial mindset

Having an entrepreneurial approach in the sector goes a long way to finding innovative and sustainable solutions for human development challenges, taking ownership and being proactive in a resource-crunched environment, can set you apart from the rest in the sector.

Career Options in the Social Development Sector

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Workers: NGO’s come at the forefront of social sector activities. The opportunity can be from program managers to field officers and project coordinators. NGO workers address social issues by analysing, strategizing, executing projects & engaging with local communities for positive change.

Social Entrepreneurs: Social entrepreneurs create ventures by dealing with diverse challenges such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and poverty with an innovative and sustainable business model, blending financial viability with social impact, and driving change through entrepreneurial initiatives by combining revenue generation with social good.

Policy Analysts: Policy Analysts drive social progress by collaborating with think tanks, NGOs, and Government agencies and working closely with policymakers, where they review, and propose different policies for creating a more equitable and inclusive society and also design strategies around the execution of the policies at the national and regional levels.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Professionals: CSR professionals design, implement, and oversee CSR programs within corporations, and align social initiatives with broad business objectives, creating positive impact on society. As part of the Companies Act, every organization must plough back a percentage of their profit in CSR.

Public Health Workers: Health Educators, Community Health Workers, and Public Health Analysts contribute to building healthier and more resilient communities. They do this through education and creating advocacy for essential healthcare services, thereby ensuring preventive health measures, especially for women and children.

Environmental Activists: Environmental and conservation specialists protect the environment through research, conservation strategies, and advocacy for sustainable practices striving to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change by ensuring a healthy planet for future generations through affirmative on-ground action.

Future Scope

Not just the millennials, the mid-segment, and senior segment workforce are also increasingly moving towards the social development sector. This sector is rapidly growing, making it a lucrative career option across all age groups and demographics. NGOs and CSOs are now working towards developing the skills of individuals who want to opt for the social sector as a career. A few organisations, like PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action), have adopted a unique model to develop and engage aspirants who want to pursue their careers in the social development sector and work for the betterment of society.

A social sector career requires a strong skill set and a passion for driving change. Several organizations, including the SBI Foundation, are working towards building a young workforce that can drive societal change. India’s youth must look at career options beyond the corporate world and explore how they can foster change at the grassroots level, thereby contributing to national goals.