Experiential Learning
Bridging the gap between academia and the business world, the Center takes a unique pedagogical approach to educating students in corporate responsibility (CSR). With the belief that learning occurs more effectively when theoretical teaching is combined with concrete experience, the Center's goal is to get students out of the classroom and into real businesses where they can apply their newly learned theories and frameworks of CSR in real-time strategy work.
In addition to the CorporateResponsibility@Work experiential learning opportunities listed below, Haas also students have other opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, in real-world business settings through the Haas@Work program.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
The Center offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities for Haas students, infusing CSR into the management education model by combining theory and practice:
Strategic CSR & Consulting Projects
Through the Strategic CSR & Projects Course taught at both the MBA and undergraduate levels, the Center provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with companies to develop CSR strategies that are aligned with business objectives and core competencies. These consulting projects are combined with classroom “best practice” lectures of companies who have attempted to implement socially responsible strategies while maintaining or maximizing financial returns. Sample Projects range from human rights, socially responsible investing, public/private partnerships, transparent reporting, social entrepreneurship, strategic philanthropy, dealing with NGOs, and strategic CSR planning. Students have worked with more than 80 different companies since 2003.
Haas Socially Responsible Investment Fund
Launched in 2007, the Haas SRI Fund is the first-ever student-managed
investment fund at a leading business school that uses corporate responsibility (CSR) criteria as a screen for the fund’s portfolio. Open to Haas MBA and MFE students.
LifeScan Community Relations Graduate Fellows Program
In partnership with LifeScan Inc, a Johnson & Johnson company dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with diabetes, the Community Relations Graduate Fellows Program is a year-long fellowship program for two Haas MBA students with a passion for corporate responsibility. The fellows work with the company on various CSR initiatives through a year. Students may also be offered the opportunity to work in the LifeScan Community Relations Group as a paid intern during the summer between their first and second year of MBA study.
External CSR Case and Business Competitions
Many Haas MBAs participate in CSR-focused case and business plan competitions sponsored by other schools and organizations. Participation in competitions is a unique learning experience for Haas students who are dedicated to the study and practice of CSR. External competitions, such as case competitions, challenge students to practice and develop teamwork, project management, and presentation skills and learn how to manage and advocate for a CSR agenda within a company. Participation also provides an important branding opportunity for the Haas School and the Center as leaders in the CSR realm. For a list of external competitions and a track record of student successes, click here.
CSR
Career Resources
For current Haas students and alumni who are interested in
career opportunities in the CSR field, we have compiled the
following useful resources on the Center’s CSR
Career Resources webpage.
