Experiential Learning
Bridging the gap between academia and the business world, the Center takes a unique pedagogical approach to educating students in Corporate Social Responsibility. 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 students have many 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, thus 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 a broad range of companies since the course inception. View the Spring 2007 MBA Request for Projects.
Gap
Inc. Scholars in CSR Program
Supported by the Gap Foundation, the Gap Inc. CSR Scholars
Program is a unique fellowship opportunity that supports Haas
MBA students who demonstrate a commitment to the field of
corporate social responsibility in their professional and
educational pursuits. The program provides two-year scholarships
of $5,000 each year to three full-time incoming Haas MBAs.
Recipients of the Gap Inc. CSR Scholars Program are required
to take a certain number of CSR-related courses and complete
a research project for Gap Inc. during their time at Haas.
McDonald's
Research Fellows in CSR Program:
Iin partnership with fast food giant McDonald's, the McDonald's
CSR Research Fellows program gives Haas MBA students first-hand
exposure to the myriad CSR challenges businesses face on a
daily basis. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and
intensive field experiences, a globally diverse team of second-year
Haas MBA students conduct a deep stakeholder engagement study
on McDonald's CSR activities - giving the company a fresh
perspective and new insights into its business. As part of
McDonald's "Open Doors" program, the main goal of
the CSR Fellows program is to expose the students to McDonald's
business and create opportunities for the company to engage
and interact with various stakeholders. Recipients, known
as "McDonald's Fellows", work closely with a faculty
director on the study and produce several key deliverables
that may be used broadly and at the discretion of McDonald's.
Global Social Venture Competition (GSVC)
Launched in 1999 as a student-led initiative at the Haas School of Business, the Global Social Venture Competition (GSVC) hosts an annual social venture business plan competition that provides a global forum for entrepreneurs to showcase their plans and for investors to support groundbreaking social ventures. Each year, entrant teams from around the world compete for more than $45,000 in prizes. The GSVC is organized by the Haas School in partnership with Columbia Business School, London Business School, Yale School of Management, and the Indian School of Business. In 2006, the Center became a co-sponsor of the competition along with the Haas School's Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
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.
