Why should someone pursue a socially conscious education?
To help incoming students with course and major selection, we asked university graduates and business leaders this question for their best insight. From striving for product sustainability to prioritizing inclusion, there are several thoughts that may help steer you on a purpose-driven path for your secondary education and beyond.
Here are seven reasons why you should consider a socially conscious education:
When considering what degree I wanted to pursue in college, I hoped to find a field that would allow me to combine my passion for clothing and design with a focus on sustainability. I decided to pursue a degree in business administration with a focus on marketing. My ultimate goal is to create marketing campaigns for clothing companies that push the boundaries of sustainable fashion. I hope to eventually make an impact by spreading awareness of how the fashion industry contributes to huge amounts of wasted resources while educating people by marketing products made in a more sustainable manner.
Ravi Rouvier, Markitors
As the world evolves and society shifts to a more socially conscious approach in ways we’ve never seen before, people need to evolve simultaneously. Our world and the communities within it need help, and the involvement of young people is critical. If you pursue an education that teaches you about being socially aware, you’re going to always be one step ahead of others. Even if you don’t dedicate your whole college experience to this pathway of learning, you could always pick up a minor like Social Entrepreneurship or join a club such as a climate change awareness club. Help change the world!
Saneem Ahearn, Colorescience
By virtue of the internet, the world has become a global village, we are all intertwined and this has created a concoction of world views, belief systems, and ways of living that are integrated like never before in history. Pursuing a socially conscious education can only help the professionals of the future enter the workplace with higher levels of confidence and awareness in an ever-changing world. Equipping them with skills around emotional and mental health, societal constructs (both limitations and norms) as well as change and technology management. This education will position them with the necessary skills required of a 21st-century employee over and above the traditional skills coursework undertaken at educational institutions.
Mogale Modisane, ToolsGaloreHQ
Today's world is individualistic and isolated. With our eyes on screens, we fail to perceive how different our environment can be and how to communicate with it. Access to social awareness through education helps us perceive and understand other people's problems and, crucially, empathize with them. This empathy can lead you to break down stereotypes and appreciating the Babylon where we live.
Miruna Cristina Necula, PhotoAiD
Pursuing a socially conscious education is essential as it will prepare you for the new future of business. As more businesses, large and small, implement social and environmental concerns into their operations and interactions, they will be looking to hire people who understand these issues to develop and manage their social programs. Therefore, when it comes time to start a career, it will no longer be enough just to be informed about societal issues. Moving ahead in the world will require a deep understanding of one's role and responsibility in society.
Sean O'Brien, Modloft
As the founder and CEO of an LGBTQIA+ clothing brand, I believe that all students should pursue an education that at least partially focuses on socially conscious and pertinent issues. Indeed, such an educational background allows individuals to think from different perspectives, accept others who are different from themselves and act with inclusivity in mind. However, perhaps one of the most intriguing ways that someone should pursue a socially conscious education is because it allows students to think about the purpose of their mission. Within the business and retail world, mission-based companies are one of the largest trends of this past decade. With a socially conscious education, business owners will understand such importance in an explicit and obvious way.
Lucas Nudel, Pride Palace
If you're considering a socially conscious education, there are numerous reasons in which this experience could completely transform your life. However, one that can be applied both personally and professionally is experiencing the connection to the community and the groups of people with whom you have regular interaction. Being conscious of their needs, reactions, and own levels of social consciousness can create a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative atmosphere.
Chris Riley, USA Rx
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