Matching Your New Job To Your Values

Matching Your New Job To Your Values

Throughout high school and college you have been active with groups that are socially responsible. You believe that each of us can make a difference in the world. But as you start your job, are discover that not everyone agrees with your philosophy. Will you have to change your line of thinking or can you find a place to work that feels right to you—and your conscience?

Clearly Define Your Values

It is not just enough to say that you want to work for a company that believes in world peace. That kind of broad definition could lead you to employment with a company that makes military equipment, many of whom claim to contribute to world peace.

Make a list of your social beliefs so that you can compare them to the philosophies of the companies you are considering for future employment. 

Do Your Homework

The Internet is a good place to start your research. Over the past decade, there has been a huge increase in interest in investing in socially responsible companies. This is often referred to as the Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) movement.

A number of web sites are dedicated to SRI.  One of the best is www.kld.com. This site provides investors with detailed information on more than 1,600 companies. It also contains in-depth profiles on more than 650 U.S. businesses. A sample kld.com profile rates a company on a number of categories including labor and environmental issues. A narrative often follows the ratings so that you can get a real sense of where the company is positioned. Another resource is www.hoovers.com, which also offers in-depth profiles of businesses.

Publications such as Fortune magazine and Working Mother magazine regularly evaluate companies on the basis of social responsibility. They publish issues that focus on the best companies, from an employment standpoint. Go to your university or public library for back issues or check the magazine web sites.

Talk to People

If you are looking locally, talk to people in your community and find out who is doing good things.  If you are looking on a regional or national level, contact fellow alumni, who may be able to give you the real story about companies that you are considering.

If you do get a chance to interview with a company, ask if you can speak with some of their current employees.  This will enable you to get another perspective on how the company really operates.

Remember, you will be spending a lot of your time at work.  Not only is it important to do interesting work, it is also important to believe in what you do. After all, your values are a part of who you are. Do you really want to trade those values for a paycheck?