Tias Dutta, Christie Maria James and Souparno Chatterjee | Update: 04 March, 2025

Exploring Career Opportunities in the Social Sector in India

The social sector in India has undergone a significant transformation over the last few years, offering diverse and exciting career opportunities to individuals from various backgrounds. Whether you are a student or someone with prior work experience, the social sector presents numerous intriguing job roles that go beyond mere financial success. This article will shed light on the evolving landscape of the social sector and how pursuing a career in this field can bring not only professional success but also personal fulfillment.

From Earning a Living to Making a Difference

Recent studies have highlighted the changing perspective of millennials when it comes to their careers. Four key factors have emerged as crucial elements that make a job fulfilling for this generation:

1. Engagement: Millennials seek leadership and management that aim to make a positive impact on their lives and the world.
2. Integrity: The quality of adhering to moral and ethical standards is highly valued.
3. Community: Being part of a company recognized as a thought leader or industry standard contributes to job fulfillment.
4. Giving Back: The desire to impact the lives of others, whether through community involvement, fostering workplace relationships, or contributing to societal issues, is a fundamental driver of job satisfaction.

This shift from a sole focus on financial success to a desire for fulfillment and purpose is evident among Gen Z job-seekers as well. They are more inclined to seek roles that align with their values and offer opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Why is the social sector the top career choice today?

Embracing a Purpose-Driven Career in the Social Sector

The social sector is now the ideal destination for those who crave meaning and purpose in their work. Young professionals are choosing roles that allow them to pursue a higher purpose through innovative ideas and creative solutions. This shift is a reflection of changing philosophies and mindsets, which have also led to the development of educational courses that train individuals to become catalysts for enduring change.

If you are considering a career in the social sector in India, now is the perfect time to take the plunge. By enrolling in a Post-Graduate Course in Development Management at the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), you can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this field.

Why the Social Sector Needs Skilled Leaders

A successful career in the social sector demands not only passion and dedication but also the right training and education. Traditional development administration principles are no longer sufficient. The sector requires an agile and customized approach to address complex situations effectively. The Post Graduate Program in Development Management offered by ISDM is designed to train individuals to become global change-makers.

The Role of Development Management

While development often revolves around economic growth and social and political ambitions, Development Management goes a step further. It focuses on a continuous process that assesses societal development to increase productivity and achieve economic and social freedom. Rather than being project-based, it adopts a process-based management system to eliminate stagnation in public service systems.

Preparing Future-Ready Managers for the Social Sector

Today, India's social sector comprises not only grassroots NGOs but also a diverse mix of civil society organizations, social entrepreneurs, technologists, activists, donors, philanthropists, policy-makers, researchers, academics, and scientists. This diverse ecosystem requires leaders and managers who can cater to the sector's specific needs.

Insights from Mr. Ravi Sreedharan, Co-founder of ISDM

In a TED talk, Mr. Ravi Sreedharan shares his journey of transitioning from a 24-year corporate career to the social sector. With an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a B. Tech. from IIT-BHU, he offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the social sector.

Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) stands as a pioneering institution built on collective wisdom and philanthropy. ISDM has established itself as a symbol of excellence, dedicated to training individuals to become future change-makers. Its unique curriculum and pedagogy are tailored to the needs of students aspiring to excel in Development Management.

The Flagship Program: Post Graduate Program in Development Management

The Post Graduate Program in Development Management is a groundbreaking initiative globally, blending development principles with management theories. This program is ISDM's flagship offering, meticulously designed by leading academicians and practitioners.

The program aims to produce committed management professionals capable of navigating non-linear complexities, diverse geographies, and cultures. Graduates are prepared to tackle the complex challenges of social change, design effective interventions, and lead organizations toward sustainable social impact.

ISDM Alumni Making a Difference

Shreya Verma
PGP DM, Class of 2019

Before joining ISDM, Shreya was a graduate and a fresher. After completing the PGP DM program, she secured a position with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, as the State Coordinator for Jammu & Kashmir.

Read her story: https://www.isdm.org.in/alumni/shreya-verma

Rajneesh Kumar Vishwakarma
PGP DM, Class of 2022

Rajneesh Kumar Vishwakarma, a PGP DM graduate from the 2022 batch, has built a diverse career spanning entrepreneurship and leadership roles. With a background in Climate Change and Sustainability Studies from TISS, he founded Banaras Kitchen Corner before transitioning to the development sector. Currently, he is a Project Lead at Srijan, contributing to impactful initiatives in the space.

Read his story: https://www.isdm.org.in/alumni/rajneesh-kumar-vishwakarma

Defying Myths: Many ISDM students are breaking the myth that you can only enter the social sector immediately after college and that certain educational backgrounds are prerequisites for success in this field.

Diverse Career Opportunities in the Social Sector

ISDM graduates have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles and organizations in the social sector. Here are some examples of career paths chosen by our alumni:

1. CSR Fund/Foundation: Organizations engaged in grant distribution and funding processes to receive financial assistance from the corporate sector.
2. Social Welfare Organizations: Entities focused on promoting social welfare for the betterment of communities.
3. Policy Consulting Firms: Organizations collaborating with government agencies and NGOs to develop and implement public policies, particularly in healthcare or environmental issues.
4. For-Profit Social Organizations: Entities with a social purpose that operate for profits.
5. Social Advocacy: Organizations defending the rights of disadvantaged or discriminated communities.
6. Not for Profit/NGOs: Organizations curating projects that provide aid to underprivileged communities, both in underdeveloped and developed countries.
7. Impact Investing Firms: Firms investing in companies or organizations addressing social or environmental issues.
8. Social Impact Consultancies: Organizations dedicated to creating social improvements for various stakeholders.
9. Social Enterprises: Entities aiming to maximize profits to fund social programs while benefiting society and the environment.
10. Education/Think Tanks/Research: Independent organizations dedicated to enhancing academic standards and graduation requirements, improving assessments, and strengthening accountability.
11. Bilateral Agencies: Organizations financing projects contributing to the economic and social development of recipient countries.

Purposeful Careers for PGP DM Graduates

The Post Graduate Program in Development Management equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in various roles within the social sector, including:

1. Programme Operations and Management: Understanding the organization's strategy and translating it into program design, implementation, evaluation, monitoring, and review.
2. Communications and Engagement: Defining and managing the organization's overall communications strategy to build its brand.
3. Fundraising (Retail and Corporate): Building fundraising strategies and engaging with donors and funders to secure financial support.
4. Strategy & Data-Based Decision Making: Charting out the organization's strategy and using

In a rapidly evolving social sector, purpose and fulfillment drive meaningful careers. ISDM's Post Graduate Program in Development Management offers the tools and knowledge to become a catalyst for change. With its innovative curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong placement networks, ISDM is your gateway to a rewarding, impact-driven career.

Placements at ISDM