Career Development for Social Innovators

The Kroc School prepares social innovators to lead change locally, regionally, and globally.

Social innovation requires practice and experience. The Kroc School prepares students to be innovators through experiential learning and cutting-edge opportunities.

Field-Based Experiences

 Students present their practicum work.

Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI) students do hands-on practice through a practicum, either in San Diego with an organization like Qualcomm or abroad, where they collaborate with organizations creating social value. Students also visit organizations around Southern California that are making positive change like Hightech High and Kitchens for Good.  

Workshops

 Students develop drones for peace.

How do you make a viable social enterprise? What are the foundations of human-centered design? Among others, these are topics that students can explore through Idea Labs at the Kroc School’s Center for Peace and Commerce. These labs host special advisors and speakers from social enterprises, businesses and nonprofits. Learn more through the Idea Labs website.

Innovation Challenges

 Three women stand around a poster with infographics and text saying "Ecocide and Human Rights: A Focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo

MASI students can prototype their innovations, and even qualify for seed funding, through on-campus competitions:

2016/2017 Career Design Framework View Sample Career Design Framework

Career Planning

Launching a career as a social innovator is no small task. MASI students can learn how to apply design thinking to career planning. Students receive a Kroc School one-year Career Design Framework with essential timelines, tips, and tactics to plan their path. 

 

Check out our Career Development Page to find out more about career planning and how the Kroc School creates career-ready graduates.