How to Start Your Career in Corporate Social Responsibility
by Jessica Pliska
Originally published by Forbes
As Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Viacom’s BET Networks, Nneka Norville has the kind of job many people dream of. Every day she works to make a difference while building BET’s brand. It’s a job that involves strategy, creativity, interpersonal skills and generosity. I spoke to Nneka to learn how people can model their careers on hers.
Jessica Pliska: Let’s start at the beginning. What is corporate social responsibility?
Nneka Norville: Our employees and our audiences want us to be active members of our communities. It is my job to make those connections happen. I engage our consumers and our employees in initiatives that both create a better world and strengthen our core business.
At BET we leverage our brand equity for social good in a couple of ways. We’ve been deliberate about creating strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations, government agencies and private sector partners to help amplify pro-social efforts. We also provide charitable contributions as well as engage our employees through volunteer programs. It’s also important that we support all of the network’s on-air and digital series when pro-social themes arise, by advising on messaging, creating content, providing resources and building partnerships.
