Career-Shifting Programme Encourages Purpose-Driven Work

Published 30 May 2024

Author
Nienke Creemers
2 min read

Globally, 86% of Gen Z and 89% of millennial employees want a purpose-driven job that aligns with their ethics (Deloitte, 2024). Cue Amsterdam-based social initiative The School for Moral Ambition teaching career-switching professionals how to elicit positive change for causes like abolishing tobacco and increasing sustainable food production.

  • Transitioning to Morally Guided Work: The School for Moral Ambition helps professionals who don’t currently work in a social-purpose-driven industry (instead working in finance or media, for example) to switch to careers centring “urgent global issues” (like sustainable food production). Kicking off in Brussels in September 2024, its fellowship will provide professionals with any background retraining on one of two focus areas: Tackling the Tobacco Industry or Accelerating the Protein Transition. Fellows receive €3,600 ($3,915) monthly for the seven-month programme. They will have a month of intensive training on their chosen subject, followed by six months of fieldwork, focusing on research and policy.

  • Purpose-Driven Workers: While The School for Moral Ambition is open to employees of any age, the initiative closely aligns with Gen Zers’ and millennials’ career goals, as the majority of both cohorts say having a sense of purpose is key for workplace satisfaction and wellbeing. These workers are mainly worried about contributing positively to the environment (65% of Gen Zers and 68% of millennials), the ethical use of technology (65% of Gen Zers and millennials) and social equality (63% of Gen Zers and millennials) (Deloitte, 2024). Meanwhile, 27% of all global workers consider an employer’s sustainability policy before accepting a job offer (Deloitte, 2023).

  • Stimulate Workplace Action: As young employees prioritise purpose-driven work, companies should set and communicate clear business objectives and incorporate industry-specific initiatives (on ethical tech use, for instance) to foster an engaged workforce. See The Brief for examples of environmental action in the workplace.

For more, see Mastering the Multigenerational Workplace.