3 impact companies that support career growth

Considering the fact that 58% of Millennials cite career growth and professional development as their primary career goal they want to accomplish by the time they’re in their 30s or 40s, great companies are working hard on providing these types of opportunities. 

There’s a great management quote we saw a few weeks ago where the CFO asks “What if we invest in our staff and they leave?” to which the CEO responds “What if we don’t and they stay?”. This exchange highlights not only the importance of development from an employee’s perspective, but also from a company’s perspective.

But, a common challenge within the impact space (particularly nonprofit) is that there is limited room for growth, contributing to the job hopping phenomenon. In order to successfully recruit the next generation of top talent, companies- both nonprofit and social good organizations- need to be prioritizing professional development and career growth objectives within their organizations.

Here are 3 companies that support career growth:

1. MLSE Foundation

MLSE Foundation is the charitable arm of MLSE and was formed from the merging of the Leafs and Raptors Foundations in 2009. They believe all kids should have access to sport and work with their partners to accomplish that goal. The Foundation supports the refurbishment of local athletic facilities and provides funds to charities that support children’s sports and recreational programs.

Career Growth Opportunities: 

It’s not about the speed in which you are promoted its about the speed in which you’re made accountable. MLSE aims to provide employees with the experiences they need to grow and to be qualified for leadership roles.

MLSE has been known to develop their staff and promote from within – and have the success stories to prove it. Many of their senior employees started their careers in entry level roles or internships at MLSE and some are still there today. Their unique culture supports employees gaining knowledge and experience across different areas of the business and providing the opportunity to apply or expand that knowledge in new roles and/or departments throughout the organization. MLSE Foundation prides themselves in the ability to recognize top performers and challenge them to succeed.

Learn more about what it’s like to work here. 

2. Steven Thomas

Stephen Thomas Ltd (ST) is a full-service marketing, communications & fundraising agency, working exclusively with non-profits. ST helps nonprofits move people to action – whether that action is going online for more information, signing a petition, making a one-time donation, or becoming a long-term supporter and all points in between.

Career Growth Opportunities

At ST they believe in promoting from within as much as possible. They also have professional development and training budgets and hold regular in-house training sessions. ST  has an in-house mentorship program.

ST also pays for many of the account staff to have memberships with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and encourage volunteerism with the AFP. ST is a member of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) and encourage our staff to attend learning and networking events outside of the office.

The doors to the corner offices are always open and career-focused dialogue is welcomed.

ST’s yearly performance review process helps staff set and achieve career-progression goals.

Learn more about what it’s like to work here. 

3. Sustainalytics 

Sustainalytics is an award-winning, global responsible investment research firm specialized in environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and analysis. Offering global perspectives and solutions that are underpinned by local expertise, serving both values-based and mainstream investors that integrate ESG information and assessments into their investment decisions.

Career Growth Opportunities

Sustainalytics invests in their staff, so the people and the company can grow together over the long term. Sustainalytics gives all employees a one thousand dollar education credit which they are expected to use every year and Sustainalytics also pays for them to take the CFA exam if they’re interested.

For each team there is a formal career development path that’s meant to provide a framework of how one progresses throughout the company. This is an intentional strategy to help people grow with Sustainalytics long term. 

Learn more about what it’s like to work here. 

View all companies making a difference. 

Want to see your company listed here? email info@bmeaningful.com