What I wish I knew when I started out in Social Value
When I landed my first role as a social value consultant with Samtaler straight out of university, I was excited, eager, and ready to make an impact. I had passion for sustainability, but I didn’t have the full picture of what it would take to thrive in the social value space.
Now, I’m just over two and a half years into my career out of university, and I find myself having frequent conversations with people in the same boat I was in almost three years ago, as well as some working individuals looking to pivot into the world of social value from (sometimes) adjacent (or entirely different) fields, but not knowing where to start or how to hit the ground running.
Lots of conversations with different people interested in starting out in social value have led me to reflect on my own journey so far, and some of the key things I’ve learned along the way.
Here’s what I know now that I wish I knew then…
1. Networking is your Superpower
When I first started working in social value, I was (rightfully) focused on learning the technical and developing the inter-personal skills that are required when providing services to clients, understanding the legislative landscape and socio-economic context, and trying to get my head around public sector procurement documents, among other things as part of my day-to-day role.
But what I didn’t realise is that a lot of the magic happens outside your to-do list. While making the time to learn these things was – and still is – crucial, I have found building relationships and networking with industry peers to be one of the most valuable things I have done in the early stages of my career.
Engaging with others in the sector allows you to exchange ideas, get exposed to different perspectives, and learn about best practices.
Attending industry events, webinars and conferences is a great way to build your network. It can be intimidating, but don’t be shy about introducing yourself to others; the connections you make today may open future doors or be the basis of future partnerships.
Networking and socialising with people shouldn’t just be limited to people with ‘social value’ in their job titles, either! whatimpact.com published a whitepaper* in 2023 which explored the emerging job roles involved in social value and revealed around 50 different job titles for 150 participants, including some participants that did not have 'social value' in their job title at all.
A great place to start is to reach out to those in other related areas such as: environmental sustainability, stakeholder engagement, CSR, ESG, procurement, business development and operations, as well as the VCSE sector.
*If you'd like to read the whitepaper, click here to download a copy.
2. Join a Professional Body or Institute
This is something I wish I’d done from day one.
Joining a professional body, such as the Institute for Social Value (Social Value UK) SVUK, ICRS | The Institute of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability or IEMA, the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment for example, can be a game changer. Not only do these organisations offer a wealth of resources, but they also help establish your credibility within the industry.
Having been an individual member of IEMA for over two years now, and my employer having organisational membership and being proactively involved with Social Value UK, I know from experience that being part of a professional community opens a world of networking opportunities, access to industry-standard training, and a support system of like-minded individuals.
It’s also a great way to stay updated on the latest industry trends, requirements, and evolving frameworks. In a diverse and fast-moving space such as social value and impact measurement, this can give you a significant edge.
In addition to gaining knowledge, being affiliated with a recognised body signals to employers and clients that you are serious about your professional development and committed to maintaining high standards in your work. It’s an investment in yourself that continues to pay dividends.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about membership or professional training pathways with these institutions.
3. The Importance of Continuous Learning and Upskilling
As mentioned previously, the social value space is constantly evolving, and the skills you enter the industry with won’t always be enough to keep you competitive. When the day job gets busy it can be hard to juggle responsibilities with upskilling and L&D, but it is definitely something to make time for. At Samtaler, we allocate a minimum of 10% of our time for learning & development, which takes the form of attending training courses and webinars, undertaking research, attending conferences, and eLearning.
Some courses which I have been on, or am currently taking, which I have found useful include:
Getting Started with Social Value, which sets you up to become a Social Value Practitioner
Most courses are offered online, and often at affordable rates or even for free if you’re a member of a professional institute.
Equally important to note is to not overlook the value of developing your soft skills.
With ‘samtaler’ meaning conversation in Danish, it’s no surprise that since working here I’ve had plenty of time and opportunities to develop my communication skills.
Strong communication, and two-way conversations, are crucial in creating positive outcomes for stakeholders. Communication, collaboration and project management skills are critical when working in social value, as you’re required to manage multiple different priorities and develop relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Soft skills can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived, how confident you feel, and the impact you can make.
4. Consider exploring specialisms within Social Value
Social value is a multi-faceted field, and there’s a range of specialisms within the sector; you don’t have to be a generalist forever (unless you want to be!). There’s plenty of opportunities to carve out a niche based on your interests, experience, and strengths.
For instance, while my role as a consultant is generalist, I have a particular interest in the environmental dimension of sustainability and social value. Similarly, my colleagues at Samtaler have a wealth of experience in areas such as politics, public procurement, stakeholder engagement, and working in the VCSE sector. You may wish to specialise by industry, for example by focusing on a particular industry like healthcare, defence, or construction.
There are plenty of opportunities to get started in social value, and far more roles opening up with organisations than there were even two years ago when I started my job search for post-university opportunities. Every Friday, Samtaler posts a jobs board on LinkedIn of vacancies that have caught our eye – follow us to make sure you don’t miss it.
5. Embrace Mentorship and Reverse Mentorship
One of the most transformative experiences for me has been seeking out mentors who are more experienced in the sector. Having someone to offer guidance, challenge your thinking, and share their experiences from outside of your working environment can accelerate your learning curve.
But one thing I didn’t realise, is that mentorship goes both ways. Reverse mentorship—where you, as a younger professional, share your insights with more experienced colleagues—can be equally powerful. In a fast-changing field like social value, younger professionals often bring fresh perspectives and approaches.
I have taken part in a series of mentorship schemes, including one set up by Young Professionals in Social Value, and I would highly recommend taking part in this year's scheme. You can find out more by following them on LinkedIn, or by emailing them at infoypsv@gmail.com.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
When you start in any role, you may feel a pressure to have all of the answers, and to impress. But with a steep learning curve, nobody expects you to have everything figured out right away.
If you’re unsure, and your research takes you down rabbit holes, ask your network! More often than not, you won’t be the only person with the question – and people are willing to help or share their thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best way to get started in social value?
Joining a professional body, attending industry events, and taking relevant training courses are great first steps. Additionally, if you’re early careers or still a student, you can gain practical experience by volunteering on projects that have a social value focus or seeking out internships in CSR or sustainability – this is what I did!
2. How can I stay updated on the latest trends in social value?
Staying informed involves reading industry publications, signing up to newsletters, attending webinars, and being active in professional networks. Joining a professional institute can also help you stay on top of trends.
3. How can I build my network within the social value sector?
Start by attending industry events, both in-person and virtual. Connect with people through LinkedIn, and consider joining a professional body to gain access to networks, mentorship programmes, events and development opportunities.
Useful links
How can we help?
At Samtaler, we understand the importance of your social value commitment. You’re here because you care about your business's impact on society and want to be better. We want you to succeed, and we know from experience that achieving social value requires skill, strategy, and support.
To find out how we can help, send an email to hello@samtaler.co.uk
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