Ethical and values-led careers

Exploring your values, ethics and career goals

Your career journey begins with self-reflection and identifying your values. Take a look at the motivations, preferences and strengths assessment and career values exercises in UWE Careers Toolkit: Developing Self-Awareness.

Values can manifest themselves in different ways at work. Your industry may uphold a set of professional values, your employer may promote a set of values in how they treat employees, clients or partners or your values may be connected to the product or services you work with.

How do you want your values to influence your career?

Try to answer the following questions to help you create a clearer picture of the sectors, types of organisations and roles that might align with your values.

• What issues or causes are most important to you?
• What kind of impact do you want to make through your work?
• How do you define a good employer?
• What work environments and cultures help you thrive?

To record and articulate your values, try to finish this sentence: 'I believe in... '

More about career self awareness (login required)

Researching employers and jobs that align with your values

Finding employers that match your values requires thoughtful research. Here are some tips to guide your search:

• Check public information - review news articles, social media and company websites to understand their values and practices. Checking company policies on social value, sustainability and modern slavery can help you understand how they approach their business practices and supply chains. Does the company’s mission align with your values?
• Find out what employees say about the organisation - use LinkedIn, attend careers events and visit websites such as Glassdoor and RateMyPlacement to hear from current and former employees and their experience of the organisation and culture. 
• Explore charter marks and certifications - look for employers with recognitions that matter to you. This could be B Corp certification, accredited Living wage employers or reviewing commitments to environmental and equality and diversity initiatives. For smaller companies that may not have formal accreditations, focus on exploring their website and asking questions to get a sense of their organisation and culture.

Resources to support your ethical careers research

• Rights at work - know your rights regarding employment law and the National Minimum Wage.
• Career Toolkit: Finding a good employer - find employers that align with your values and learn how to identify employers that value diversity, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Career Toolkit: Where to look for jobs - explore job descriptions for the specific skills and attributes required within sectors, organisations and job roles. 
• Career Toolkit; Explore jobs by sector - research career paths in different industry sectors, including sustainability and green jobs and skills.
• Climate Education course - develop your understanding of the climate crisis and practical actions you can take, including career planning through this free UWE Bristol online course.
• Explore employer profiles on Windo and B Corp Directory. 
• Careers Toolkit: EDI resources - enhance your understanding of workplace inclusivity and its importance.  
• LinkedIn Learning - organisations that align with your values often seek specific skills and attributes, so take advantage of free access to LinkedIn Learning for UWE Bristol students.