It's a well documented sociological trend that today's work seekers, especially new graduates, have a strong social conscience and are unwilling to make career choices at any cost.

In line with this trend are many investment groups which only invest ethically, and organisations which are specifically guided by charitable and environmental policies and aims. There are then an ever growing number of organisations who, whilst not having social responsibility as their main product or service, include it as a pivotal part of their company ethos.

If you want your career to help more than just yourself, your choices aren't as limited as perhaps they once might have been.

Choosing a more socially responsible job
As well as companies who make a social standpoint, there are certain jobs that by their very nature work towards the greater good.

For you as an individual, taking on a socially responsible job is a way to find a genuine role or career which reaps direct or indirect benefits personally and for the wider community. Socially responsible jobs provide a genuine career and have a positive effect on your self esteem. Some of the possibilities include:

• Healthcare
• Renewable energy research
• Teaching
• Environmental planning
• Charitable fundraising

Offering socially responsible jobs has also become a priority for many so-called traditional employers who want to make a positive impact on the environment in areas such as packaging, energy conservation, transport or sourcing.

Sometimes businesses are forced to do so through changes in law and sometimes companies simply wish to be seen to be doing more and announce their 'green credentials' as a PR initiative.

Bringing social responsibility into your current role
If these areas don't seem particularly up your street, or if you don't seem to be able to find a way into an organisation that holds it as a core part of it's values then there are certain things you can do yourself to make your role feel more worthwhile.

• Recycling - every office should do it's bit when disposing of the reams of paper we get through every week. If you spot anyone binning something they shouldn't, tactfully suggest they might like to put it in a recycling bin next time.

• Energy saving - switching off monitors and lights at the end of the day not only saves the environment, it will also save your company plenty of money over the course of a year.

• Mentioning - giving disadvantaged children a helping hand can be one of the most rewarding initiatives a company takes. Speak to local schools and colleges to see how the employees of your company could get involved with pupils to get them ready for the workplace.

• Fundraising - from a charity football day to an abseil off your building, there are countless ways to get people to part with their pennies which can be donated to local or international charities. These can also double as team building events so the bosses won't see them as an unwanted distraction.

Being socially responsible is everyone's responsibility so talk to the people in your business whose job it is to plan these initiatives, and get yourself involved. If nothing else, they will give you an added edge to your CV the next time you're applying for jobs.