Joining Outstanding Faculty for Spring CSR Certificate Course
May 16th and 17th at Rutgers University Business School

On May 16th and 17th, the Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership and Governance & Accountability Institute present the Spring 2017 CSR Certificate Program for corporate managers, not-for-profit and foundation managers, and others interested in career opportunities and advancement in the fields of Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”), Corporate Citizenship, Corporate Sustainability, Philanthropy, Risk Management, Ethics, and related positions.
An outstanding faculty of professionals from leading CSR and sustainable investment organizations will lead the interactive discussions which are a feature of the course. For more information about the course and to register, visit:
Meet one of your course leaders:
Aarti Maharaj, Executive Editor & Director of Communications at Ethisphere Institute
Topic:  “Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Communications“

A conversation with Aarti:
Q. How is your day to day work related to the CSR Certificate Program?
[AM] You cannot be partially responsible. Being a solid corporate citizen requires a day to day commitment to following one simple rule; do the right thing. That said, the simple rule is not always easy to follow. It requires integrity and often a willingness to sacrifice short term advantages gained through questionable ethics in favor of the long term benefits of doing business with transparent governance. Candidates for the CSR Certificate should understand that CSR must be embedded in their daily work. More than that, it needs to be part of your company’s overall business plan because now, more than ever, customers and potential investors are watching and they are not afraid to let you know when you have let them down.
Q. What can attendees expect to learn from your session?
[AM] Attendees will learn that CSR is a business enhancing program, not a series of one offs in search of sappy headlines. It is not a photo of an oversized check being handed to the local boys and girls club. While those things are important for our society, research demonstrates that consumers and investors require more if you are going to win their patronage. They are looking for sustained and business-relevant programs that are demonstrably beneficial to society as a whole. Attendees will learn the business benefits of a strong CSR program as well as the potentially damaging affects of neglecting your corporate reputation — especially as CSR-conscious Millennials strengthen their grip on the worldwide economic engine. 
Q. What advice do you have or opportunity that you see for attendees who complete the CSR Certificate Program?
[AM] At the very least the CSR Certificate will enhance your CV or resume because more and more companies are waking up to the fact that CSR is no longer something you do with the extra money lying around after all other budgets have been filled. CSR is now table stakes. For many consumers it is required just for your business to have a seat at the table and that is not going to change anytime soon. CSR is not the wave of the future, it is the wave of right now, so it is wise to learn more and to become credentialed in this business function. It might make all the difference when seeking your next job or promotion.
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Career Background:  Aarti Maharaj
Aarti is Executive Editor and Director of Communications at Ethisphere Institute. This organization is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices “that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success.” Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character.
She covers ethics, CSR, compliance, risk, and corporate governance, and publishes extensively at Insights (you can read her work here:  http://insights.ethisphere.com)
An experienced print and television journalist, Aarti’s work has been featured in the New York Daily News and Business Insider. She was the Deputy Editor and Digital Content Editor of Corporate Secretary and Compliance Week magazines, respectively, as well as Associate Editor of OnWallStreet.
She holds a Masters Degree in Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University, and a Bachelor’s in Journalism, with Minor in Political Science.

For more information about the course and to register, visit: