Why Choose a Career in the Environment?

The emergence of a new environmental management profession offers exciting opportunities for those wishing to develop a career where individuals can make a real, practical difference to the environment. No longer is working as an environmental professional just about taking water or air samples, recording species and habitats as part of ecological surveys, or dealing with neighbours about noise issues.

According to the Department for Trade and Industry (now Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform), the environmental sector is growing by 10% each year because of changes to sociological, political, legislative, economic and environmental factors, so there are an increasing number of positions available to help protect the environment and to ensure that organisations adhere to new legislation and operate in a more sustainable manner.

Now, as the effects of climate change become ever more apparent, the need for companies to plan how they will respond to a changing environment becomes ever more compelling. There are some very real challenges that require skilled professionals to help develop practical, robust and enduring solutions. This means that there are now more career opportunities available within the environmental field than ever before.

During this economic recession, the companies that survive and flourish will be those that take a strategic view on the environment – take advantage of being resource efficient to increase productivity; create competitive advantage from the new opportunities being afforded from a shift to a low carbon economy; develop products that are resilient to a changing environment; and realise the potential and value that environmental professionals bring.

So what are the key attributes of a successful environmental management professional? Knowledge and understanding of underpinning environmental processes and natural cycles, and the way that businesses and society impact on them, provide a solid foundation for identifying what action can be taken to make environmental improvements.

Full membership (MIEMA) of the IEMA recognises proven levels of environmental knowledge, understanding and experience, and the IEMA offers assistance for professionals wishing to progress to this level, including the IEMA Mentoring Scheme.

So what do I do next?

If you are interested in persuing a bright career in the environment, use the links below to find approved training courses, current job vacancies and professional development opportunities through IEMA membership.

Jobs	Training	Professional Membership
The place for environmental jobs - over 1,500 online at all times	For the best training, look for the IEMA stamp of approval	Get your career on the right track with IEMA membership