Can graduate environment careers go anywhere?
The stereotypical environmentalist may be involved in conservation work, biodiversity, waste management or flood control. However, there are now many business-driven environmental careers and it is possible to become a chartered professional in the environment sector. The environment is taking centre stage in most business plans with the need for organisations to acknowledge their corportate social responsibility (CSR) so it’s about time for environmentalists to gain recognition.
How to get recognised as a Chartered Environmentalist
The Society for the Environment was granted a Royal Charter in 2004 enabling members of its constituent bodies to be recognised as Chartered Environmentalist – and to write CEnv after their name. To become a member, you must already have full membership of a constituent body and also demonstrate competence, knowledge and engagement in sustainable environmental management and development.
You will need to meet the requirements for years of work and study, and undergo a professional review. Membership demonstrates your knowledge, professionalism and environmental credentials; it also brings respect and enhanced careers prospects.
Where to apply for your Chartered Environmentalist status
At present there is one associate member body and 12 constituent bodies but further professional bodies and learned societies are moving to shelter under the same umbrella. The 13 members are highly varied, underlining the breadth of possibilities in environmental careers.
Visit their websites to find out more:
- Chartered Institute of Building
- Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management
- Chartered Institution of Wastes Management
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
- Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
- Institute of Fisheries Management
- Institute of Professional Soil Scientists (associate member)
- Institution of Agricultural Engineers
- Institution of Chemical Engineers
- Institution of Civil Engineers
- Institution of Environmental Sciences
- Institute of Water
- Royal Meteorological Society