As with most people over the years my career has had its up and downs and in my 24th year as an environmental practitioner I have learned a great deal – I’ve unfortunately reached veteran status!
Every year I write a blog post based on what might be a good idea for environmental practitioners to consider in the year ahead – call them professional new year’s resolutions if you like and this year is no different, you can find my thoughts below.
Improve your subject knowledge
Environmental management is a huge subject. It covers many different disciplines such as bits of law, ecology, waste, planning etc. Why not consider learning something new? This could be through a more formal recognised training, such as courses offered by the IEMA or NEBOSH or going off on your own and researching a subject, there are so many valuable sources of information these days.
Enjoy your work
There is a saying that goes something along the lines of ‘if you enjoy your work then you never do a day’s work in your life’. I think we all forget that work is a huge part of our lives and as such it should be something that we do because we enjoy it. If you do not currently enjoy your job consider ways in which you can improve it through getting involved in something new or doing what you do already in a different way. If that doesn’t work, consider new employment!
Help others to progress and learn
Sometimes we need help at work and we don’t ask for it. If you work with someone who is new to the subject why not offer them some help. You perhaps should not have a day to day line management responsibility for this person but are independent. Earlier in my career I had a couple of colleagues like this who helped me a great deal and I will forever be in their gratitude. They definitely helped my progress and do better in my job.
Read up on other subjects
Why not consider learning about something completely new that is not directly related to environmental management but certainly has some relevance. I have been reading a lot about evolution just lately and it has been a real eye opener and I keep thinking about the links to what I see and do in my day to day life and job. Pick a subject that you would like to find out more about from an interest point of view and learn more about it, then think about how that could be applied in the work that you do. What you choose will be very personal. A few of my ideas include artificial intelligence, psychology, change management and ethics.
Develop your network
Professionally it is a good idea to network with other people who may or may not be other environmental professionals. Think of actions you can take to expand your network. This might be internal or external to the workplace. You could for example join a professional institute and attend local branch meetings with like minded people. This can help in many ways such as solving an issue that someone else in your position has come across. It is also just a social thing to do to get to make some new friends.
Final Note
The list above is a few ideas of things that you might try in 2024. I imagine that your list would be different but hopefully mine gives you some ideas. I think change is vital for professional development and doing something different and somewhat challenging helps us improve both personally and professionally.
John Binns BSc (Hons), MSc, MIEMA
John Binns BSc (Hons) MSc MIEMA is an experienced environmental tutor and consultant.