NETWORKING FOR SUCCESS: HOW TO SHINE IN ENVIRONMENTAL JOBS
Learn where, when, and how to network in the environmental sector
Introduction to Environmental Networking
What’s the Point of Networking?
When I started working in the environment sector, which for me was probably in 2015 as a snail care assistant in someone’s garden shed (I cannot recommend this job enough), I quickly worked out that networking is as important as getting the right qualifications when it comes to landing your dream environmental job.
Whether you’re seeking wildlife conservation jobs, jobs in environmental science, or even searching for trainee environmental jobs, the information you gather from the networks you create can enhance your chances of career advancement. It’s not enough to know people, you need to know people who share a common goal of improving the natural world.
Networking is not just an empty buzzword either, by participating in networking (essentially just making friends and collecting acquaintances) you can access information on environmental science jobs and opportunities that you wouldn’t have otherwise discovered. I’ve interacted with ecologists, conservationists, and research scientists who, in one way or another, have impacted my career in ways that I couldn’t have predicted.
This article will guide you through the different ways that you can network with others in environmental industries. Some methods may fall well within your comfort zone and some may challenge you, but I encourage you to give all of them a go and see what works best for you. My hope is that by the end of this blog, you are confident in the next steps that you need to take to kickstart or improve your career.
Leveraging Networking to Access Environmental Jobs
For those of you with environmentally focused career goals—be it ecologists, environment scientists, wildlife conservationists, among others—networking is a game changer in positioning for careers. I have participated in many events and conferences where I have met people who I later collaborated with or who shared valuable resources and insights with me. But networking doesn’t always need to happen at formal events, it can happen online, through platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups or even forums that deal with environmental issues. Don’t ever underestimate the impact that an introduction or a simple chat can make, online or in-person.
A number of environmental science vacancies that I have applied for were poorly (or never!) publicly advertised. Rather, I found out via word-of-mouth advertising or environmental sector mailing lists. These opportunities can only be found by putting yourself out there and connecting with other people.
If you focus on creating and keeping good contacts, you gain not only future job opportunities, but also learn about new initiatives, grants, or partnerships within the environmental field.
What is Networking?
Networking Importance in Career Progression
Let’s begin with the important question first: what is networking? Simply put, networking is forming and maintaining professional contacts. It is not necessarily about giving out business cards or sending LinkedIn requests, it is about being able to have relevant interactions with people working in the same industry as you. This is even more important in the environmental field where wildlife conservation jobs, ecology jobs or even environmental science jobs have many applicants. Your network may be the one to provide you with job opportunities, connections, as well as a mentor or a business partner.
Personally, networking has allowed me to find opportunities that I did not even know existed. It never occurred to me in my final year of uni that someone might pay me to join them in Spain for 3 months to help them study wasps, but thanks to my good fortune of connecting with someone who referred me to several excellent mailing lists, I saw the role advertised, went for it, got it, and had the most excellent time studying wasp behaviour (not so good was discovering that I am slightly allergic to wasp stings…).
Particularly as a freelancer, people reach out to me with jobs that are not openly advertised and organisations seek me out as someone who can fit their needs based on my reputation and recommendations alone. Quite a few environmental employment positions are filled through inside contacts so you need a good network to get to the next step in your career.
Networking Opportunities Available in the Environmental Sector
Networking is not only about getting work, but also about getting opportunities to learn, advance your career, or remain tuned-in to developments in the industry. By going to events or staying in touch with colleagues in the same field, you can keep up-to-date about news relating to environmental science employment, research activities and projects, and even new people in the field.
Another great benefit of networking is that you get to meet people who have the same concern and love for the environment as you do. The field of wildlife and environmental sciences exposes many opportunities for active collaboration with like-minded individuals, such as working together on a project, securing funds through grants, or publishing in research papers.
The Role of Networking in Finding Opportunities and Job Openings
Networking, in my case, and the case of many of my colleagues, has been a source of so many environmental science opportunities and trainee environmental jobs. It is common knowledge that the environmental industry can be tough, but the fact that a large part of the job market is based on connections is actually a silver lining. I have been able to secure freelance contracts, writing jobs, and even long-term contracts because of a recommendation or timely introduction.
Connecting with people in the industry can be especially useful for those who are new to the field. The earlier you start getting comfortable with networking, the better. You can find mentors, receive valuable guidance from people who were once in your position, and perhaps even get an internship or trainee position, which can eventually result in a permanent employment in the environmental field.
Networking in the Environmental Sector
Key Networking Events and Conferences in the UK with a focus on Environmental Professionals
One of the easiest ways of meeting people in the environmental sector is attending networking events and conferences. These are unique opportunities where industry leaders and employers as well as people who have a similar conservation interest can be met. Once I started to attend conferences (and even plan one!) I quickly saw so many benefits from just being present in a room full of individuals working in various jobs, such as wildlife conservation jobs, ecology jobs, and environmental science jobs, and being open to connecting with them.
In the UK, events such as the British Ecological Society Annual Meeting or The Wildlife Trusts’ events are perfect for making connections. Even local meetups, seminars and training sessions organised by institutions like The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) offer good networking opportunities.
Strategies For Networking
Networking can feel super intimidating, but worry not, everyone feels the same! But there are several simple ways to make it much easier, or even actually enjoyable. There is no need to practice the perfect introduction, just start with telling people who you are, explaining that you love nature and are working/would love to be working in this field, and then ask what they do. This works well because people tend to enjoy helping others and offering up their expertise. Finally, follow up. I have been doing this for so long now that it’s a no-brainer. It can be via an email or maybe a LinkedIn message, but simply sending a follow up always helps!
Importance of Building Relationships and Maintaining a Strong Professional Network
Consistency is so important when it comes to networking. It is not enough to simply turn up at one event and expect the floodgates of opportunity to open. It takes effort and time, but the benefits, and the excellent people you get to meet, are worth it. It’s also worth occasionally checking in with people you may have met a while ago in every now and then. Who knows, maybe they have a few rare opportunities available for wildlife conservation employment or ecology jobs. If you do not have a LinkedIn profile yet, I strongly recommend that you register for one.
Networking for Success in Wildlife Conservation Jobs
Opportunities for Networking in Wildlife Conservation Roles
Building relationships with fantastic individuals within the wildlife conservation community has made me love the work that I do even more. Conservation isn’t the easiest field, made harder by the fact that many jobs in wildlife conservation don’t seem to appear in conventional job search engines. This means that you have to dig deeper to find opportunities, which is where networking comes in. You might not even be looking for a new job, but if someone describes a project that fits your background perfectly, it can be worth investigating.
Finding opportunities through networking is also very achievable for people who are new to the field, as many organisations, such as The Wildlife Trusts, WWF, and Conservation Careers, all advertise job requirements across multiple social media platforms as well as their own websites. These organisations also often arrange networking activities, creating great opportunities for aspiring conservationists and students. At these events, you can meet wildlife conservation workers and ask questions, seek advice, or offer up your skills in order to land potential internships, volunteer positions, or even full-time employment opportunities.
Networking Best Practices for Wildlife Conservation
Based on my own experiences, networking in wildlife conservation opens up doors I would never have found otherwise. For example, while researching the tree species found in a forest in Madagascar, I connected with someone who recommended a useful mailing list to me, which is how I was emailed about a job opportunity in Spain studying wasps, which I subsequently took. Such opportunities are rare in the sense that you can’t find them simply by sending in applications—they almost always come from the connections you form along the way.
So how exactly should you network? Reach out to people whose work you respect and try to make connections, whether that’s through social media like LinkedIn, conservation forums, or going to local conservation events. Do not shy away from asking them about their career path. Even small bits of information can help you to open doors, whether you want trainee environmental jobs or fully established ones in the conservation world.
Networking Can Lead to Job Opportunities and Career Growth in Wildlife Conservation
Most wildlife conservation opportunities, especially those involving fieldwork, internships, and entry-level jobs, are often said to be taken even before they are posted. Such opportunities can be accessed through networking.
For beginners, wildlife conservation conferences or groups relating to environmental science and ecology who are active on social media sites are extremely helpful for linking you with professionals who are on the lookout for employees. WildHub provides an online community focused on conservation, which also serves as a networking site. These connections can be valuable in your search for your next wildlife conservation job opportunity.
Constructing a network in the field of wildlife conservation can advance the conservation of nature, so don’t think twice about calling, going to meetings, and generally being receptive to new opportunities. A great adventure could be on your doorstep and you have no idea yet!
Networking for Success in Environmental Science Jobs
Networking Avenues for Environmental Science Jobs
I remember there being quite a lot of networking in my early days of working in environmental science, but I never thought it was going to be that important. In contrast to other professions where job postings can be located on standard job search websites, in environmental science, many job opportunities are obtained by word-of-mouth and connections. You never know, by attending science conferences, taking part in environmental events, or becoming a member of specific professional organisations, you might come across environmental science career openings that you didn’t even know existed.
One excellent method for looking for environmental science networking opportunities is to participate in environmental science conferences or webinars provided by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM). These types of events are very good at helping you to connect with specialists, gain information of recent findings, and knowing potential job vacancies that otherwise would remain unknown.
Tips for Building a Network with Practitioners in Environmental Science
Networking can be intimidating, especially if you are at the start of your career. But relax, you are not alone! When I began looking for networking opportunities, I focused on how the people I approached at events were doing work that interests me, and that was my main reason for approaching them. You don’t always have to “market yourself.” Showing an interest in other people’s work or asking them for advice is enough for new relationships to create opportunities in the future.
If you’re seeking employment information about environmental jobs, LinkedIn is a perfect platform to use. It is particularly effective since it is used by many environmental professionals to post relevant information, including articles, research, or job opportunities. A good recommendation in this case would be to participate in communities where active discussion takes place and fantastic ideas are put forward.
Networking Can Help You Progress in your Environmental Sciences Career
I have seen how networking has changed the careers of my colleagues and friends. For example, a friend of mine managed to move from being a trainee in an environmental role to being fully employed in the wildlife conservation field by connecting with other researchers who had leads for new job openings. Because they actively participated in networking, they were able to apply for a position that was not yet being advertised and stand out in their application.
If you want to pursue a similar path, begin by going to events. Even if the events are online, introduce yourself to the speakers or members of the panel. You never know what great things can come from a quick introduction.
Networking Tactics to Enhance Your Potential for Success in Ecology Jobs
Ecology Positions and Organisations’ Networking Interests
When applying for ecology jobs, you won’t be surprised when I tell you the best advice I can give: go out and network! Networking in ecology simply involves establishing relationships with experts who are researching ecosystems, biodiversity, and the effect of human activities on the environment. Whether you are just a beginner starting out with trainee environmental jobs or you are already working as an ecologist, maintaining a robust network can provide job opportunities, collaborative research opportunities, or guidance from other experts in the field.
In the UK, there are a number of events and organisations that promote excellence in ecology that may be valuable in helping you interact with other enthusiastic professionals. For instance, the British Ecological Society (BES) has an annual conference that mobilises ecologists from all over the world. It is an excellent opportunity for networking and seeking new job opportunities. Further, by volunteering with organisations like The Wildlife Trusts or Buglife, you will be able to acquire some skills while exposing you to experts in the industry.
The Importance of Networking within the Ecology Field
In ecology, networking is considered to be useful as much of the work done is project-oriented and collaborative. More specific activities, like wildlife monitoring, habitat evaluation, or carrying out assessments on environmental impacts, require you to build networks so that like other ecologists, conservationists, and environmental practitioners, you can keep expanding your opportunities for support in the future.
Networking in Ecology Can Further Your Career
Developing a good network in ecology is not just about meeting new people, it is about building networks that benefit each other. Perhaps the most effective method for accomplishing this is through participation in local or international ecology associations, meeting in person or virtually, and maintaining a presence in webinars and online discussions. Sites such as LinkedIn and ResearchGate allow ecologists to meet and allow new studies or job offers to be found.
Ask your new contacts for advice or to make introductions to other people. Most of the time, I’ve found that people working in the environmental field are happy to assist you with your career goals once you have communicated with them. Of course, networking is not only performed when seeking job interviews, it can also provide interesting partnerships, either out in the field or as co-authors of scientific papers.
Final Points for Networking
The Role of Networking in the Environmental Field
I hope that this article has helped you to appreciate the significance of networking for developing a career within the environmental sector. Keep looking out for ecological, environmental, and wildlife conservation careers, as you may find many opportunities to enter the industry with the contacts you make on your way. However, networking has always been bigger than just gaining access to opportunities for me; being motivated and working together with a vibrant community helps keep my optimism for a healthier natural world alive!
Take All Opportunities to Connect with Other Professionals in the Environmental Field
Don’t just stick to the online world, get out there and don’t be afraid to network in person. Any little breakthrough can aid you in the long term, all that work really pays off!
If you want to start small, then go and participate in a local function, message people on LinkedIn, or simply have a casual chat on some Reddit forums about anything related to your profession. Build relationships and nurture these and opportunities will come your way.
Contacts and Resources for Career Development in Environmental Science Jobs, Wildlife Conservation Jobs, and Ecology Jobs
Now that you’re ready for the next step, here are some references which will help you reach out to other professionals in the field:
Conservation Careers: This website provides great tips on how to search for jobs in conservation as well as make professional contacts within the industry.
Step(h) into Nature: For more tips regarding environmental job opportunities and career advancement, sign up to my mailing list.
The Wildlife Trusts: They regularly organise events and have a range of volunteer options, which should be good for networking in wildlife conservation jobs.
British Ecological Society: Should you be searching for ecology jobs, this association schedules events for meetings and networking opportunities quite frequently.
LinkedIn Environmental groups: Look out for the ‘Environmental Jobs UK’ or ‘Ecology and Conservation’ groups and participate in discussions with professionals with similar interests.
Regardless of the level of career you are currently in, relationship building such as network is never out of fashion. So go ahead, register for those meet ups and commence meaningful interactions, you never can tell what you may find just around the corner.
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Author Bio
About the author
Stephanie is a Freelance Environmental Communicator working in social media, presenting, podcasting, and writing.
She also provides Social Media Management, Website Design, and Brand Development services for environmentally minded organisations and individuals.
Stephanie is based in Bristol and in her spare time can be found outdoors in nature or indoors taking care of her 79 plants.
Her favourite animals are snails and her favourite plants are strangler figs.
FAQs
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Networking is important because it helps you develop social ties with other similar individuals who have a wealth of information, resources and networks. Be it wildlife conservation jobs or environmental science jobs or ecology jobs, most of the positions available in these areas are often through referrals and recommendations. It is through networking that you can learn about opportunities.
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Start by going to environmental activities, conferences, and workshops. Participating in discussions on relevant groups/forums on social networks such as LinkedIn or Facebook is also a possibility. Even beginning from smaller local organisations like conservation volunteer groups can help. Initiate conversations and interact with other members of the community.
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LinkedIn is among the best tools for professional networking as it provides a platform to meet people from the industry and can enable you to join networks for young professionals within the field of environmental protection and conservation. Other options include Facebook groups for environmental issues, X/Twitter for conservation and ecology professionals, and specific sites such as Conservation Careers or The Wildlife Trusts. Such platforms provide possibilities to connect with specialists working in wildlife conservation, ecology, etc.
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A day or two after your meeting, write a brief message thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. Recall to them where you met, say that you hope to see them again, and let them know what you found most interesting about them. If a particular subject came up in the conversation, such as how to get involved in wildlife or environmental science opportunities, include it with your follow-up note as it helps to build rapport. LinkedIn is equally useful for these sorts of connections.
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Seek out events such as environmental conferences, workshops, and seminars that are dedicated to ecology, wildlife protection, sustainability, and environmental sciences. Events run by groups such as The Wildlife Trusts, British Ecological Society, and Conservation Careers provide good opportunities for networking. Also, lots of universities as well as environmental charities regularly organise free online seminars and networking days, which are great if you are just starting out.
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Remember that you are not alone in feeling this way! Begin with informal volunteering, with focus groups or with community environmental projects, but don’t put too much emphasis on networking. Try to view networking in the same manner as socialising.
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To maintain relationships for a long time there has to be some ongoing periodic correspondence. Every now and then reach out to your contacts; let them know there is something you’re working on that may be of interest to them, or just check in and ask what projects they are working on at the moment.
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For students, the best first step is to participate in relevant activities such as joining environmental clubs, societies, or volunteering programs. Also, find environmental NGOs or research institutions that have trainee or internship opportunities. You can also attend university-sponsored conferences, workshops, or online seminars related to wildlife and nature conservation, ecology, or environmental sciences that can direct you towards a professional career. You can also ask professionals for their help, for instance, on social media such as LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to send out a message or two! People will be more supportive than you may expect
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Yes, online networking can be equally effective. Attending webinars, becoming a member of relevant LinkedIn Pages, or simply posting and following Twitter or forum postings on environmental issues can broaden your connections base. Online resources allow you to meet people from different regions across the globe, increasing your chances of expanding beyond local networks.
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Avoid staying too quiet. Always endeavour to actively participate in a discussion or assist others when possible. Don’t overlook the potential of online networking. Active use of sites like LinkedIn or industry associations could help you to connect with others in the environmental field.
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Networking can facilitate your development by allowing you to participate in new ventures and even managerial roles. For those who are already within the industry, use your contacts to broaden your prospects within the industry. Follow highly thought-of practitioners, take part in training to acquire fresh skills, and seek mentors for help. Making yourself available to join other projects can help establish you as an expert in the field with possibilities for career enhancement.
Stephanie is a Freelance Environmental Communicator working in social media, presenting, podcasting, and writing.
She also provides Social Media Management, Website Design, and Brand Development services for environmentally minded organisations and individuals.
Stephanie is based in Bristol and in her spare time can be found outdoors in nature or indoors taking care of her 79 plants.
Her favourite animals are snails and her favourite plants are strangler figs.
