Navigating Career Pathways for Water Professionals

The role of water in landscapes, in daily living, running communities and in commercial and cultural settings is diverse. Water is a ubiquitous ingredient, and we as professionals certainly do not take it for granted. Indeed the scope of opportunities of jobs and careers are continuing to expand and look very different from what was common in the past. Roles in engineering, science and planning are now being complemented with roles in economic, social behavioral change, natural resource management, cultural, governance and other disciples that relate with water.  

This event is an invitation to early career water professionals who are curious and eager to know what might be their options for stepping through their career. 

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for any early career professionals - including colleagues in various professionals roles or university based PhD and master students or post doc scholars. Your water sector role can range from Local or State government, Water Utility, Consultants, Industry Body, Regional NRM groups and other water related organisations. Plus, your interest can range from water services to natural resource management to urban design to riparian and coastal marine settings and anything else in-between. Everyone is welcome!!  

What's on Offer?

This event will offer ways to help frame and guide your thinking on possible responsibilities, roles, organisations and functions based on what you currently do and what your future functions could be. At this afternoon workshop we will work with you to:

• map the diverse roles and scope of work/projects that you currently undertake
• consider how two frameworks - namely (i) circular economy (ii) adaptive planning  - can provide an expanded and alternative viewpoint on water sector initiatives  
• apply aspects of these frameworks to the nature and scope of the work/projects you undertake
• hear from experienced water practitioners about what guided their career evolution
• identify steps or practices you could take to help navigate your career

Speaking to the frameworks are guests,

• Johanna Johnston - circular economy
• Richard Savage - adaptive planning 

We will also be joined by a range of experienced water professionals to help listen and reflect on your ideas for navigating your future and the International Water Centre team of Piet Filet, Brain McIntosh and Sarah Cochrane will be there on the day to help you to reflect on your current and future roles through various small group activities. 

The afternoon will be highly interactive, full of fresh ideas, sharing your work and project experiences and hearing about steps to help you navigate to your future ambitions. Throughout and on conclusion of the event - with drink and nibbles - there will be plenty of networking and opportunities to make new contacts.