Empowering early-career professionals through events
Promoting marine careers is a key activity for the IMarEST, and we set up Sea Your Future to encourage students, graduates, apprentices, and cadets to engage with professional development opportunities. Here, the group’s co-chair, Ashleigh Kitchiner shares her experience of the power of events when it comes to inspiring the next generation.
The recent Marine Mammal Mitigation & Monitoring Conference hosted by the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) and the IMarEST was a key event for professionals dedicated to the conservation and protection of marine mammals. This first of its kind conference was a resounding success, bringing together experts, researchers, industry leaders, and, importantly, early-career professionals.
The event not only highlighted critical issues in the sector but also served as an invaluable platform for young professionals to learn, network, and grow in their careers. But this benefit is not exclusive to the field of marine mammals. I believe events offer the following benefits to those at the start of their marine careers:
Networking opportunities
For students and early-career professionals, conferences provide fantastic networking opportunities. In the often offshore community of marine mammal observation, making connections can be crucial for career growth. Conferences like this provide the perfect setting for young professionals to meet experienced personnel from seasoned experts, environmental consultants, and government regulators.
The ability to directly engage with potential employers, mentors, and collaborators is one of the greatest advantages of attending an event like this as an IMarEST member. For early-career professionals, these conversations can lead to internships, job offers, and long-term professional relationships. The chance to exchange contact information with experts and share your passion for marine conservation is something you simply cannot replicate online.
Learning experiences
For students and new entrants in any marine field, a conference offers a wealth of learning opportunities. Technical lectures on topics such as acoustic monitoring techniques, new software tools for data collection, and best practices for species identification provided practical knowledge that goes far beyond what is taught in academic programs.
These hands-on sessions are particularly beneficial for early-career professionals who are eager to deepen their technical skills and understanding. Learning directly from industry experts about the tools and methods they use in the field gives attendees a competitive edge as they enter the job market. It’s one thing to learn about a technical aspect in your field in theory, but a conference allows young professionals to see relevant methods in action and apply them in real-world contexts.
Confidence and visibility
Attending and even presenting at a conference is a powerful way for early-career professionals to gain confidence and visibility within their fields. Whether presenting research findings, being part of a panel discussion, or contributing to a poster session, a conference provides a stage for young professionals to showcase their work and establish yourself as emerging experts in your field.
For those just starting out, receiving feedback from peers and experienced professionals is an invaluable learning experience. It also helps you to build credibility, positioning you as knowledgeable and driven individuals within the field.
Why early career professionals should attend a conference in their sector
For anyone at the beginning of their career, attending a conference can be transformative. Here are a few reasons why:
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Knowledge and skill building: the technical sessions and workshops offer access to the latest tools, technologies, and methodologies used in your field.
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Networking: building relationships with professionals from a variety of organisations can open doors to internships, job offers, and collaborations.
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Career development: conferences like this provide early-career professionals with opportunities to present their work, gaining feedback and visibility within the community.
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Mentorship: access to seasoned professionals who are willing to share their experiences and offer career guidance is invaluable for long-term growth.
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Passion and inspiration: attending a conference full of like-minded individuals passionate about your sector is both motivating and inspiring, reinforcing a sense of purpose.
Whether it’s presenting at a conference, participating in workshops, or simply networking with peers and mentors, these events are essential in staying current with industry trends and expanding your professional horizons. In any industry, taking the time to engage with the community, learn from experts, and actively participate in these events can open doors to new opportunities and accelerate your career trajectory.
As one early-career professional who attended this year’s MMOA & IMarEST conference shared,
It’s easy to feel disconnected when you’re just starting out, but attending these events makes you realise you are part of a much larger community. Meeting experts face-to-face and hearing their insights firsthand has been both motivating and incredibly valuable for my own career path.
If you're early in your career or looking for ways to advance, attending professional events should be a priority. The knowledge, connections, and inspiration you’ll gain are invaluable, helping you grow not just as a professional, but as a lifelong learner and contributor to your field.
If you need any advice on attending these events, please get in touch with the Sea Your Future group by contacting us at [email protected].
If you are a student or an early career professional, share your activities online with us by using the hashtag #IMarESTSYF.
