Are you looking for a career change into the sustainability field? You may already have what it takes. Many professionals like you bring valuable skills from other industries that are in high demand in the sustainability sector.
At IEMA, we have develop the Skills Gap Analysiss to help you align your current expertise with the competencies needed for a successful career in sustainability. Whether you’re experienced in business operations, communication, or project management, our Sustainability Skills Map makes it easy to identify how your skills transfer to the green economy.
With IEMA, you’ll gain:
The sustainability sector is growing fast, and employers need adaptable professionals who can lead the change. According to LinkedIn's Global Climate Talent Stocktake "Global demand for green talent grew twice as quickly as supply between 2023 and 2024 -with demand increasing by 11.6% and supply by 5.6% and job seekers with green skills or titles see a 54.6% higher hiring rate than the workforce overall."
Let IEMA guide your journey and help you secure a meaningful, future-focused career.
Transitioning to a career in sustainability is more than a professional shift—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact on the world. At IEMA, we provide the tools, recognition, and support to help you confidently navigate your career change and thrive in the sustainability sector.
Here’s why IEMA is the perfect partner for your journey:
Align Your Existing Skills
Your current expertise is more transferable than you think. IEMA’s tools, like the Sustainability Skills Map and the Sustainability Gap analysis, help you identify how your abilities fit into the green economy, giving you a head start in your new career.
Gain Professional Recognition
With our recognisable sufffix and badges you can showcase your expertise and commitment to sustainability. Our certifications are based on professional standards that guarentee any employer your competency in environmental or sustainability and they are trusted by employers across industries.
Access Unrivalled Resources
Tap into webinars, publications, and professional development opportunities designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
Expand Your Network
Connect with sustainability leaders and like-minded professionals who can inspire, guide, and support you as you build your new career.
Join now and align your skills with the future of work – get 15% off with code 2025CareerChangers at checkout!
Take the next step in your sustainability journey with IEMA. For a limited time, use code 2025CareerChangers during checkout to save 15% on your membership.
With this special offer, you’ll gain:
Don’t wait – this offer won’t last!
I used to teach English in an FE College but wanted to change my career and work in Sustainability, to help protect the environment. Completely retraining in my new career would have been impossible without IEMA's help and support. IEMA helped me get a grounding in the topic through their structured membership levels and training programme. I am now completing the Certificate in Environmental Management and hope to be accepted to practitioner level soon.
My journey with IEMA has been an immensely enriching experience. Originally from a finance background, I felt a calling towards sustainability after four years in the industry. This led me to pursue a Master's in Sustainable Development, which served as a pivotal point in my career transition. Upon completing my studies, I ventured into the realm of sustainability consultancy, where my employer urged me to embark on the IEMA journey. Recognizing the value of aligning with a professional body to deepen my understanding of sustainability and stay abreast of emerging trends, I eagerly embraced the opportunity. Upon successfully passing the Associate exam, I seized the chance to contribute further by joining the Sustainable Finance Network Steering Committee. Within this role, I collaborate with industry leaders to drive initiatives aimed at advancing the sustainable finance agenda and promoting ESG principles. It's been immensely fulfilling to help organize various webinars and Insight Journals, thereby disseminating crucial sustainability knowledge within the finance community. Looking ahead, my aspiration is to continue progressing within the program, ultimately striving towards attaining full membership and achieving chartered environmentalist status. For those considering embarking on this journey, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. It's a continuous path of self-improvement and professional growth, offering invaluable opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the world of sustainability.
I have recently undergone a career change after almost a decade working in another industry, and IEMA membership has been instrumental in demonstrating to employers (and peers) that I am committed to continuing professional development. Practitioner membership allows me to quantify the experiences I had in my career journey to date, and sets a path for my future
I came to environmental management fairly late in my career with my only science qualification being an o'level in biology. At the age of 50 I undertook a CIPS qualification which involved six exams so when I began looking at a professional qualification for environment (age 53), I swore that I didn't want to 'do exams' again. IEMA offered a fantastic opportunity to gain a professional qualification by using my practical experience and expertise rather than textbook. I undertook six modules, wrote six short dissertations and passed with no difficulty. Being able to use the PIEMA membership adds gravitas to how I am perceived in my industry and I have earned a lot of respect from being able to demonstrate professional membership alongside my experience. You don't need to be a young graduate to progress in this profession and IEMA recognises this.
As a member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), I've embarked on a transformative journey that has not only shaped my professional career but also enriched my personal growth in profound ways. Joining IEMA wasn't just about becoming a member of an organization; it was about joining a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to driving positive change in the realm of sustainability. From the moment I became part of this dynamic network, I was immersed in a world of opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development. One of the most impactful aspects of my membership has been the continuous support and resources provided by IEMA in advancing my career in sustainability. Through access to cutting-edge research, industry insights, and specialized training programs, IEMA has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of environmental management with confidence and expertise. Moreover, being part of IEMA has opened doors to diverse career pathways within the sustainability sector. Whether it's connecting with industry leaders at networking events or exploring job opportunities through exclusive job postings, IEMA has been instrumental in broadening my horizons and facilitating meaningful connections within the field. Beyond professional development, IEMA has also played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of purpose and belonging in my journey towards sustainability. The shared values and collective passion of fellow members have inspired me to push boundaries, challenge norms, and strive for innovative solutions to environmental challenges. In essence, my experience with IEMA has been nothing short of transformative. It's not just an organization; it's a catalyst for personal and professional growth, a platform for driving positive change, and a community of passionate individuals united by a common goal – to create a sustainable future for generations to come. To those considering joining IEMA, I encourage you to take the leap and become part of this inspiring community. Whether you're just starting your career or seeking to elevate your impact in the sustainability field, IEMA offers the support, resources, and opportunities you need to thrive. Together, let's embark on a journey towards a more sustainable world.
Membership of IEMA has been incredibly beneficial to me in my career. When I became a sustainability professional, I had none of the conventional qualifications associated with the role. Joining IEMA - and climbing through the ranks - demonstrated my knowledge and commitment without having to go through lengthy and expensive re-training.
I joined IEMA in May 2021 as an affiliate member. As a founding committee member of the Chartered Quality Institute's (CQI) sustainability special interest group established the same year to promote sustainability within the quality profession in practical terms through the provision of a forum where quality professionals network, exchange best practices and ideas, and share material on sustainability issues, I needed to join a globally respected professional body on environmental management and sustainability to enhance my knowledge and skills. Although based in Nigeria, joining IEMA provided me access to CPD opportunities, which enabled me to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, legislation, and best practices in environmental management, which I in turn used to provide valuable insights to other quality professionals. In 2023, in order to progress my membership in IEMA, I completed the IEMA certificate in environmental management (CEM) qualification, which further improved my ability to implement effective environmental management and sustainability initiatives for my clients. In February 2024, I achieved recognized professional status with IEMA by becoming a practitioner member of the institute. This professional recognition has enhanced my credibility, leading to new opportunities. This professional recognition has further reassured my clients of my commitment to professionalism and ethical practices. IEMA provides a wealth of resources, including guidance documents, case studies, and research reports, which are invaluable for me as a management systems consultant seeking to implement best practices in environmental management, and I'm happy to be a part of a global network that provides ample opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration on projects or initiatives.
I came late into the Environmental Field, but from onboarding 5 years ago I found that I really thrive in the space. Joining IEMA and working to secure my qualification was such an achievement in my life. I enjoy knowing Im part of a wider team, members across the community all sharing a common passion for this work and our world. IEMA is full of support, knowledge, practical advise and members that will be able to help and advise you along the way.
As a career changer, joining IEMA was the most impactful thing I did to start my transition. The wealth of resources and webinars are excellent, and my knowledge has improved drastically from these alone.
Before I joined IEMA back in 2020, I was struggling to get my foot in the door with a job that I loved and a career in sustainability, without any of the traditional analytical skills that were required for entry level roles. I was pointed in the direction of IEMA by a fellow health and safety colleague who mentioned that my auditing experience might be relevant to an environmental auditor course. After searching through the websites resources and webinars targeted to those who are thinking about sighing up to different levels of membership, I decided to study for the Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management in my spare time. It gave me a basic understanding of planetary cycles and carbon while at the same time allowing me to relate my current auditing skills into practice during the ISO 14001 modules. After passing my exam and becoming an Associate member, I did not only feel more confident in my sustainability skills and ability to go for a career in such, I was finally getting positive responses to my dream job applications. The process made so much sense for me and I wish someone had introduced me to the opportunity during my university years. 3 years on and I am now a Practitioner member in a job that I love, using IEA resources to stay ahead of company changes. I have recently applied to be on the new Natural Capital and Biodiversity Steering group, in the hopes of contributing to this great platform.
IEMA offers a variety of professional recognitions that correspond to different levels of membership. Each of them helps you demonstrate your commitment and level of expertise in sustainability. Each membership level is tied to a professional standards to help guarentee your level of knowledge.
IEMA provides a recognise suffix that helps you demonstrate your skills as well as a digital badge that you can use on your email signature or social platform to demonstrate to any potential employer your level of expertise on sustainability increasing your visibility.
These credentials are highly respected by employers and signal to them that you have the skills, knowledge, and dedication to thrive in the sustainability sector
When you join IEMA, you gain access to a wide range of resources designed to support your transition to a green career. These include:
IEMA’s comprehensive resources will support you every step of the way as you transition into a rewarding and impactful career in sustainability.
£263* Application fee and year 1 membership fee
IEMA offers two options to gain associate membership:
Online Multiple Choice Exam
If you already possess the necessary environment and sustainability knowledge, you can directly register for the IEMA exam. This one-hour online multiple-choice exam allows you to choose between environment or sustainability-focused questions.
Explore the Associate Standard to understand the learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and required content. Complete the application form by clicking on the button below.
The IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management prepares you with essential knowledge and skills to establish your competence in the field. This course offers flexible learning options, including classroom sessions and e-learning, catering to your preferred learning style. It's a perfect starting point for those new to environmental management.
*Please note that fees may vary depending on the Training Partner.
At IEMA, we make it easy to assess how your skills align with sustainability roles. Our Sustainability Skills Map helps you understand which skills are needed for a sustainability or environmental professionalso you can understand which of your skills are tranferable. You can also take advantage of our Skills Gap Analysis tool to identify gaps and areas for development, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a career in sustainability.
This offer is designed for career changers looking to transition into sustainability and align their skills with green opportunities.
Enter code 2025CareerChangers during checkout to save 15% on your membership.
This is a limited-time offer – join today to ensure you don’t miss out!
Now is the time to take the next step in your career. Align your skills, gain global recognition, and access exclusive resources with IEMA membership.
Use code 2025CareerChangers at checkout to save 15% – but hurry, this offer won’t last!
