Whatever your personal or professional goals in resources and waste management, CIWM membership can help, says CIWM CEO Dr Colin Church. Here, he looks at how upgrading your membership could help take your career to the next level.
CIWM represents over 5,500 individuals with a broad range of qualifications, skills and experience levels and, with a number of membership grades available, we are well served to support our members at every stage of their professional development.
Each of our membership options is tailored to provide our members with access to the knowledge, information and advice that they need to achieve success in their careers and to encourage progression at every level. With our Autumn 2018 upgrade and interview workshops on the horizon, there is no better time to consider the next steps in your membership journey.
If you have been a member of CIWM for six months or more, you may be eligible to apply for Chartered membership. Becoming a Chartered member of CIWM not only demonstrates your commitment to the sector but also shows that you have been peer-reviewed and possess the high levels of knowledge and experience required for Chartered status.
Chartered membership of CIWM serves as proof of your professional integrity, demonstrates your dedication to continual learning and opens up a new network of peers with whom you can connect, exchange ideas and share knowledge and best practice. It can also play a vital role in your career development, qualifying you for job opportunities which specify Chartered membership as an entry requirement.
If you are considering Chartered membership, I encourage you to attend one of our upgrade workshops taking place across the UK this Autumn. These free events offer a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the application process, seek advice on how to prepare for the professional interview and network with other members who are working towards Chartered status. The application process is more straightforward than you might think and we will be there to support and encourage you every step of the way.
If you already hold the title of Chartered Waste Manager and have done so for seven years or more, you may have aspirations to become a Fellow. Being awarded a Fellowship is a prestigious acknowledgement of your seniority in – and contribution to – the sector.
Similarly to Chartered members, Fellows are peer-assessed to ensure that they meet the required criteria. Applicants must demonstrate their distinguished accomplishments in the sector and commit to upholding the highest levels of professionalism.
Being awarded a Fellowship of CIWM demonstrates that you are a leading professional in the sector and serves as a formal acknowledgement of your considerable achievements in the field of resources and waste management.
If you are not yet a member of one of our professional grades, this is something you may wish to work towards. Whether you have recently completed your studies and are entering the workforce for the first time or are an Affiliate member with the skills and experience required to upgrade, professional membership of CIWM is an excellent way to demonstrate your level of knowledge and experience in the sector and your commitment to the profession.
Whatever your personal or professional goals in resources and waste management, CIWM membership can help and I very much hope that you will spend some time considering the benefits of upgrading your membership this season.
