The foundations of a strong career in environmental practice go beyond your qualification, and include the connections, experiences and community you build along the way.

In NSW, supporting students and early career practitioners is a key focus of the EIANZ NSW Division. The Division’s Students and Early Careers Committee drives connection and engagement through a diverse mix of events, programs and activities tailored to those starting out in the profession. From networking opportunities and professional development events to mentoring programs and peer connections, the NSW Division offers students and graduates the tools and community needed to kickstart your career in environmental practice. Explore what we have to offer below.

Why join EIANZ as a Student or Graduate?

EIANZ Student/Associate Membership opens the door to a thriving community of environmental practitioners spanning consultancy, government, academia, industry and the not-for-profit sector. This exposure offers insight into the diverse career pathways available in the environmental field, helping you make informed decisions about your career direction.

As a Student/Associate Member, you will gain access to a range of benefits to help you grow personally and professionally:

• Formal affiliation with Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand's peak body for environmental practitioners, a valuable addition to your CV before you even graduate
• Connection to experienced professionals through mentoring programs to help grow your network
• Access to over 100 events at discounted member rates to build your knowledge, experience and network
• The opportunity to contribute to a professional community working collectively to advance environmental practice across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

Recurring Events for Students and Graduates

Early Careers Pub Social

Held quarterly, the Early Careers Pub Social is a casual and welcoming space for students and early-career practitioners to come together, swap stories, and build connections outside a formal event environment. These evenings are a great opportunity to meet like-minded peers and grow your network in a relaxed setting. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates!

Careers in Environment Night

The NSW Students and Early Careers Committee hosts the annual Careers in Environment Night, designed to help students and early-career professionals explore the wide range of career pathways available in the sector. Featuring a panel of practitioners working across environmental impact assessment, ecology, sustainability, contaminated land, renewable energy and more, the evening gives attendees the chance to ask questions, hear career stories and build connections with professionals who want to help you succeed.

University Events

The Committee regularly partners with universities to deliver technical events that introduce students to the environmental profession. Past events have included a panel discussion on impact assessment, held in collaboration with the University of Sydney's Geoscience Society, which featured practitioners sharing their career journeys and insights in the field. These events are a great way to gain exposure to different areas of environmental practice and connect with professionals working in the industry.

Ongoing Programs

Mentoring Program

The EIANZ NSW Division Mentoring Program runs annually from March to December, connecting experienced environmental practitioners with students and early career mentees looking to further their professional development. As a mentee, the program offers a confidential space to discuss your career, deepen your knowledge of the industry and learn from the experiences of a seasoned professional. The program kicks off each March with a launch event, and monthly themes are shared throughout the year to guide participants on their mentoring journey.

Annual Conference Travel Grant

Each year, the NSW Division offers a travel grant to support a student or early career member to attend the EIANZ Annual Conference. The conference is a fantastic opportunity to connect with practitioners from a wide range of disciplines and career stages, and to engage with the ideas and conversations shaping the future of the profession. To be eligible, applicants must be a current EIANZ Student or Associate Member based in NSW, with no more than two years of experience in the environmental industry. Keep an eye out for announcements when applications open.

Contact Us

Have a question about any of our student and early career programs, events or membership? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch with the NSW Division team at nsw@eianz.org.

Stay up to date with upcoming events by following the EIANZ NSW LinkedIn.