Earlier this year, TBL’s Kelleigh Jansen gained her IEMA Practitioner membership. In this post, she discusses what becoming a member involved, and the benefits of membership.
My IEMA journey started in university where I signed up as a student member. I saw the value that the IEMA community could provide, from educational webinars to networking opportunities to insightful updates from the industry through their TRANSFORM magazine.
I knew that when I started my career as a sustainability professional I wanted to continue being part of the IEMA network. After gaining experience and knowledge within the sustainability and environmental management industry, I embarked on my IEMA Practitioner membership. This included a sustainability and environmentally focused exam that covered topics ranging from sustainable business models and sustainability regulations/laws to key environmental, social and governance topics.
After successfully passing the exam, I had to show my practical experience through various case studies. For each case study, I had to demonstrate the key skills and knowledge required of a practitioner in the environmental management and sustainability field.
My case studies focused on:
- Corporate carbon accounting covering scopes 1, 2 and 3.
- Double materiality assessments aligning topics to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards; and
- Sustainability reporting, with a particular focus on project management within reporting processes.
With the case studies and exam complete, I can proudly say I obtained IEMA Practitioner membership in February 2025. This is an emblem of my continued efforts to extend sustainability practices within business and showcases how far I’ve already come.
Why is IEMA membership beneficial?
No matter what level you are starting at, IEMA membership gives you…
- Access to educational webinars, resources and sustainability focused materials to provide continual learning and career development.
- Opportunities for networking online and in person through various events hosted by IEMA. These help you make long-lasting connections and start meaningful conversations with peers.
- Professional recognition of your continued efforts to promote sustainability and make the world a better place as an environmental management and sustainability professional.
- The chance to showcase your professionalism and skills, enhancing your credibility with employers and peers.
Whatever stage you are at in your sustainability and environmental journey, IEMA provides a community of peers and professionals to help you reach the next stage, and realise your potential in the industry.
