On Sunday, September 19th, the International Water Association and the Young Water Action Team provided a forum for more than 50 students, recent graduates and other young professionals from all over the world to come together and discuss the major opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of leaders in the water industry. Throughout the day, a series of eminent speakers explored the key themes of the workshop, including career options, professional development, youth-led projects in developing countries and the future of the water industry.
The first half of the workshop looked at career options for Young Professionals and their role in the future water sector. IWA Deputy Director Mark Pascoe opened the workshop and explained IWA’s role in the water cycle and his own personal experience within the association from member to Deputy Director.
Tony Rachwal, Innovation and Development Director of Thames Water presented careers options for young professionals in the private sector. The presentation highlighted a range of routes into industry for graduates and post-doctorates. Tony went on to describe the non-academic qualities an individual will need to thrive in the industrial sector. Mobility, opportunities for individuals from non-EU countries and career development routes were also explored.
Piet Lens from Wageningen University went on to describe career options for young researchers in academia. Piet highlighted the commitments, responsibilities and skills required to endure a career in academia. Piet also reiterated the limited number of opportunities available in academia for post doctorates.
Tom Hadfield and Tom Williams introduced the aims and objectives of IWA’s Young Professionals Programme, including an overview of what IWA offers young professionals and the outcomes of the recent Young Researchers Conferences. Although there are several initiatives running in the Young Professionals Programme, such as the Young Researchers Conferences, the programme is due for expansion in 2005.
Simon Gordon-Walker from WRc held an engaging conversation with the audience, listening to their ambitions and concerns. Simon revisited the aspirations of the water sector ten years ago, and looked to where it is now and in the future. Again, Simon addressed the non-academic qualities an individual should have to succeed in the sector. The presentation offered the first opportunity to the audience and panel at large to interact.
Willem Koerselman from KIWA Water Research explored four scenarios for the Dutch drinking water sector in 2020. William discussed the role that today’s young professionals will have in shaping the future of the Dutch drinking water sector. Willem commented that without the input of Young professionals, the scenario planning could not have been achieved.
Petra de Regt from the Young Water Action Team presented a series of illustrated stories of young people taking action to help meet the Millennium Development Goals. Petra discussed the impact that young people are having and what the international community can do to support young people’s efforts.
Mostafa Elkhedr Ahmed from the Young Water Action Team presented an analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing young water professionals in Egypt. Mostafa referred to his personal experiences working for the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and as an Assistant Professor at Cairo University.
Yoseph Araya from the Young Water Action Team presented the World Water Monitoring Day activities that are taking place around the world to increase awareness of water quality issues in schools and universities around the world.
The session finished with a questions and answer session. Thomas Wintgens of Aachen University joined the presenters on the stage to field questions from the audience. Both the panel and audience of young professionals engaged in a lively discussion ranging from their concerns for the water sector in regards to the future decade to eliciting tips and guidance from the individual panellists regarding attaining a job in the water sector.
Workshop Outcomes
Young professionals highlighted the perceived freedom and unpredictive nature of careers in academia compared to the hard work and seemingly higher financial rewards associated with careers in industry.
It was agreed that in each of the four future scenarios what they are? for the drinking water sector, young professionals will need to adapt to new technologies, meet new research needs and help shape new business strategies to rise to the challenges of the next decade.
There was a consensus that the inspirational projects that young people are involved in are making a big contribution towards the Millennium Development Goals, but more could be done to support youth-led action and increase young people’s awareness to water issues.
Young professionals are developing an identity as a stakeholder group and it is important that young people continue to work together at the national and international level.
The workshop was fascinating and productive. Without the direct input of young professionals, IWA would not be able to tailor a program to meet their needs. IWA hopes to continue the dialogue instigated at the workshop to ensure that young professionals remain engaged in the Association’s planning and activities.
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