How to Build a Successful Career in Environmental Consultancy
By Godfrey Njugi EIA Lead Expert | 27/05/2025
Environmental consultancy is more than just a profession—it’s a mission to protect our natural world while supporting sustainable development. As environmental challenges intensify, the demand for qualified professionals in this space continues to grow. Whether you’re a student or a recent graduate, this guide outlines the essential steps to help you build a rewarding career in environmental consultancy.
🎓 1. Start with a Solid Education
A career in environmental consultancy begins with the right academic background. Pursue a degree in:
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Natural Resources Management
Environmental Engineering
Sustainable Development
Ecology or Geography with an environmental focus
For those looking to specialize, postgraduate courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or Environmental Law are highly recommended.
🔍 Pro Tip: Look for programs that include fieldwork and research projects to gain practical exposure early.
🧪 2. Get Real-World Experience through Internships and Attachments
Practical experience is vital. Seek attachment or internship opportunities with:
Government departments (Ministry of Environment, County Environment Offices)
NEMA (National Environment Management Authority)
NGOs working in conservation, climate change, and sustainability
Environmental consultancy firms
Research institutions
These experiences build your understanding of real-world environmental challenges and help you develop essential soft skills like communication and report writing.
💡 Internships also give you the chance to contribute to actual Environmental Impact Assessments or audits—key services in consultancy.
📋 3. Register with NEMA as an Environmental Expert
To offer professional consultancy services, you must register with NEMA. Registration is categorized into:
Associate Expert – For beginners
Lead Expert – For professionals with documented project experience
Firms – For those setting up consultancy businesses
📁 Did you know? Only registered experts are allowed to sign off on EIA/EA reports in Kenya.
🤝 4. Build a Strong Professional Network
Networking plays a huge role in consultancy success. Connect with:
Fellow environmental consultants
Project planners, architects, and urban developers
Civil engineers and contractors
Government regulators and policymakers
Academics and researchers
Attend conferences, join professional associations (like the Environmental Institute of Kenya), and be active on LinkedIn and environmental forums.
🗣 A good network not only brings job leads but also exposes you to multidisciplinary perspectives.
🌱 5. Find a Mentor in the Field
Mentorship can fast-track your growth. A good mentor can help you:
Navigate complex regulatory frameworks
Refine your consultancy and report-writing skills
Choose the right specialization (e.g., water, construction, renewable energy, recycling, climate change, biodiversity, waste)
Understand the business side of consultancy.
👥 Look for mentors among your internship supervisors, former lecturers, or senior consultants.
🌍 6. Stay Informed and Keep Evolving
The environmental field is constantly changing. Stay updated on:
Local and international environmental laws
Climate change strategies and mitigation tools
ISO standards (like ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems)
Green technologies and sustainability trends
Climate finance and global environmental agreements
📚 Subscribe to environmental journals, blogs, and newsletters. Never stop learning.
✅ Final Thoughts
A career in environmental consultancy isn’t just lucrative—it’s impactful. With the right education, hands-on experience, certification, networking, and mentorship, you can make a real difference while building a fulfilling career.
🌿 Whether you’re drafting an EIA, guiding construction firms, or advising governments, your work contributes to a greener, more sustainable world.–
💬 Have Questions or Looking for Guidance?
Drop a comment below or contact us for more information on how to kickstart your career in environmental consultancy!
