I completely fell into my current position and this sector! Joining Beyondly as an Environmental Data Analyst back in September 2021 I had no idea what I wanted to do; I just really liked the company values and mission. As someone that was already quite passionate about sustainability, I quickly became interested in packaging design, how the packaging waste sector worked and material management. Sharing this interest with my line manager, when an opportunity in the Resource Efficiency team opened, I applied and got the job! Naturally as the Resource Efficiency services have developed so has my role. Alongside this I have set regular development goals with my line manager, utilised peer mentoring and pushed myself regularly outside of my comfort zone – “all progress takes place outside the comfort zone”. Completing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) training courses enabled me to grow confidence in delivering more complex services such as LCA and Product Carbon Footprints which also facilitated progression. More recently I have found value in professional memberships such as the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM) and opportunities these organisations can enable. For example, I am the CIWM Early Career President, which has not only developed my leadership, networking and public speaking skills but massively increased my technical knowledge of the Resource and Waste Sector further supporting career progression. Through my CIWM membership I have also had access to mentorship from someone external to Beyondly which has also been useful, providing different perspectives and insight.
- Confidence – this is crucial in my role because I am often asked to speak publicly at events, webinars, conferences or workshops. When I first started this was something I found daunting but now I look forward to public speaking!
- System thinking – Considering the wider economic system or supply chain is something I struggled with when I first started, having limited ‘business’ experience. However, when it comes to delivering projects focused on circularity or waste/resource management understanding the wider system is critical.
- Project management – working on large bespoke research projects with customers can be time-consuming, data-challenging, and involve multiple contacts or considerations. At first, I found the often-slow progress and multiple elements difficult to juggle alongside other projects and my day-to-day role. Experience has taught me regular catch ups, phased approaches and timelines/milestones enable smooth delivery of large complex projects.
When I first started, I had the opportunity to be involved with a bespoke Plastic Packaging Tax project alongside my usual Environmental Data Analyst role. I didn’t know it then, but I’d be working with my now direct colleague Chris Smith – the chats in the car and involvement with the project sparked my interest in packaging design and wider regulatory environment! If I’d not got involved, I’d probably not be in the role I am in today.
Another pivotal point was when a colleague at the time on short notice was unable to chair a panel at the RWM conference due to some bad news. With little-to-no experience and only a couple of months behind me in the resource efficiency role, I volunteered my services! After a research-heavy evening I led the panel discussion, grew my confidence in public speaking and received a compliment from an audience member. I’ve now spoken, presented or chaired at every RWM since.
Developing and delivering the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) service has also been a massive learning curve for me! LCAs are very complex projects involving comprehensive data and specialised software. Coordinating the pricing structure, service templates and other resources developed my operational understanding of consultancy and service development. In comparison, the delivery of LCAs taught me the importance of attention to detail and data analysis.
Never say no! Obviously within reason but being open and willing to get involved with something new will result in the fastest progression and development. I’ll say it again! “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone”
