Mapping the future
The Early Career Network is an integral part of the journey for anyone considering study or career paths in geoscience
Early career geologists attend an ECN networking event in Edinburgh.
As the world faces a growing number of challenges, geoscientists are more crucial than ever. Careers that help society understand and manage Earth’s systems are both high-impact and increasingly sought after, yet navigating these pathways can be challenging for early career professionals.
The Early Career Network (ECN) was established in 2019 as a place for early career geoscientists to develop multisector professional networks and support development in the widest sense. Since then, it has grown to over 1,200 members across the UK and internationally.
Serving science, profession and society
The ECN has the Society’s key values at its heart and is a voice for early career geoscientists within the Society’s Professional & Chartership Committee and Science Committee. It aims to facilitate collaboration and promote diversity and inclusion.
To achieve this, we have built strong foundations with the Chartership Office, Specialist Groups and Regional Groups of the Geological Society. We are working collaboratively to channel the ‘Next Generation of Geoscientists’ campaign, helping young people to learn more about studying and working in the geosciences, and are supporters of the ‘This is Geoscience’ campaign.
A conglomerate of experience
The ECN is led by a volunteer committee of early career professionals, ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate students to graduate geoscientists and experienced Chartered members. The committee represents a broad spectrum of industry sectors, from engineering,
exploration and hydrogeology to PhD students, geophysicists and sustainability experts (and more!), with over 50% female representation.
Discover the committee at: geolsoc.org.uk/careers-and-training/early-career-network/meet-the-committee.
Celebrating excellence
The ECN hosts the Early Career Geologist Award, which is held annually in May at Burlington House and is the highlight of our events calendar. Participation from all early career Fellows is warmly encouraged, offering the opportunity to present their work to a diverse, multi-sector audience, and learn effective science communication. Please connect with your local Regional Group to be nominated to participate in regional competitions, or keep an eye out for our ‘Wildcard’ entry.
To find out more about the award, visit: geolsoc.org.uk/careers-and-training/early-career-network/early-career-geologist-award.
Upcoming events
Our 2026 events calendar will be released shortly, but we continually review and adapt our schedule to reflect emerging interests and collaborations. Previous events included lectures, group walks, field trips, online discussion and Chartership guidance sessions. Consider early participation to make the most of these professional development opportunities. We welcome collaboration, so if you are planning a lecture, field trip, workshop, or other activity, we would be delighted to support and promote it within the ECN community. Do get in touch to discuss how we can work together to share knowledge and create engaging experiences for early career geoscientists.
How to get involved
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-career switcher, or simply curious about what the ECN has to offer, we invite you to sign up to our mailing list for updates, to attend an event, or volunteer your time.
Authors
Dan Hope, Chair of ECN
Rachel Sims, Vice Chair of ECN
Jocelyn Barker, Publicity Officer
