The Early Career Network of the Geological Society of London

The Early Career Network of the Geological Society of London was formed in 2019 by Early Career Fellows. The ECN’s principal aim is to provide support and guidance for professional development across all sectors of geoscience, recognising the varied needs of those in different sectors and career stages. Although aimed principally at those who started their career less than 10 years ago, the network is open to anyone interested in its activities.

The ECN is led by a volunteer committee of early career geoscientists working in industry and academia and has representation from a wide range of geoscience industries including mineral exploration, sustainability consultancy, energy and engineering.

Collaboration is at the heart of the Early Career Network’s activities, and it works closely with internal-to-GSL and external groups to deliver technical webinars, professional networking events and skills workshops and has attracted a global following across Europe, Australia, North America and Asia.

Since 2016, the  ECN has hosted the annual Early Career Geologist Award which was originally started by the Geological Society in 2012 and is a key opportunity for the next generation of geoscientists to showcase their emerging talent and expertise from across the UK.

Professional competency is a key milestone for early career professionals working in mining and geoscience, and the ECN have close links with the Chartership Office of the Geological Society. We are are able to offer guidance and advice to the application process including documenting CPD, and for those early career professionals looking to attain professional certification help to connect prospective applicants with mentors.