How do you keep up with trends in environmental engineering?

1 Read journals and blogs

One of the best ways to keep up with trends in environmental engineering is to read peer-reviewed journals and reputable blogs that cover topics related to your field. Journals such as Environmental Engineering Science, Journal of Environmental Engineering, and Environmental Science and Technology publish cutting-edge research, case studies, and reviews on various aspects of environmental engineering. Blogs such as Environmental Leader, GreenBiz, and Earth911 offer insights, news, and opinions on environmental issues, solutions, and trends. Reading journals and blogs can help you learn new concepts, methods, and technologies, as well as keep you informed of the current and emerging challenges and opportunities in your industry.

2 Join professional associations and networks

Another way to keep up with trends in environmental engineering is to join professional associations and networks that provide resources, events, and opportunities for learning and networking with other environmental engineers. Professional associations such as the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the International Society of Environmental Engineering (ISEE) offer membership benefits such as access to publications, webinars, workshops, conferences, awards, and certifications. Networks such as the Environmental Engineering Network (EEN), the Environmental Engineering Group (EEG), and the Environmental Engineering Professionals (EEP) offer online platforms for connecting, sharing, and collaborating with other environmental engineers around the world.

3 Attend webinars and conferences

A third way to keep up with trends in environmental engineering is to attend webinars and conferences that showcase the latest developments, best practices, and future directions in your field. Webinars and conferences are great opportunities to learn from experts, interact with peers, and discover new ideas and solutions. Some examples of webinars and conferences that focus on environmental engineering are the AAEES Webinar Series, the ASCE-EWRI Congress, and the ISEE International Conference on Environmental Engineering. You can also search for webinars and conferences that are relevant to your specific area of interest or specialization within environmental engineering.

4 Follow social media and podcasts

A fourth way to keep up with trends in environmental engineering is to follow social media and podcasts that feature content, discussions, and interviews related to your field. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can help you stay updated on the latest news, trends, and opinions in environmental engineering, as well as connect with other professionals and influencers in your industry. Podcasts such as The Environmental Engineering Podcast, The Sustainability Agenda, and The Green New Deal Podcast can help you learn from the experiences, perspectives, and stories of environmental engineers, leaders, and activists who are working on solving environmental problems and creating positive change.

5 Enroll in courses and programs

A fifth way to keep up with trends in environmental engineering is to enroll in courses and programs that can enhance your knowledge, skills, and credentials in your field. Courses and programs can help you refresh your fundamentals, learn new techniques and tools, and explore new areas and applications of environmental engineering. You can find courses and programs that suit your needs, interests, and goals from various sources, such as online platforms, universities, professional associations, and training providers. Some examples of courses and programs that are relevant to environmental engineering are the Environmental Engineering MicroMasters Program from edX, the Environmental Engineering Certificate from Stanford, and the Environmental Engineering Training Course from Engineering Institute of Technology.

6 Experiment and innovate

A sixth way to keep up with trends in environmental engineering is to experiment and innovate in your own projects, work, and research. Experimenting and innovating can help you apply what you learn, test your ideas, and create new solutions and value. You can experiment and innovate by using new methods, tools, and technologies, by collaborating with other disciplines and stakeholders, by addressing new or complex problems, and by seeking feedback and improvement. Experimenting and innovating can also help you contribute to the advancement and evolution of environmental engineering as a field and as a profession.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?