Icon has launched a new Early Career Membership category, replacing our existing Student Membership, to better support emerging professionals during the crucial transition from formal training to establishing their professional careers.
Icon’s Early Career Membership is designed to support individuals through their studies and the first five years of their conservation career. Alongside Icon’s core membership benefits, the category includes additional support tailored specifically to those starting out in the conservation sector.
Such benefits include Early Career Advice Sessions led by senior professionals, including Icon Accredited Conservator’s (ACR’s), an Emerging Professionals Networking Series, and a Conference Buddy Scheme. Together, these initiatives are designed to help early career members attend Icon events with confidence, connect with peers and established professionals, and begin building strong professional networks within the sector.
Building on Student Membership
The Early Career Membership category replaces Icon’s Student Membership, which was available only to students, apprentices, and interns still in formal education.
This change creates a clearer, more inclusive pathway into the profession, one that reflects the realities of modern conservation careers and supports individuals through their first five years of practice.
Icon's Ongoing Commitment
The introduction of the Early Career Membership follows feedback gathered from members through Icon’s Membership Review and reflects Icon’s ongoing commitment to strengthening support for early career conservation professionals.
By updating our membership offer, we are supporting individuals as they develop their skills, expand their connections, and establish a strong professional identity, contributing to a resilient and sustainable conservation workforce.
Amy Neal, Marketing and Membership Manager at Icon commented:
"This new membership category reflects what our members have told us they value most: a more flexible, inclusive and practical way to engage with Icon at the start of a conservation career. I am excited to support early-career conservators as they transition from training into professional working life.
By listening to feedback and responding to the evolving needs of the sector, we can better support our members and strengthen the profession as whole through the cultivation of a connected, informed and valued community."
Become an Early Career Member Today
Icon's Early Career Membership is now available to all eligible individuals. Click the link below to find out more about eligibility, benefits, and how to join.
We recognise that career paths are not always linear. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please contact our Membership Team at [email protected], who will be happy to help.