Sea Your Future: Driving Career Development at the Future Leaders’ Forum

Last month saw our second Future Leaders Forum in London, where marine professionals gathered to learn, network, and be inspired by leading minds in the field. Its chair Ashleigh Kitchiner CSci MIMarEST, and co-chair of our Sea Your Future initiative, reflects. 

Let me start with a bit of a confession. As a marine biologist, when I began my working career, I had no idea what a membership body was, how it worked, what chartership was, what a Special Interest Group (SIG) was, or how a committee worked. I was never told about such opportunities, so it was all very new to me.  

But now, as a fully immersed IMarEST member, I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation and explaining the benefits of professional registration, such as becoming chartered. 

I have gained invaluable insights through IMarEST engagement, allowing me to broaden my network, gain access to marine professionals in my field and in other areas of the marine space, and take note of my achievements. Not only that, but my chartered status is also recognised and valued by employers. 

As a member of the Marine Mammals SIG, I have been part of interesting webinars, articles and projects. Technically, the IMarEST has also provided me with an inspiring support network, allowing me to develop the skills that I use on a daily basis.  

My most recent experience with the SIG allowed me to contribute to a project with the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The initiative evaluated existing monitoring methodologies, identified innovation, and horizon scanned to advance evidence-based solutions for marine conservation and management. 

I am also the co-chair of the Sea Your Future steering group, and this is the hat I wore as the Future Leaders Forum chair. The Sea Your Future group aims to encourage students, graduates, apprentices, cadets and career movers to enhance their specialised skills by engaging with professional development opportunities at the IMarEST. 

All these IMarEST experiences have taught me so much. Most importantly, I’ve realised that if you don’t know what something is, that doesn’t mean it’s not for you. Ask questions. Explore. Life is about discovery, and I feel one lesson I’ve learnt throughout my career is perseverance - just keep trying. 

During the Future Leaders Forum we wanted to help early career professionals and career movers to become confident leaders by creating a space that encourages growth, innovation and propels our marine professionals forward. This year’s dynamic event offered invaluable insights, career development strategies, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers.  

We were honoured to have among the most influential voices in our field, including Richard Chance from Babcock, who delivered a powerful keynote on how to manage conflict in the workplace, and an incredibly upbeat closing session on transformational leadership from Christian Harrison, professor of leadership and enterprise.  

In between, there were an array of interesting talks, roundtables and a panel session addressing both technical challenges and personal reflections on the path to professional registration. I know those in the room took great inspiration from our speakers and panellists, who had a huge range of experience in engineering, science, and technology. 

I heard such positive feedback about those leading the day. For instance, Jalpa Bariya, a freelance environmental surveyor said: “It was a pleasure to meet and learn from professionals at all levels at the Future Leaders Forum. The talks were highly inspiring for young adults like me, who wish to further their career in the world of environmental science.” 

Beyond the sessions, I was thrilled to see attendees embrace the networking opportunities on offer. One of our core objectives was to build a strong, interconnected community and help marine professionals connect with peers, potential collaborators, and industry leaders. The depth of discussions in the roundtable sessions was equally impressive, with participants fully engaging in tackling key challenges facing our sector today. 

Looking ahead, I hope this Future Leaders Forum was not just an event, but a catalyst for growth, innovation, and collaboration in our field. Together, we can drive forward the advancements and innovations that will shape the future of the marine industry.