My Journey to Achieving C.WEM from CIWEM: A Milestone in Water and Environmental Management

 My Journey to Achieving C.WEM from CIWEM: A Milestone in Water and Environmental Management

Achieving the Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (C.WEM) credential from the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) has been a fulfilling journey, one that has solidified my professional standing and deepened my commitment to sustainable water and environmental solutions. Reflecting on the milestones of this journey, I am reminded of the dedication, resilience, and invaluable support that shaped my success.

☑ Deciding to Pursue C.WEM

As someone deeply invested in water and wastewater management, the decision to pursue C.WEM was both strategic and aspirational. I recognized the value of this globally respected accreditation in validating my expertise, enhancing my career prospects, and aligning with my long-term professional goals.

It all started with a spark of curiosity and a push from a mentor. I remember scrolling through LinkedIn and stumbling upon stories of professionals achieving the popular C.WEM accreditation. Their journeys spoke of resilience, growth, and a commitment to making an impact in the water and environmental sector. Inspired, I began to wonder: Could this be my next milestone?

Conversations with colleagues and LinkedIn connections fueled my determination. One friend shared how earning the C.WEM had unlocked doors to influential projects. Another spoke about the immense personal growth they experienced during the process. Their stories were not just inspiring but also practical roadmaps that helped me navigate my own path.

To anyone considering C.WEM: take the leap. You’ll gain far more than a title; you’ll unlock a stronger, more capable version of yourself.

 

The Application Process

The first step was understanding CIWEM’s rigorous requirements, which include a detailed application, Continued Professional Development (CPD) records, and a clear demonstration of competencies across key areas.

Filling out the application was a reflective exercise—a chance to map my career achievements to CIWEM’s competency framework. Despite precise efforts, my application was initially unsuccessful due to gaps in my Continuing Professional development (CPD). I took this setback as an opportunity to refine and strengthen my submission with actionable feedback from CIWEM assessors and guidance from mentors at AECOM.

Throughout this process, I drew extensively from my professional experiences at ZATCA (Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority) and NWC (National Water Company). At ZATCA, I led several critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects, focusing on optimizing system efficiency and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Meanwhile, my tenure at NWC provided me with invaluable experience in managing large-scale water distribution networks and implementing sustainable practices. These projects not only strengthened my technical expertise but also served as practical examples to demonstrate my competencies in leadership, project management, and sustainable solutions.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to the CIWEM membership team. From the very start, their guidance was instrumental in navigating the application process. Every step, from understanding the competency requirements to drafting my submission, was made smoother with their timely advice and support. They were always just an email or call away.

Professional Review Interview (PRI)

Receiving the invitation for the PRI was a moment of both excitement and nervous anticipation. I knew this was my chance to showcase not just my technical expertise but also my ability to lead and innovate in water and environmental management.

One of the aspects I genuinely enjoyed during my preparation was diving deep into my past projects and identifying the impact they had on the community and environment. It was both a nostalgic and rewarding experience to revisit these accomplishments and recognize their significance. Additionally, CIWEM’s resources were immensely helpful. I frequently referred to their guidance documents, webinars, and YouTube videos, which provided clear instructions and tips for each stage of the application process. These resources made the process more approachable and structured, allowing me to focus on showcasing my strengths effectively.

To prepare, I revisited significant projects where I had played key roles—designing sewage treatment plants, optimizing process designs, preparing wet utility strategies and managing complex water infrastructure initiatives. Each project was a testament to my problem-solving skills and my commitment to sustainable practices. I carefully crafted a 10-minute presentation, highlighting challenges, solutions, and impacts, ensuring alignment with CIWEM’s expectations.

Delivering the PRI

On the day of the PRI, I walked in with a mix of confidence and humility. The panel’s questions challenged me to think critically and articulate my thought processes. By drawing from my experience and the preparation I had done, I believe that I was able to address their queries effectively.

The Outcome: Becoming C.WEM

The moment I received the confirmation of my successful PRI, I felt an immense sense of pride. Becoming a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (C.WEM) was a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. It reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience and leveraging constructive feedback.

Acknowledgments

This journey would not have been possible without the timely advice and encouragement from mentors and colleagues at AECOM. Their insights were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the application and review process.

The experience also underscored the value of structured CPD in maintaining professional excellence. Regularly updating my skills and knowledge has not only been a requirement but a cornerstone of my career growth.

Closing Thoughts

Achieving C.WEM is not just a professional milestone; it is a commitment to the principles of sustainability, innovation, and excellence in water and environmental management. I encourage aspiring professionals in this field to embrace the challenge, seek guidance, and persevere.

For more information about CIWEM and how to pursue C.WEM, visit CIWEM’s official website. To learn more about AECOM and its contributions to shaping sustainable futures, visit AECOM’s website.

This journey towards achieving C.WEM has not only validated my expertise but also provided a platform to further my commitment to sustainable solutions.

Please connect with me on LinkedIn to share insights, collaborate, for mentorship or discuss ways to drive impactful change.

As I look to the future, I am excited to continue making meaningful contributions to our shared water and environmental challenges. To my peers and mentors—thank you for being part of my rewarding journey. I hope I can pay it forward by mentoring aspiring Chartership candidates in future. Together, we can drive impactful change.