Young Professionals Workshop
Delegates who pre-registered for the Young Professionals Workshop will meet at 1 PM on Sunday, May 31 in the Giovanni Theatre on the second floor of the conference centre.
One of the main questions Young Professionals face after graduation is which sector to pursue; in academia, industry, or government. Each path offers unique opportunities to make an impact and build a successful career, if chosen wisely.
In the first panel discussion at the workshop, we will hear from water professionals who navigated these paths in recent years and they will share insights from their own journeys, including challenges, successes, and lessons learned. These discussions will provide guidance for YP exploring their career options.

For those interested in academia, publishing high-quality and impactful peer-reviewed articles presents additional challenges, particularily in a publishing environment increasingly complicated by predatory journals, and AI-generated content. Our second interactive workshop designed for professionals under 35 will focus on strategies to successfully navigate academic publishing, enhance the visibility and impact of their research, and develop essential skills for career advancement.
Participants will also have an opportunity to network with mentors and peers in a supportive and engaging environment, exchange ideas, and gain practical tools to advance their professional growth in the water sector.
Young Professionals Workshop Schedule
Date: Sunday, May 31
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Location: Chestnut Conference Center; Giovanni Theatre
Moderator: Beatrice Cantoni, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Agenda:
1:00 – 1:30 PM: Opening remarks; Introductions
1:30 – 2:45 PM: Panel Discussion - Dive into Your Future: Career Opportunities in the Water Sector;
Panel members: Howie Honeyman [ Biography (PDF) ],
Domenico Santoro [ Biography (PDF) ],
Hayat Raza [ Biography (PDF) ]
2:45 – 3:15 PM: Networking and coffee break
3:15 – 4:00 PM: Workshop – Turn Your Research Into Impact: Publish with Purpose;
Speaker: Chris Metcalfe [ Biography (PDF) ]
