SUPPORTED BY
2026 EARLY CAREERS REPORT
Our fourth annual UK Early Careers Survey Report is now live, and the results reveal what's most important to early career professionals working in the UK environmental & sustainability (E&S) consulting sector.
The survey was launched by Environment Analyst’s UK Early Careers Advisory Board, to help understand the recruitment and retention challenges facing the sector.
The survey ran from October to December 2025 and was open to professionals who have worked in the sector for up to six years. It asked about job satisfaction, entry route into the sector, salary expectations, professional development needs, diversity and more.
THE SURVEY AIMS TO
Help the E&S sector understand how to attract and retain the next generation of talent
Provide a platform for early career professionals in the sector to be heard
Highlight changes from previous years
Help formulate recommendations for business leaders and HR teams in the sector to apply
2026 HEADLINE FINDINGS
<30%
of respondents completed an internship or placement
Flexibility, working environment & salary
contributed most to job satisfaction
Salary
was the main reason respondents would leave their current role
79%
of respondents were from a white ethnic background
27%
of respondents do not use AI in their role
58%
became aware of the E&S sector at university
Our third annual Early Careers Survey ran in November 2024, and the findings were published in May 2025.
The findings reveal job satisfaction was high, with 70% of respondents noting they're satisfied or very satisfied. Nevertheless, the sector still lags behind the national average in terms of ethnic diversity.
2025 REPORT
2024 REPORT
Environment Analyst’s Early Careers Advisory Board launched its second Early Careers Survey ran in 2023, with the findings published in 2024.
The survey highlighted five overarching concerns shaping respondents’ experiences and career development, namely: diversity and inclusion; career support; salary; working arrangements; and sustainability.
Environment Analyst’s 2022 Early Careers Survey saw 370 early career professionals (ECPs) share their thoughts on sector entry routes, job satisfaction, retention and more.
The survey found that ECPs were positive about working in the sector, and that role variation, international work and a sense of purpose were critical determinants of job satisfaction. However, the results flagged sub-optimal performance in the areas of sector diversity, salaries, and early engagement when compared to other professional service sectors.
2022 REPORT
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
The UK Early Careers Advisory Board works to combat the skills challenges facing the environmental and sustainability consulting sector, and promote career opportunities. The board members are early career professionals working in the sector.
To discuss joining the Board or collaboration opportunities please email the Chair emily.ridge@environment-analyst.com. To learn more download the brochure below.