My route to CIWEM chartership: Piergiorgio Costa

30 June 2025

Piergiorgio Costa MCIWEM C.WEM, a civil engineer and hydraulic modeller at Binnies, shares his route to becoming a chartered water and environmental manager

As a civil engineer and hydraulic modeller, I deliver flood risk studies and river restoration solutions using hydraulic modelling techniques to support the design. My role has also recently involved developing water resource management schemes. I’m really proud of my work as my expertise contributes to safeguarding communities, enhancing the environment and optimising water resources.

Choosing a chartership

I chose CIWEM because of my commitment to making a positive impact on the environment through my work and the alignment of the institution's values with mine. I decided to become chartered early in my career as it was the best fit for my experience and my vision for career development. This decision reflects my dedication to sustainable practices and professional growth, ensuring that my work contributes to a healthier and more resilient environment. I became chartered in September 2023 after approximately a year of ensuring that my application was as good as it could be, whilst preparing for the interview.

Preparing my application

Preparing my CIWEM application began with collecting information about the process and identifying gaps in my competencies. I then aligned my future career to address these gaps. Although achieving certain competencies was challenging due to the availability of certain type of work, such as projects at the detailed design stage, I found the process easier than I originally thought. I used the competency requirements to support my request to my employer to be involved in specific type of projects; in return they have always supported my needs and facilitated the achievement of certain skills. This journey has strengthened my abilities and prepared me for professional growth in water and environmental management.

Working with a mentor was crucial for my success, and I always recommend it to anyone starting this journey. I was extremely lucky as one of my colleagues volunteered to help and be my mentor. We are still in touch, and I'll never thank him enough for his huge support. Given the positive impact of the mentoring process on me, I decided to become a mentor myself and am currently supporting two colleagues through the chartership process.

Preparing for the professional interview

I used the competency report as a starting point to expand on each required competency. I then delved into the details of each, defining all the drivers and regulations relevant to my work. This thorough approach ensured I was well-prepared, demonstrating my comprehensive understanding and ability to apply these competencies effectively in my role.

On the day of the interview, I felt a bit anxious but very focused and excited. Unexpected IT issues occurred, causing the videocall to malfunction. However, the interviewers were calm and kind, and after a few attempts, I managed to fix the issue. I received positive feedback on how I handled the situation, which boosted my confidence and showcased my problem-solving skills.

My top tips for getting chartered

1. Start with determination, set a target date and work consistently through a series of milestones leading up to the interview.
2. Find a good mentor; their support and guidance are incredibly useful throughout the process.
3. Use the chartership requirements as a guide and seek experience in a variety of fields to meet these comprehensively.

How has being chartered benefitted you?

Significantly! It forced me to expand my experience and link every piece of work to a broader context. I gained a deeper understanding of the main drivers and regulations relevant to my field, and I now have a clearer grasp of a project's entire lifecycle, from concept to realisation. This comprehensive perspective has enhanced my professional capabilities and confidence.

Next steps

I aspire to become an engineering manager. I aim to apply my experience not only in flood risk management but also across various fields such as dams and irrigation plants. By expanding my expertise, I hope to help communities who suffer the critical issue of water scarcity. This ambition reflects my commitment to developing innovative solutions and contributing to sustainable water resource management.

Want to become a chartered water and environmental manager? Find out more at: ciwem.org/membership/chartered-member.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 print edition of The Environment. CIWEM members can read the issue in full (and all back issues dating back to 2016) via MyCIWEM. You can also stay up-to-date with our free monthly 'The Environment' newsletter – subscribe here.

Piergiorgio Costa MCIWEM C.WEM is a civil engineer and hydraulic modeller at Binnies