Senior Planning Officer | Department for Communities and Local Government
Urban and Regional Planning MA- 2014
While studying in my first year a job opportunity was advertised within the University to work for a local planning authority. After going through an interview I was accepted on a 2-year contract where I had been rotated around various departments. It was thanks to this opportunity that I was able to get a job in Central Government.
What are you doing now?
I currently work for the Department for Communities and Local Government in the Planning Policy and Reform Division, where I gather evidence to inform new policies, support the formulation of policy advice to Ministers and liaise with external organisations about our proposals.
What did you find most valuable about your course at Westminster? How did the skills you learnt during your degree help you to shape your career?
The most important skills that I had learnt in my Master's degree were interrogating and balancing a large evidence base. This enabled me to ensure that any policy we are recommending to Ministers has been robustly tested and also that we have considered all alternative options and risks.
Why would you recommend Westminster as a place to study?
The tutors have a broad range of experience and are always willing to provide a wide range of ideas and perspectives on the built environment. This helped me look at issues and policies in different ways in order to develop a suitable solution.
What was the best thing about being a student in London?
I was able to work with different people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
During group tasks, I gained a wide range of different perspectives on the built environment from international students as well as those who are already working in the planning sector. I was also able to see some of the policies and issues with the built environment in the real world with the capital city on my doorstep.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career?
Studying any course relating to the built environment unlocks a wider range of opportunities than people often realise. The issues considered are very broad so can include housing, architecture, sociology, psychology and philosophy, therefore providing transferable skills to wider career choices.
I know colleagues who are now working for charities, local government, central government and various different roles in the private sector, so I would choose this career if you want something that can unlock a wide range of opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
While studying in my first year a job opportunity was advertised within the University to work for a local planning authority.
After going through an interview I was accepted on a 2-year contract where I had been rotated around various departments. It was thanks to this opportunity that I was able to get a job in Central Government where I am at the heart of policy making, working with ministers, Members of Parliament, external stakeholders and other government departments.