Case studies: Planning officer: Zara Stewart

Zara is a planning officer with South Lanarkshire Council. She completed her BSc Urban and Regional Planning degree at Heriot Watt University, with a sandwich year spent at City of Edinburgh Council as a trainee planner

My main role involves assessing development proposals and guiding the future development and use of land in the long-term public interest. This involves visiting sites, looking at architectural drawings and liaising with any individuals with an interest in a proposed development, which can range from members of the public to organisations like Historic Scotland and Scottish Water.

I think anyone who intends to pursue this career path needs a high level of people management skills and negotiation abilities and this is something to try and develop from degree stage.

I noticed from practical components of my degree and my sandwich placement that it was by working with others or in team exercises that I particularly enhanced my professional skills and knowledge. Such teamwork generally involves overcoming obstacles in development proposals, which in my job includes working with engineers and architects, and at university, it involved working with other built environment students.

It always amazes me as to how much knowledge is required for the work. I have been involved in a range of issues from legal agreements and flood prevention to dealing with listed buildings and protected species. Being knowledgeable in a wide range of areas is challenging and one of the motivating factors of the job - it certainly keeps you engaged.

I would advise any existing or prospective student to consider how they might develop practical experience and skills before, during and after study. My sandwich placement, for instance, really enhanced my understanding of the theory taught on my degree, and my enjoyment of the placement determined my current role today. If students undertake a placement they don't enjoy, this can still be beneficial as it will help them determine what areas of the profession would suit them better.

I am a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute's (RTPI) Scottish Young Planners Network, which provides training and development opportunities, and this is a further way of up-skilling. It also enables you to network and make links with professionals in the industry. This is something I would recommend students to consider as a way of gaining valuable knowledge and links to help them gain entry into the profession.

I would also suggest that any form of experience that can be gained within the industry will be invaluable. Many of the larger private sector firms and local authorities will still recruit undergraduate students on placements. There are opportunities to gain voluntary experience as a student with the RTPI. Experience like this could really help you stand out in applications and interviews.

AGCAS

Sourced by Colin Dewar, University of the West of Scotland

Date: 

December 2011

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