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Mariona is a planning officer with a local authority in Scotland. She studied a BA in Geography and Planning at the University of Strathclyde, and went on to complete a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at Heriot Watt University.
My academic study equipped me with a lot of theory, as well as key practical modules where I worked with other professional staff involved in urban design projects. This included consultative work carried out in schools, where we researched the Edinburgh Waterfront development as well as projects with other local authorities. I found the practical components most useful as this is essentially a highly practical career.
I took the initiative to gain work experience during my undergraduate degree and I have no doubt this helped when I started applying for work, as well as assisting in my application to the postgraduate degree. I managed to secure placements and work-shadowing visits, mostly with private sector companies. This developed skills and provided experience in dealing with planning application processes and liaising with clients, and generally helped build up a network of contacts.
People management and negotiation skills are essential in the job, so anything that helps develop these areas will be of benefit to students. I soon learned within my job that being a planning officer can often mean that I make decisions that prove unpopular with someone - it can be difficult if not impossible to please all of the people all of the time. Problem solving and research skills, as well as the ability to see the bigger picture are also key personal requirements. Being able to communicate and liaise with objectors to a planning application sometimes requires a high level of client interaction on an appropriate professional level, and this can be demanding. It can often involve complex discussions and negotiations with individuals ranging from members of the public through to commercial applicants and other professional staff such as architects, surveyors and lawyers. I think to be a planner you must thrive on a challenge and definitely be highly organised with the ability to work to tight deadlines and often deal with problems urgently, and at short notice.
Although I found my job advertised in the national press, the situation in local government and the public sector more widely means there are limited vacancies at this particular time. My main advice is to gain as much relevant practical experience as possible. Whether this is practical hands on experience or workplace visits it can help you stand out in applications and interviews. You should also be aware of the range of opportunities in different areas of the country as well as options for working abroad. There might also be more specific opportunities with private sector companies, for example in renewable energies, although this would again depend on experience.
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