Town planner : Career development

Career structures differ between employers, but after you have gained your professional qualification, chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) , your chances of moving into senior positions will increase. Career progression may also become quicker at this point.

Career progression in the public sector from assistant/graduate planner to senior planner can take three to five years. Further promotion may be to county planning officer. Senior managerial roles typically require a minimum of ten years' experience.

There are opportunities for planners to move between local authorities, so progression in the public sector is likely to depend, to a certain extent, upon geographical mobility. Many planners try to change jobs in order to broaden their experience.

Movement between the private and public sector is also possible, for example between a local authority and a consultancy or charity.

With experience it is possible to specialise in different areas of planning, such as:

• urban design;
• regeneration;
• conservation;
• community engagement;
• sustainable development.

Experienced planners may choose to move into a different but related industry; the skills and experiences of planners are transferable to areas such as planning law and market research. Planners may also move into property development, with companies that identify and purchase land in predicted sought-after areas.

There are also some opportunities to work abroad for a company or government agency that recognises RTPI-accredited qualifications and membership. See the RTPI website for more information.

The RTPI offers a range of guidance to support professional planners throughout their careers. See their website for details.