Graduate Planner Review

I work in a planning team of 11, supporting with the preparation of planning applications and also the promotion of strategic sites through the Local Authority's Local Plan process. A typical day involves undertaking research, drafting reports and representations, attending client meetings and site visits. I work with a range of colleagues in the wider business, including our Development team.

I have learnt a lot about communicating effectively with others, be it clients or colleagues. As part of my job I manage my own workload, which means I have gained a lot of time management skills and also project management skills. I have learnt to write succintly and professionally, and to format report writing effectively.

The Savills graduate programme is first class. I have been afforded numerous opportunities which I did not expect to experience at this stage in my career. For example, so far in my 18 months at Savills I have attended a 2 week appeal inquiry, a local plan examination, and countless client meetings and networking events too.

The training I receive from Savills is well-organised and based around my day-to-day work, therefore it doesn't feel prescriptive or restrictive. My university day is respected by my colleagues as a day away from the office, and my university lectures and modules are well organised too. Communication between the university and my employer is regular.

My employer has supported me really well so far. I am supported by a range of members of my team, and also have an APC mentor who reviews my reflective journal entries and provides feedback. I also have regular catch ups with colleagues on the projects I work on, which is useful because I am able to ask questions and get feedback on my work.

My training provider (the University of Birmingham) is generally supportive and I am able to request individual meetings with academic staff. I feel equipped to work on my assignments unaided because they are explained to me in an effective way, however on occasion I feel that I have not been given a lot of notice of the content of certain assignments, meaning I have limited time to complete the work.

I feel that there are many inadequacies with the master's course I am enrolled in, as it has not prepared me adequately for the realities of my role. At work I have learned much more than I do at university, and I have transferred numerous skills I have picked up at work to my university assignments.

There are a number of networking events throughout the year at Savills. Myself and my colleagues are encouraged to attend these, as well as the regular CPD webinars and in person events which the RTPI and other consultancies around the city run. These are a great way to meet other planners and share best practice and experience, as well as building contacts in the industry.

Yes

I would highly recommend Savills because there is so much opportunity to show your potential and grow. I have been afforded numerous opportunities which I feel I would not have been able to experience elsewhere, and I have been pleased that I have been given responsibility in my role from day 1.

My advice would be to be yourself and show your passion for the industry and the role you are applying for. A 'can do' attitude, being ambitious and driven, and being diligent and hardworking are all great qualities to demonstrate at interview. It is also important to show that you know about recent developments in the industry.