I graduated from the University of Leicester with a Human Geography degree where I first found exposure to property and development as a profession. Soon after, I looked at planning courses and found myself enrolled as a student at the University of Birmingham on an RTPI accredited planning Master’s course. I wanted to complete this course whilst working within the industry. Smith Jenkins not only offered me the opportunity to ignite my career with them but generously offered to fund my Master’s course too on the basis that I would study part-time.

Studying part-time whilst working was an enriching experience as I would learn about planning from an educational and professional perspective simultaneously. To be able to study in Birmingham, a city dubbed as a laboratory for development, and to work in Milton Keynes, a case study in its own right, clearly had its advantages. Notwithstanding this, the position to work alongside so many experienced planners and study with future planners alike was an invaluable experience.

I am particularly grateful for the support that Smith Jenkins could provide when completing assignments, not to mention their encouragement at times when the course felt enduring. Their efforts and enthusiasm helped me flourish in my early stages as a planner. 

As the course came to a close, I could clearly reflect on the benefits of working at Smith Jenkins alongside my studies at Birmingham. I have since graduated with an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning and have been promoted to the role of Planner of which Smith Jenkins are now supporting me work towards my chartership with the RTPI.