Planner Review

I primarily support my team with their individual projects, but in my role I have also helped to produce reports, feedback, and planning applications. Currently, I am working on plans for one of our strategic sites in the borough, which we are hoping to transform into a convivial community space.

Yes - I have improved my communication skills and am also more confident when it comes to leading in meetings and presentations. Through various internal and external events, as well as the lectures themselves, I have also been awarded networking opportunities, and the chance to develop connections and learn more about both the private and public sectors.

I do enjoy it however not as much as I thought I would. The training provider is not very organised, and the communication between us and them, and internal teams is poor. For example, every time we ask about the EPA we receive a different answer. There was a cyber incident just before Christmas which took ages to recifty, and really affected my ability to progress with my work.

Fairly well structured - though we have hardly had any lectures this year. Though we've not really needed as many as we did last year, it still would have been useful to have more touch points, especially given the aforementioned problems RE: communication (or rather, a lack of). It is nice to be able to have just the one "off the job day" though.

A great deal of support - they are very open and flexible, and allow us to take as much time as we need to focus on our studies. Despite the pandemic, they have also regularly checked in with us, to ensure we have everything that we need from them, and offer moral support too.

Not as much - communication is generally poor, and we are fed conflicting information. Some course information can be hard to find / be released to us, though the tutors do offer moral support and to some extent have a virtual open door policy, and we are able to ask them further questions about coursework etc.

Provides me with a greater level of understanding, and real-world experience. This is invaluable, as it is hard to come across without working for free. It also will provide with a recognised qualification, which will open up more doors. It is also useful to have the degree itself, as the Masters gives us the 'edge'.

I wasn't really working in the office for long enough ( pre-COVID lockdowns) to know what the activities offer is exactly like, but I know there is / was a sports day in the summer, and we did go out as a team for a Christmas meal. Apart from that, there is not much in terms of social events, though we do sponsor two expos a year, which offer networking opportunities.

Yes

It is good to have public sector experience, and to work more 'on the front line', interacting directly with all members of the public, rather than just those who want to use your services. My team are lovely, and really helpful, as are others internally that I have worked with.

Be positive - you may have days that get you down, but every day is different - and that in itself is a bonus. Also, be open minded, and be ready to work in a team and listen to the thoughts and feelings of others. And enjoy what you do - it's hard work, but you are proactively making a difference to people's lives.