Cleo Jefferies is a Graduate Planner at Ridge and Partners
From a young age I have been curious about people, places, and the environment. In secondary school I realised my passion behind these areas stemmed from wanting to know more about how communities function, and how the environment impacts on the behaviour of individuals experiencing places. At the time I had no idea that these areas of interest could all feed into a career in planning; I just knew I wanted to combine my love for people and the environment.
Not knowing quite what I wanted to do, my GCSE choices were based upon areas of interest. This followed through into my A Levels too; I particularly enjoyed geography and religious studies. I also studied psychology, and this linked really well with the human geography content. I found it fascinating to learn how, depending on the circumstances of an area and population, space can be used and experienced. This provided an insight into how the functions and role it has can vary significantly.
Although my interests informed my education choices, my career ideas at the time were very different. I was originally planning to become a hydrologist in the Royal Navy! After completing my A Levels though I knew that I wanted to study a degree that better incorporated my interests, and I began looking for a career that was more focused upon the aspects of my studies that really engaged me. Exploring a range of different courses, I eventually came across Urban Planning. The more I looked into the profession and the progression opportunities within it, I knew this pathway was the way I wanted to go. I was particularly interested in the opportunities surrounding green infrastructure, sustainability and urban design, and I could see that the course at the University of Gloucestershire incorporated these aspects throughout the 3 years of study. I completed the BSc (Hons) Urban Planning this summer and have recently graduated with 1st Class honours.
Work experience has been really important to the choices I have made, and also helping me to get to where I am now. I had some Year 10 work experience with Wiltshire Council’s Building Surveying Department, and while I was at university I did a summer placement. This was hugely impactful and valuable. I worked with Pegasus Group in their Urban Design team and gained some really important knowledge, insights, and professional experiences. I also took a the placement module, which gave me the opportunity to work on a great project for the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust looking at rural amenity spaces.
While undertaking my undergraduate degree in urban planning I researched the pathway options to Chartership in planning. I decided that an Apprenticeship route would suit me best, due to being able to study whilst also learning on the job, plus the RTPI Chartership process is linked into it.
Every year my university would hold a careers fair for the built and natural environment students. This is how I came across Ridge and Partners. I approached them directly with my CV and expressed my interest in their company, and from this I was invited for an interview. I was also asked to undertake a site analysis exercise to evidence my competence.
I was really pleased to be offered the role, and being based in Cheltenham I was given the choice of two universities to do my Apprenticeship course. I chose the University of Birmingham for a number of reasons, and my employer then did all of the arranging directly with the university. I’ve managed to look at the campus already, and was able to chat about the course with the academic team there to understand what I’ll be doing and how the MSc course and Apprenticeship work. I’m excited to progress now through both my studies and the early part of my career journey.
My Top Tips
- Work experience: I would recommend doing as much work experience as you can, whether that be during the summer between your studies, or alongside them, as it gives you an insight into the kind of work you might be doing and allows you to gain great professional insight and competences.
- Connect on LinkedIn: Set up a professional profile and update it with all your achievements relating to your studies or work experience. Then connect with people and companies that interest you. This puts you in a good position for companies to get in contact with you and vice versa.
- Relevant dissertation: If possible, write your dissertation on a topic that you want to explore / pursue further in your career as this gives companies an idea of what you're interested in, and what you can do.
Find out more about apprenticeships
Find out more about apprenticeships here.
