Work experience is a chance to see 'how planning works'.
There are different types of work experience:
- those managed through secondary schools and specifically for pupils under 18. These will require safeguarding approvals and other important requirements in place first.
- those managed through universities, often called 'placements' and which may be voluntary or paid alongside or as part of a degree programme.
- directly advertised by an employer such as 'holiday jobs' or 'internships' and, again, might be voluntary (if a week or less) or paid.
Work experience can help you to decide if town planning is the career for you and which jobs to apply for once you finished your education or training. It means you have workplace skills to put on your CV. It can also be a good way for career changers to develop professional contacts and ‘get a foot in the door’.
Employers wishing to engage with secondary schools should read our advice and guidance.
Work experience gives you the chance to:
- see practical planning first-hand;
- understand how to conduct yourself in a professional manner;
- explore which planning sector you would like to work in.
University student work experience
Types of university student work experience that employers might offer:
- paid internships during academic holidays, usually full time and for two or more weeks;
- shadowing a planner at work - often one day unpaid time spent with a planner to see what they do;
- project work for students during term-time, integrated into one or more university modules;
- paid 'sandwich year' placement – a full-time role, offered to some students on planning courses.
Your work experience tasks can include:
- meeting planners and learning office etiquette, communication and administrative skills;
- accompanying planners to site visits or work on projects or tasks;
- you should have a job description of your roles and responsibilities if you are working through a sandwich placement.
It could also count towards the professional planning experience you need to become a Chartered Town Planner.
If you are targeting either public sector organisations or private companies you could contact them directly.
- First, check the organisation/company website to find out more about the application process and follow the guidance;
- Put together a well written CV and covering letter or email. If you are sending a speculative enquiry, ensure you mention why you are contacting them, what you are looking for and what value or experience you can offer;
- Follow standard application and letter writing etiquette and make sure you address your application to the person in charge;
- Proof read any applications or emails before you send!
