During 2023/24, TRPC employed Charlotte MacDonald, an undergraduate studying Planning and Development at Cardiff University. Charlotte will soon be returning to her studies to finish her degree and will be greatly missed. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time working with Charlotte.
Charlotte worked alongside our Senior Planning Consultant, Angela Cantrill and gained experience across a wide range of projects. Is a placement year something that interests you? If so, it is worth reading her thoughts on her time at The Rural Planning Co and the value of taking time out of the academic environment.
Q: What have you enjoyed about working at The Rural Planning Co?
Throughout the year, I have been able to apply, first hand, the theory and literature I have spent the previous 2 years studying. Application of this knowledge into real life situations has collated my understanding as well as expanding my perspective of planning outside of the books. My placement year marked the start of my APC journey, and I have enjoyed the reflection on my responsibilities, tasks and competencies as they have evolved throughout the past 14 months. The Rural Planning Co kindly assisted with this, tailoring certain jobs so I was able to receive the most effective exposure to the key aspects of the RTPI APC guidance. Furthermore, the vast range of work I was allocated to, allowed me to record a variety of projects within my reflective diary, as well as keep day-to-day work interesting. I have particularly enjoyed the application preparation side of working at TRPC. The company is thorough within its customer centric ethos, and this has allowed me to develop my communication, organisational, and time management skills.
Q: Has anything surprised you about the world of work?
Since starting at the company over a year ago, I am still amazed at how the studies and theory of planning differ from the practical. From observing my colleagues as well as being involved within applications myself, my biggest revelation is how much more being a planner is than just applying planning law and policy. This is especially true within the rural sphere. I have found that my university studies do not come close to preparing me for the individuality of each project and thus addressing it within its own manner. Whether that be the significant variations across Local Planning Authorities, type of application, validation requirements, and even client specific preferences of liaison – working at The Rural Planning Co. has meant that almost every application we prepare is completely bespoke to the client’s project. I now feel much more confident in, yes, having up to date knowledge of the relevant planning law and policy, but also being able to address each new application with an open mind of the opportunities presented in rural planning. I am now looking forward to applying this mindset when I return for my final year at Cardiff University and having this understanding as I move forward within the world of the planning. As TPRC is not a huge firm, the exposure to so many different kinds of work, clients and applications has surprised me. Being able to cover so many varieties of projects within the rural sector has created the building blocks to develop what I envisage my future studies and career to be focal of. Although I am excited to go back to university, I will miss being able to continue working and learning more. This is especially due to TRPC’s office and working environment – which has been a particular pleasure and I feel lucky to be based somewhere so appealing for an undergraduate.
Q: What’s next for you after graduation?
I will be looking to further my planning experience within the industry as to accommodate the requirements of my APC. In order to complete the required overall 2 years working within the industry, I am hoping to return to The Rural Planning Co. I thoroughly enjoy the structure and ethos of TRPC’s workplace, and I am looking forward to see how I can further develop what I have already accomplished this past year.
Q: How would you sum up your experience of working at TRPC?
My time at TRPC has certainly been invaluable both personally and professionally. I would not be planning on returning, had it not been such a rewarding and beneficial workplace.
Something I have loved about working here is the team of employees. From my first day, everyone has been so welcoming and have continued to support me over my year. ‘The Pod’ format of project management has allowed me to work closely with Senior Planning Consultant, Angela Cantrill, which has exposed me to significant knowledgeable expertise and experience within the industry. I would like to say a particular Thank You to Angela for all of her support thoroughout the year, allowing me to gain more confidence and develop as a young planner.
I could not have asked for a better placement year to kickstart my journey within the rural planning industry. I’m looking forward to getting back to my studies with the confidence to apply the knowledge I have gained from my placement to final year assignments. I am sad to be leaving The Rural Planning Co for now, however I do not envisage my involvement with this company as finished and hope to be in touch with my colleagues as I move back to full-time studying!
