Emma-Lisa - my year at RTP
Emma-Lisa Shiells has recently come to the end of a year's placement in our London office.
What made you apply for a position at Roger Tym & Partners?
Having researched the company, I knew it was very reputable and worked on a range of projects with both the public and private sector clients, which I thought would offer invaluable experience.
The placement promised close working with Somerfield, which chimed well with my dissertation topic relating to retail-led regeneration. My choices of location for my placement year were London, Belfast and Newcastle. When I was offered the position at RTP, I jumped at the chance to work in a private planning consultancy in the capital city.
What projects have you worked on?
The majority of my work has been focused on Somerfield - submitting representations on planning applications, monitoring competitor applications and updating databases. In the first half of my year I did a lot of work on the National Land Use Database, completing returns for local authorities.
Recently, I have been involved in producing a town centre study on behalf of a local authority, undertaking and writing up town centre healthchecks. I have found this project particularly interesting and have discovered the vast amount of work that is put into studies like this.
Recently, I have been involved in producing a town centre study on behalf of a local authority, undertaking and writing up town centre healthchecks. I have found this project particularly interesting and have discovered the vast amount of work that is put into studies like this.
What has been the high point of your year with Roger Tym & Partners?
Working at RTP has given me an excellent insight into planning. I have met great colleagues and made good friends. I also thoroughly enjoyed the annual trip, this year to Paris, on which I was fortunate to go.
And the low point?
Sometimes I missed the student life – working 9 to 5 and not having such long holidays! At first I found making phone calls daunting but once I got over the initial fear of it I was confident making them!
What lessons have you learnt?
I feel I have learnt a lot from my placement year, about planning generally and also planning in the capital. When I leave RTP and return to university, I will discover even more that I have learnt.
What advice would you give to students looking for a placement?
Be confident in your interview, research the company before you go to the interview and also read up on current planning issues. Don’t be too put out if you don’t get the job after your interview, you have to hang on in there and keep trying.
What advice would give to students beginning a placement?
Always ask questions if you are unsure. Any opportunities you get, take them – attend additional seminars, lectures if you get the chance. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes you a while to get the hang of things, it will come so be patient!
What is the most important thing you have learnt during your time with us?
There is so much more to planning out there than I realised before starting my placement; try to get experience in various projects to see which you have most interest in and enjoy the most. Once you have a few years' experience you will have an idea if you want to specialise in a specific area.
What are your future study and career plans?
I am transferring to university in London from Newcastle University to complete my Diploma in Town Planning. After that, I hope to do a couple of years in the public sector so I have experience in both public and private sector organisations. At this stage, I imagine I will end up working in a private consultancy, hopefully in London having gained my accreditation to RTPI.
Further information
