The course has been great for me in establishing my knowledge base around planning theory and practical knowledge.
Which course are you currently studying?
I am currently studying the Postgraduate Taught course in Urban and Regional Planning.
Why did you choose to study this course at the University of Sheffield?
I come from a background of real estate and development/construction in the United States. Through my undergraduate and work experiences, I knew that I had a strong interest in urban/city planning, so I started out researching how to begin a career in this field. Along with the desire to live abroad, I found the University of Sheffield to be a top tier university that provided a great opportunity to explore the world of Urban Studies and Planning. Once I was accepted, it was an easy choice to join and begin my new journey.
What are your favourite parts of the course so far?
There are a number of things to enjoy about the course here at University of Sheffield. With it being a postgraduate/masters level course, what I find most appealing is the enthusiasm in which both students and especially the staff have for the subject matter. It's clear that everyone involved in the programme cares deeply about what they're teaching, and it's the eagerness to share knowledge that keeps me motivated to continue working and learning. I'm admittedly a more practical learner, and I've enjoyed the coursework that has been hands-on, working with real-world case studies and focuses on the work and goals professionals have in the industry. That said, the program has offered a wonderful insight of the history of planning culture in England and the UK as well as multiple perspectives on the theory of planning and how it shapes real world decision making in the country and abroad.
What do you want to do after you finish your course?
I'm truly open to any opportunities that come my way from the completion of the programme. However, I find that I am prone to have more interest in public sector work, whether that be staying in the UK while improving my knowledge base of the English and UK planning systems or taking the skills I've gained back home. What's important to me at the moment is that I end up taking what I've learned here at University of Sheffield and become a part of a culture where I'm empowered to make a difference in the community in which I work.
How do you think your course will prepare you for a job in the future?
As I've mentioned before, this course has been great for me in establishing my knowledge base around planning theory and practical knowledge as well. Along with the coursework itself, the programme offers many resources for employability and networking that gives me confidence that I'll be ready and able to find a quality job when the time comes.
What skills do you think you have learned from the course/university experience which will help you in the future?
I've been given many tools that will help me both in a planning career and professionally as a whole. The coursework has been a large test in critical thinking and problem solving. I've also gained valuable researching skills that will be an invaluable part of any future career. It also goes without saying the in-depth learning of planning systems and theory will of course be useful in many aspects of my future career.
Do you have any tips for students looking to study here?
I think it's important to take advantage of all the resources made available for students and prospective students as well. University of Sheffield does a great job with programme and staff profiles so you can get a really good idea of what to expect without ever stepping foot on campus. Speaking as an international student, the staff, faculty, and city as a whole is very welcoming and it has made my personal experience a great one. Along with that, the resources the programme and university offer are expansive and taking advantage of these will make the experience that much better.