Promoted
Planning for the future
June 10, 2022
Further to appointing four associate directors last year, youngsRPS has strengthened its team with two graduate recruits. Here, Oliver Joslin, graduate planning and development assistant, and Molly Flannigan, graduate commercial surveyor, talk about their experiences of transitioning from studies to employment and what benefits they bring to the business.
No two days are the same
“Life as a graduate planner in a vibrant city is challenging and exciting,” says planning and development assistant Oliver Joslin.
“Your time in education cannot wholly prepare you for the world of planning and the informative site visits, the back and forth negotiations, the passionate public consultations, the innovative projects, the complex legislation and persistent deadlines.
“Hours once spent reviewing academic literature is substituted with hours spent reviewing planning documents, and you are tasked with putting theory into practice.
“One area where education does prepare you is your ability to solve problems which, together with project management, form the foundations for a rewarding and successful career within the planning and development world.
“I gain most enjoyment from the multidisciplined nature of planning.
“The opportunity to engage with communities and people, meet with clients, design teams and case officers, while simultaneously working on complex projects across distinct disciplines and departments means no two days are the same.
“The role encourages responsibility that makes you feel valued.”
A boundless opportunity to learn
“Shortly after completing my MSc degree in Real Estate at Heriot-Watt University, I was delighted to be offered the position of graduate commercial surveyor at the Newcastle office,” says Molly Flannigan.
“Working as a commercial graduate at youngsRPS has offered boundless opportunity to learn from senior colleagues and other industry professionals in work, ranging from commercial property investment to residential agency.
“I am currently working towards achieving my Assessment of Professional Competence with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
“Primary activities as a graduate relate to the purchase, sale or leasing of property or land, as well as surveying and valuing property.
“I recently had the opportunity to be part of the team involved with the Pilgrim Chambers residential development in Newcastle city centre. We have just launched 40 luxury residential apartments to let.
“Another unique opportunity we are marketing is the new café/wake facility at Maple Park Crematorium, Thirsk.
“This highlights the breadth of work covered and experience gained as a graduate at youngsRPS.”
Why hire graduates?
• Ready to mould – eager to learn and keen to get stuck in, graduates don’t have to unlearn old ways
• Return on investment – given the right opportunities and incentives, graduates offer long-term returns
• Enthusiasm – after three or four years of education, the professional environment is highly anticipated
• Solid business skills – studying helps graduates develop core transferrable skills, such as written and oral communication, problem-solving, teamwork, presentation, organisation and data analysis. They will also be comfortable with technology
• New perspectives – graduates can inject new ideas into your business
Michael Blake, from youngsRPS’ Newcastle office, adds: “We have enjoyed great success over the years in employing graduates across various roles.
“Developing their youthful enthusiasm and academic learning, together with training and experience, can further their development as competent professionals – a strong asset for both the graduate and company.”
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If you would like to find out more about youngsRPS’ commercial property services and planning and development support, visit www.youngsrps.com or call 0191 261 0300.