Suzanne Groves

Title: Planning Assistant
Employer: South Northamptonshire Council
Degree: Planning Studies

My first position after graduating was Monitoring Officer in the Planning Department of South Northamptonshire Council, which I did for three years. Whilst at uni, I organised two paid summer work placements off my own bat, both in private practices.

This prior experience made a huge difference when it came to getting my current job: it showed that I not only had hands on planning experience, but a lot of initiative as well. I’d most definitely recommend that you take the same initiative and look for work placements during your vacations.

Other skills I brought to the job were picked up when I worked part-time for the Job Shop in the students’ union. My communication skills really improved because I was dealing with both students and potential employers, as did my organisational skills.

I really believe that the key to success in the world of work is confidence. Particularly in interviews. You’ve just got to grab the bull by the horns and go for it. Don’t be scared to take on a challenge. Be friendly and approachable. And once you’ve started work, find a friend or mentor who you can as questions.

If there’s anything I wish I’d done differently, I wish I’d specialised in historic buildings. There are a lot of listed buildings in the area and I’m getting more and more interested in planning in this area.

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