Geography: the foundation for my career in planning

Although the stereotype of Geography exists that all we do is colour in, the multi-faceted focus and valuable skill development that studying Geography offers are undisputable, opening many doors - particularly in planning.

Why Geography?

Unsure of what to study, I was drawn to Geography’s multi-disciplinary nature and the ability to study different topics every day. Studying from GCSE to university level, I was able to understand how people and place interact across economic, social, cultural and environmental contexts within and beyond urban environments.

My initial interest in planning was sparked during a TED Talk titled ‘A song of the city’ by Jaime Lerner, focused on the sustainable city of Curitiba. This TED Talk discussed the idea of walkable cities; that work, leisure, and transport should all be within walking distance from home. Having been inspired by the possibility that cities can provide solutions to some of the world’s most challenging issues, I realised how I could explore my passions in the urban and rural geographical realm, sparking my interest in planning.

A career in planning appealed to me as I wanted to work with both people, and the built environment. Having come across Savills’ Graduate Training Scheme in Cambridge, I was thrilled to receive an offer in 2022 and decided it was time to test the boundaries of my comfort zone and embrace the opportunity. 

My Life in Planning

In my day-to-day life at Savills, I work on a range of residential, healthcare, educational and water infrastructure projects, which includes conducting preliminary research assessing site potential for development, drafting planning appraisals, planning statements, and statements of community involvement, and preparing and submitting planning applications. Across the first months of my planning career, I have also been able to participate in a range of internal and external meetings with clients, consultants, Council Offers, master-planning workshops, and site visits. 

Savills support us on our journey towards professional chartership and becoming a qualified planner through RTPI-accredited degrees. For me, this involves undertaking a Master’s degree in Spatial Planning at UCL part-time alongside working at Savills. There are also regular opportunities to attend Graduate Training Days, to understand more about the graduate programmes in addition to networking with other graduates in our cohort across our offices. 

I have boosted my network through wider events in Cambridge, such as the East of England Women in Planning launch, the Cambridge Property Networking Drinks, and several events hosted by the RTPI East of England Young Planners Committee – which I am delighted to have now joined. I am very excited to be involved in organising the RTPI East of England Football Tournament, which proves a thoroughly fun and enjoyable event! 

My Life in Cambridge

Moving to Cambridge for work opened an exciting new chapter in my planning career, and in my personal life.

Having no knowledge of Cambridgeshire, nowhere to live and no social network in the area, moving from North Northumberland was a very daunting move, but was an opportunity I could not turn down, and something that would push me outside of my comfort zone. I moved into a house share with other young professionals, joined a local football club and gym, and hugely enjoy Cambridge’s scenic walks (and scenic beer gardens). Exploring the area and embracing the city, I have been able to meet new people, making life in this unknown environment easier every day. Through the Cambridge Young Professional Group, I have engaged in social events, such as pizza-making, drinks, and a curry club! I am always keen to show my friends and family from home what Cambridge has to offer, taking the same punting trip 4 times (and counting).   

About the Author

Jade Barrett is currently enrolled on the Savills Graduate Training Scheme in Cambridge, whilst pursuing a Master’s degree part-time in Spatial Planning at University College London. Jade has a background in Human Geography, attaining a BA in Geography from the University of Durham in 2022.

Find out more about the Savills Planning Graduate Scheme.

The content of the blogs represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the Cambridgeshire Development Forum. The Cambridgeshire Development Forum does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.