Alumni Profiles

Year of Graduation: 2010

From: Leicestershire

Working at: Berkeley Homes in London as a Land Buyer

I chose Manchester to study Planning due to its reputation and strong links with the RTPI.  What I liked most about the course was the variety of working styles not solely essay based, interaction with tutors and other students, links with external companies/bodies i.e. The Client Based Project module.

I now work for Berkeley Homes in London as a Land Buyer. Roles include site procurement, site and area research, assessing viability of schemes, planning implications, land values, assisting with the planning for large scale residential development and liaising with the local community.

Year of Graduation: 2006

From: Lincoln

Working at: e*SCAPE Urbanists as a Director

It appeared to be the best course on offer at the time and also was far enough away from home! The lecture course appeared well compiled, well rounded and interesting. There was a strong practical focus which was also important and clearly related to the possibility of setting students up for a practical career. Many of the staff were involved in real world projects rather than simply academic, theoretical work which was a bonus and allowed them to bring up-to-date, cutting edge ideas to the lecture courses.

The course was well structured and provided a sound mix of practical work with planning and design theory. The theory was carefully chosen to support and explore some of the practical aspects of the course. The course was flexible enough (even within specific modules) to allow  you as a student to explore your interests and ideas within a structured framework.

I am now current owner and director of a multidisciplinary design practice, e*SCAPE Urbanists. I am working through the UK, but mainly in the North West and London on Masterplanning projects for urban extensions and brownfield redevelopments providing the interface between the planning system and urban design.

Year of Graduation: The early 1980s!

From: Manchester

Working at: Urbed, Manchester as a Managing Director

I am a graduate of Manchester Planning School and for me it opened up a wonderful and endlessly complex world of cities.  We work as urban designers and employ a mix of planners and architects on masterplanning and regeneration projects across the UK. In the last ten years this has developed into a new field called 'Urbanism' and a planning education gives you all you will need to work in this important and expanding field.

Year of Graduation: 2000

From: Kendal

Working at: Area Ranger based at Windermere for the National Trust

I studied A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Geology and chose to study environmental management at the University of Manchester for a number of reasons.  This included the social scene, proximity to home (not too close, not too far away) and I already had friends and relatives there.  The course offered variety, flexibility a lot of site visits and like minded students. I work on secondment to Lyme Park as Head Warden – from my current role of Area Ranger based at Windermere, both for the National Trust.

Year of Graduation: 2005 then again in 2008

From: Northamptonshire

Working at: Alstom Power as the Sector Strategic Planning Manager in Switzerland but soon moving to their Paris headquarters.

I studied for A levels in Geography, Physics and Maths and chose Manchester after I visited the open day and was very impressed by the course content, available lecturers to speak to, and options for short-term vocational training. For my PhD Manchester included the right balance of supervisors to cover the content. Having the link with a Government body provided balance with the academic portion and I was provided with many opportunities for travel to case study areas and conferences adding to the full and rich experience of undertaking a PhD. During my undergraduate degree I enjoyed the mixture skills you learnt – everything from graphics through to environmental law.

After my undergraduate degree I went straight on to do a fully funded PhD on nuclear waste disposal. I then took a job with Alstom Power in the UK – working across the power station construction sites liaising with regulatory authorities to support permit/consents and audit environmental compliance on the sites.  Last November (2010) I moved to Switzerland with Alstom Power as the Sector Strategic Planning Manager. I manage the medium and long-term strategy processes; Power 2020 (market and technology analysis per business) and Vision 2035 (scenario development and validation). From September (2011) I will move to Paris to work at Alstom Corporate level implementing the long-term Vision 2035 process across all of Alstom’s Sectors; Thermal Power, Renewables Power, Grid, and Transport.

I received a great deal of support throughout my undergraduate degree and especially my PhD. By choosing Manchester it opened doors to opportunities such as vocational experiences and the opportunity to study for my PhD. Besides from the course, it was also an incredibly fun experience living in such a vibrant city and helped me to gain confidence in travelling and moving abroad.

Year of Graduation: 2007

From: New Mills

Working at: TEP Environmental Consultants

I found the units that were taught gave an all-round view of both the planning and environmental sectors and prepared me well for my employment. During my time at the university I found the staff approachable and accessible.

I currently work for TEP Environmental Consultants. I write green infrastructure strategies and advise on environmental planning policy for local authorities. I specialise in ecological networks and have had several such networks and associated policies adopted in LDF Core Strategies. I have also developed Local Wildlife Site selection criteria and provided analysis for the Forestry Commission and the RSPB. Recently I returned to the university as a guest lecturer, which I found to be both interesting and without sounding too full of myself, quite proud to be wanted and trusted enough to be allowed some influence in the education of the students.

One of the many things that helped me in my career that was provided by the university was the use of outside lecturers and professionals in the environment and planning sector to provide both course units but also an insight into the real word.

Year of Graduation: 2003

From: Manchester

Working at: ENWORKS

I studied Geography, Geology, English Language and General Studies and chose Manchester as it’s the most forward thinking City in England and has a fantastic cultural heritage. The course offered a broad nature of topics and prepares students well for a wealth of prospective career paths.

I now work for a national regeneration organisation, managing the South Manchester element of a regional Resource Efficiency Programme. This programme assists local businesses to improve their environmental performance through a more prudent approach to resource use. Key outcomes measured include cost savings, as well as associated carbon, water, waste and raw material savings.

My time at the University was extremely enjoyable, and provided a real opportunity to consider in fine detail the potential avenues that I could choose to influence my future career. On reflection, the advice and tutelage that I received was first class, and would highly recommend the course for young people considering a career in the environmental sector.