Overview
Planning consultancies and local authorities both need graduates who understand the planning system and can contribute to applications, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. An RTPI-accredited degree is the entry ticket, but what makes you stand out is evidence that you have worked on real planning applications and can draft professional documents.
This resume belongs to Beth Lawrence, an Urban Planning graduate from the University of the West of England. She completed a placement at Turley, one of the UK's leading planning consultancies, contributing to 10 planning applications. Her resume works because it demonstrates hands-on involvement in the planning process from pre-application meetings to statement drafting.
What Makes This Resume Work
Planning application involvement is specific. Contributing to 10 applications across schemes ranging from 15 to 200 dwellings shows Beth has experience at different scales. Drafting 6 planning statements and 4 design and access statements proves she can produce the key documents that accompany applications.
Policy research skills are demonstrated. Conducting 8 planning policy reviews shows Beth can analyse local plans and the NPPF, which is a core skill in both private practice and local authority planning. This is often the first task given to graduate planners.
Local authority experience adds a public sector perspective. Processing 120+ planning applications at Bristol City Council gives Beth an understanding of both sides of the planning system. This is valuable for consultancies who need staff who understand how local authorities operate internally.
Key Takeaways
For planning roles, your resume should count the applications you contributed to, the statements you drafted, and the meetings you attended. Include both private sector and public sector experience if you have it. RTPI student membership signals your commitment to chartered status, which is the expected career trajectory for graduate planners.
