Max Sellers
Geography with Economics BSc
Why did you decide to undertake a professional placement year?
I believed that a placement would give me an accurate insight in to what a professional working environment is like. Furthermore, it was a great way to help decide whether I would be happy to pursue a career within town planning.
Why did you decide to apply to Pegasus Group?
I decided to apply to Pegasus Group because the working environment was portrayed as very inclusive and supportive. Pegasus Group looked like a company that gave 100% towards its employees and clients so I knew that I could develop key knowledge and skills of the profession if I was to work within this company.
Do you have any top tips for succeeding in the application process?
My top tips for succeeding in the application process would be to apply for numerous jobs as this not only broadens your options for choice but also increases your chances of gaining the job you aimed for. Secondly, when it comes to the interview process, make sure you prepare and practise in advice so that you can execute the interview with confidence.
What kind of duties and responsibilities did you have in your placement role?
While on placement I was given the responsibility to attend site visits in order to complete primary research such as land use surveys or to take part in a site walkover with clients as well as consultants. On top of this, my office based duties consisted of the completion of planning appraisals and assisting with the process of planning applications. This would entitle numerous internal and external meetings with regular client interaction.
What did you expect from a placement before you started and what actually happened?
Before starting placement I expected the working environment to be very strict along with a constant feeling of pressure to meet multiple deadlines. when completing my placement, the support you received in the time up to a deadline was very helpful and reduced the feeling of stress. I was always guided throughout the year which meant I could achieve the best results and I was never pushed in to working over capacity.
What was your biggest achievement during your placement?
Within May 2019, I was given the responsibility to prepare a presentation and present information on the planning potential within and around Rutland. I presented for 15 minutes in front of a group of clients from Davidsons Homes and the feedback I received from both the clients and my boss was very rewarding.
What was the biggest challenge you faced on your placement?
The biggest challenge I faced on placement was the first time I was give the responsibility to conduct primary research at a site of interest. I had to complete a land use survey within the town of Coalville so that a planning application could proceed. It was challenging as I had to manage my time efficiently in order to plan and conduct the visit within a tight deadline, as well as paying close attention to detail as I was completing the research individually and would not have an opportunity to revisit the site.
Were there any key projects that you worked on during the placement year? If so, what did they involve and what was the outcome?
One of the key projects that I was involved in was an application for the development of an additional junction on the A50 dual carriage way. The application was still within the early stages when I gained the opportunity to be involved. However, I was able to attend multiple meetings as well as a site visit with clients. In addition to this, I assisted with the consultation of multiple consultants which led to key conditions of development being discharged.
What new skills did you learn on placement?
The key skills that I developed on placement were my communication and interpersonal skills. I was interacting with clients, consultants and colleagues on a daily basis and this required the ability to communicate with individuals but more importantly to know when as this was key to developing the flow of projects. In consideration to this, I learnt how to be more organised and how mange my time on the job.
How will doing a placement benefit you in your final year/ the future?
It has taught me how divide my tasks equally throughout the day in addition to being more productive with my time as a whole. This has helped me to distribute time between my coursework pieces as well as staying on schedule with deadlines.
How do you feel the organisation has benefitted from employing a placement student?
They have potentially gained an applicant for their graduate scheme which would benefit the company as I have developed skills through the placement year and I am used to the working environment within Pegasus Group. Furthermore, I have built good social relationships with numerous employees and clients which benefits mine and the company’s networking ability.