Cam says, “After completing my undergraduate degree, I floundered around trying to think of what to do with my life, and continually found myself interested in planning.

“Planning comes up so often in the news, with housing and public transport being particularly hot topics, and it really felt like something that I would enjoy doing. As it so happens, this course was starting up in my favourite city in the world, Wellington, so I took it as a sign.

“The decision to return to university wasn’t an easy one, I had thought I might be delaying my career for another couple years. However, I did some research and found that a Master's programme was the most assured way to get into planning, especially with my lack of experience.”

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning welcomes students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, and mixes theory with practical coursework.

Cam has found their place in the diverse student cohort.

“We have such a diverse set of backgrounds and interests within our class. It makes discussions vibrant and interesting.

“Coursework ranges from the theoretical academic side to the practical side, giving us a taste of planning in the real world too. There have also been a variety of guests brought in already, indicating a real interest from the sector and showing us just how widespread the planning profession is.”

Studying in the political heart of the country put the Master of Urban and Regional Planning above other planning programmes in the country for Cam.

“As the capital, Wellington is front and centre in political discussions, and we have a huge diversity of people living here. It helps to ground some of the more theoretical work in cultural conversations that are actually happening around us. Networking is also so much easier with so many professionals and potential employers nearby.”

Cam has created a routine out of work and study. As the assignment work is mostly self-directed, Cam fits it around their working schedule.

“Even after only a year, I’d gotten used to the 9 to 5 of the workforce. However, classes and assignments create a routine, it's just pushed me to become more self-directed in my learning.  And while the transition hasn’t necessarily been easy, it’s not been too overwhelming either.

“Professor Freeman, Programme Director for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, and Dr Bruno Marques, Associate Dean for Academic Development, have been really knowledgeable and receptive to feedback and they understand that we come from different walks of life.

“All my courses have had key dates and information for assignments out well in advance, so I’ve never felt an assignment sneak up on me.”

Cam’s ambition is to become a transport planner with the New Zealand Transport Agency or Metlink, Greater Wellington's public transport operator.

“I will hopefully work somewhere in the transport sector as that’s where my heart lies.

“I’d love to contribute to reducing Wellington’s carbon emissions by making our public transport network stronger, more robust, and more efficient, with the added bonus of making things easier and faster for the people living here. It’s not easy, but it really excites me.

“However, there’s still a lot of opportunities in different parts of the public sector that interest me too. My key takeaway from this programme is the almost overwhelming variety of where I can go afterwards.”