Pivoting careers with a Master of Urban and Regional Planning

After studying written translation and working as a translator then in the land and property sector, Seth Bocknek enrolled in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning to take his career a new direction.

3 September 2024

What drew you to enrol in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning?

“Last year I had a realisation that I was very unhappy in my career. My recent roles, though interesting, were unspecialised and were not properly aligned with my values and interests.

“I knew I wanted to make more of a difference and to upskill into a specific profession. After a bit more digging, I found that the people doing the type of mahi that interested me the most almost invariably came from an educational background in planning, and so I knew I needed to go back to school if I wanted to successfully change careers.

“It was blind luck that this epiphany coincided with the university's inauguration of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning programme, saving me the need to move to Auckland or Dunedin to study. It all worked out so serendipitously.”

What do you like about the in-class experience and programme?

“I love the way the weekly schedule has been constructed, efficiently packing all our sessions into the middle days of the week, leaving Mondays and Fridays largely free for us to catch up on readings and assignments.

“Because we are quite a small first cohort of nine students, our classes have a friendly, familiar atmosphere—we've gotten to know each other very quickly and often have fun, respectful, lively discussions.

“The in-class experience has been engaging and fulfilling. I genuinely look forward to our classes.”

How does studying in Wellington City and at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington influence the scope and value of the degree?

“For me, being in Wellington City and studying in the heart of the city is massively important. Not only is Wellington my current home and the city I am most passionate about improving as a planner, but its unique identity as the capital city makes planning even more relevant to study here.

“As an aspiring transport planner, I'm acutely aware that Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency—perhaps the most influential organisation for affecting major change to transportation systems—is headquartered here.

“Getting to study at one of New Zealand's most prestigious universities while having that local proximity to such influential public institutions is a unique combination and a special opportunity.”

Where do you see your career going in the first few years after graduating?

“I would like to work either within a small private-sector consultancy, or for Waka Kotahi NZTA as a transport planner. Ideally working on projects that help transform our urban environments into people-centric spaces that prioritise active modes, public transport, and community connection.”

What urban or regional challenge are you looking forward to addressing in your professional work?

“I am looking forward to playing a part in transforming the design and cultural norms of our cities and regions, to embrace public transport and walkable spaces, and to significantly reduce our reliance on cars.

“To combat climate change and to create equitable cities where all ages and physical abilities can thrive, we must look to remedy the near-century's worth of damage done by designing our cities and suburbs around the automobile, and I'm excited to play my part in this long-term, important kaupapa.”