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Climbing the career ladder: Daniel Stanley

Published on: 12 Dec 2016

Graduate planner at AECOM Daniel Stanley, tells us about how he started his career journey.

 

Daniel Stanley [square]Where do you work and what does it involve?

I joined AECOM’s London Office as a Graduate Planner in October 2014 following the conclusion of my MPlan degree in Urban Studies and Planning from Sheffield University. Working within AECOM’s wider Design Planning+ Economics practice, the planning team plays an important role in integrating different are as of expertise on projects, offering a holistic approach to guide responsible and productive use of land.

 

Why did you decide to make the switch to your current planning role?

When considering my career choices whilst at university, I was keen to pursue a profession which would allow me to work on a broad range of projects exhibiting different scales and contexts. AECOM’s involvement in delivering internationally recognised projects such as the London Olympic Park and Legacy Communities scheme, as well as their efforts in tackling issues of widespread concern including the UK housing crisis immediately appealed to me.

Since joining AECOM I have been able to work on a highly diverse selection of projects –from assisting district and county councils with housing developments and infrastructure plans, to collaboration with private developers for mixed-use development schemes in London.

 

What is the most important thing you've done to boost your career prospects?

An interest in development and planning practices overseas steered me towards opportunities which could expand this subject knowledge. By carrying out a short placement in AECOM’s Rio de Janeiro office as well as spending a semester of my masters abroad studying at Aalborg University in Denmark, I was able to gain an appreciation of planning and development practices in highly contrasting environments outside the UK.

These experiences have provided me with valuable insight in understanding and appreciating the context when delivering development and planning services, something I can now apply to the day to day work I do with AECOM.

Planner cover Guide 2015

To read more from the Planner 2015 Guide to Career Development please click here.