My Stantec Story: Building a career in planning with Joseph Lynch
October 10, 2023
Joseph, a planner based in Reading, shares his career journey so far—having recently completed our graduate programme
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In the My Stantec Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Stantec have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
Tell us about your role…
I’ve been working in the Reading Planning team since July 2021. I work on projects across the south-east and beyond which are a range of types and sizes of development from large-scale residential led to commercial and retirement housing programms. My role includes assisting with the submission and project management of a variety of planning applications, preparation of representations to local plans, planning appraisals, and liaising with the Council, clients, and other consultants.
What attracted you to a career at Stantec?
Following my undergraduate degree in geography at Southampton, I decided to pursue a planning master’s at Reading University in 2020/21. Stantec stuck out to me as a great company to start my planning career with, as it provided the opportunity to work on a range of exciting and interesting projects in a large team and with all different disciplines within the business. The relaxed and supportive work environment also attracted me to apply—as I wanted to work somewhere where I would be offered guidance by colleagues and given the responsibility to learn and develop my career.
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How has your personal and professional development been supported at Stantec?
I recently completed the graduate programme which helped me learn about the importance of networking and provided a cohort of peers with similar experience. The programme helped me improve my presentation, communication, and writing skills that are essential in my work. It also supported my promotion from graduate planner to planner in April 2023.
What has been the standout project for you during your time at Stantec?
My favourite project to be involved with has been working on site in Hookwood, near Gatwick Airport in Surrey. It’s a large scale residential-led development with associated community facilities and public open space. I’ve been involved since I first started at Stantec. My responsibility has increased, from writing representations and helping to prepare a vision document—to support the allocation of our site in the local plan and the examination—to advising the client on strategy and submitting the planning application to the Council.
My mentor and colleagues have supported me in obtaining the required project exposure and learning experiences I need to develop my knowledge and skills, as well in advising me on my APC submission.
What are your ambitions for the future at Stantec?
I’m currently working towards my Assessment of Professional Competence submission to become a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. My mentor and colleagues have supported me in obtaining the required project exposure and learning experiences I need to develop my knowledge and skills, as well in advising me on my submission. The Company also runs webinars to offer guidance on the submission process and tips on writing of assessments. This is the next step in continuing my development and learning as a planner.
What are your passions outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watching football and cricket, as well as travelling to new places and going to festivals.
Why should others join the Stantec team?
Stantec is a global company with a range of different disciplines, so it offers many career paths, exciting opportunities, and interesting projects to work on. The Company supports junior colleagues with mentorship, career guidance, training courses, and networking events through the Developing Professionals Group. Stantec also holds regular sports and social events, so you can get to know people and have fun outside of work.
At Stantec, we put people first, and for Joseph, that means opportunities to work on a wide range of projects in a supportive environment. If you want to start your career at Stantec, visit Graduates & Apprentices to find out more.