The experience of others – reflections on professional practice, values and motivations from alternative career journeys

ABSTRACT

Planners now work in a variety of alternative career paths in contrast to the traditional binary concept of working in the public sector or the private sector. This practice review article includes anonymous reflections from eight planning practitioners who work in ‘other’ employment fields, which reveal important motivations and values. The ability to make justified decisions, being pragmatic, clear communication, being empathetic, the ability to ‘bring people with you’ and a continued sense of working in, and for, the public interest all featured strongly. The ongoing enthusiasm and dedication to the vocation of planning shone through.

KEYWORDS:

• Pragmatism
• communication skills
• public service
• planning in the public interest
• professional ethics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. For example: for alternative career paths, https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/urban-planning-careers and for alternative employers: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/urban-planning.

2. The United Nations (UN) Habitat definition: https://unhabitat.org/topic/planning-and-design.