From discovering that planning is as much about people, communication, and project management as it is policy and reports, to developing the confidence to navigate complexity and manage risk, her article offers a genuine insight into life as a graduate within the profession, but also is a brilliant reflection of the culture of our business, the people within it, and how we continue to grow and evolve together, something we continue to work hard at the ensure we are the best in the business for not only our clients but our team too!

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Eight, soon to be nine, months into my role as a Graduate Planner, and it’s fair to say the reality of the job isn’t quite what I expected but in the best possible way.

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Before starting, and even throughout my Planning degree, I imagined the profession was largely centred around policy, applications, and reports. While those are certainly important parts of the role, I’ve quickly realised that planning is far broader and far more dynamic than I had anticipated.

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Project Management
 

One of the biggest surprises has been just how much project management sits at the heart of the job. Planners don’t simply assess proposals or prepare reports; we coordinate people, connect conversations, and often act as translators between disciplines to help keep projects moving forward.

 

That coordination requires a level of confidence, communication, and organisation that I’m still developing. Learning how to manage competing priorities, maintain momentum, and communicate effectively across teams has been one of the most challenging parts of the role so far.

 

Through this, I’ve started to understand that planning is also fundamentally about managing risk. Planners sit at the centre of projects, and rather than simply responding to issues as they arise, we’re constantly looking ahead identifying potential challenges early and helping guide projects through them before they become barriers.

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One thing I’ve noticed from working closely with colleagues is how instinctive this becomes with experience. They seem to have an almost built-in radar for risk, constantly scanning the horizon for constraints or challenges before they fully emerge.

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It’s almost like watching someone work through a puzzle, spotting connections and knock-on effects before the full picture is obvious to everyone else.

 

 

I’d like to think I’ve started tuning into that way of thinking myself. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with each project you begin to recognise patterns, ask better questions, and anticipate challenges a little earlier.

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Planning Considerations

Every scheme brings its own set of considerations planning policy, technical constraints, or stakeholder concerns and because of that, no two pieces of advice are ever the same. I’ve found it helpful to approach each project almost as a mini case study: an opportunity to learn something new and carry that experience into the next one.

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Perspective

Alongside learning the role itself, I’ve also found myself developing a deeper appreciation for the company and the people within it. While many familiar faces remain, there have also been several new additions to NJL. It’s been exciting to see that blend of experience and fresh perspective as we continue to shape what the next chapter of the business looks like and how we work together to deliver it.

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A conversation around a certain “dog” mindset that’s been discussed within the company previously, particularly stayed with me. At first, it made me laugh but the more I thought about it, the more it resonated. It reflects being trusted and dependable, staying curious and continuing to ask questions, while also remaining agile to navigate complexity and adapt when challenges arise.

 

 

The more I understand planning and the company, the more I can see how closely those qualities align. I’m still learning every day, but I’m beginning to recognise those instincts developing. Maybe not quite with the polished certainty of experienced colleagues just yet but certainly with growing curiosity and a better understanding of how to navigate the maze.