Working in the UK

[tdrake1982]

Hi,

I am an American graduate student in a city planning masters course. I finish in May '09 and am thinking of applying for a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (or its successor visa, as this is being phased out) to come to work in the UK.

My main question is, will I be able to find work as a planner? Since my urban planning degree is from an American university and since I won't be a member of the RTPI, I fear I may have difficulty. I am mainly interested in working as a transportation planner, but I am open to most kinds of planning.

Many thanks for any help in this regard!

Thomas

[HarryFossettsHat]

You might be able to pick something up at Assistant Planner level (i.e. non-RTPI qualified). Most, if not all, job ads over here carry the name and number of someone to have an informal chat to about the position. I would suggest that if you see a job, give them a ring (or drop them an email) and talk through your situation. They should be able to give you a steer on wherther they would consider you for the position.

PS I would also contact APA and/or the RTPI...I'm sure you won't be the first to want to do this and they will be able to offer advice and guidance.

[tdrake1982]

Thanks so much. You wouldn't happen to know offhand if its possible (with my American degree)/worth my while to pursue RTPI membership while in the UK? The visa I would be coming over would be a two year visa so it might be worth looking into.

Thanks again and I'll contact the RTPI and the APA.

-Thomas

[HarryFossettsHat]

To be honest I'm not clued up on American qualifications & how well they 'sync' with RTPI requirements. Sorry.

If you need pointing in the direction of jobs sites or even want putting in touch with recruitment consultants specialising in town planning/built environment over here drop me a line, I have a few friends in that line of business. Also, any other queries, or advice on where to locate & what to do just PM me.

[tdrake1982]

Ah thanks! When it comes closer to the time, I may ask for those recruitment consultants' contact details.



Thanks again.

[hurricane]

The RTPI has reciprocal agreements with the Institutes in Canada, New Zealand and Australia and vice-versa, and recognise experience/qualifcations.

As far as I know, this doesn't extend to the US.

[newby]

You may find work and you may be able to join the RTPI but it wouldnt be at full corporate membership level. The RTPI has opened up a new membership group called Associate Membership... Its a partial qualification for overseas planners/overseas grad's/ and non-accredited degree holders. Details are available on the RTPI's website.

Im a Brit but did my masters degree in Australia... When i arrived back in the UK i just banged out applications to every entry level job i could find; I scored one in the end and am working in Development Control. Dont be put off by ads that tell you accredited RTPI degree courses only, put in an application anyway. I have to be honest, i think one of the biggest hurdle you'll find is UK immigration; the new points system is a lot tougher to get past than the old skilled migrants visa... For some good immigration advice try the link to this fourm:

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?board=17.0

The guys on their really know what they're talking about.

[Masswich]

Thought I'd reopen this thread with a slightly different spin.

I spent a fair amount of time in the UK as a child and have always thought it would be worthwhile and interesting to move there for a bit and - I assume - work. Not necessaily now but at some point in the future. I'm at a reasonable level of experience and responsibility in local government in the US and would not be a good candidate for any entry level position in the UK. My question is therefore: does anyone know of a situation where a mid-career professional planner has made the move to working in the UK? What is their story?

[brendaagius]

Hi!
I am studying urban design in the University of Malta (Europe). I will be ready from my studies in June 2010 and would like to find work in the UK. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Timpane]

I would propose that if you glimpse a job, give them a ring (or fall them an email) and converse through your situation. They should be adept to give you a guide on whether they would address you for the position.

[Dan]

Moved from the former Planning in the UK forum.