Name: Joanne Parkin
Job Title: Research Consultant
Location: Leeds
Degree: MA (RTPI) Town & Regional Planning, BA (Hons) Geography
University: University of Sheffield and University of Hull
I joined SQW Consulting in September 2007, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with an RTPI-accredited Masters in Town & Regional Planning (full award Sept 2008). Before completing my masters I studied Geography at the University of Hull.
I am currently a Research Consultant, based at our Leeds office, and since joining SQW I have worked on a variety of projects. Examples of my experience so far include: an assessment of regional rural capitals, a regional skills audit, assisting with the Bradford City of Film bid, evaluating the impact of the overseas visitor on the North of England, and evaluating the Cymorth and Flying Start programmes on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Working for SQW enables you to become involved a variety of diverse and engaging projects. My work means I get the opportunity to work with many high profile individuals and organisations. Within my first six months I had attended client meetings, completed site visits, assisted organising a breakfast briefing, completed external training courses and visited our neighbouring offices.
Each project is different and allows you to develop a variety of skills. My time is divided between working in the Leeds office and travelling to client meetings, conducting interviews and site visits. I have a graduate mentor who along with my office manager oversees my progression through the graduate programme. The programme is flexible and allows you to progress to consultant level during your first two years at SQW.
In any one day I can be faced with a variety of tasks. From statistical data analysis to attending meetings, or researching and pulling together a literature review on a current government or regional issue, I always find my work varied, engaging and challenging.