Emily first joined RDC as an intern in 2025 while completing her journalism degree. Working across a range of projects gave her the opportunity to experience the profession first-hand and consider whether planning could be the next step in her career.
“When I was here last year, I worked on quite a few different types of projects, so it opened my eyes to other areas that I didn’t know much about,” Emily explains.
“After weighing up all my options, town planning was the best route for me. I enjoy the research aspect, looking at policies and bringing everything together for the submission of applications. I also enjoy writing the reports, which probably stems from my experience in journalism.”
Having completed her first degree, Emily was keen to continue her studies while beginning her professional career. A degree apprenticeship offered the opportunity to do both.
“I loved university and really wanted to do a master’s degree, but I also wanted to work. The degree apprenticeship was the best of both worlds.”
For our Managing Director, Robbie Doughty, Emily’s decision has particular significance. Robbie joined his own father in the family business after graduating and is now welcoming another generation into the profession.
“As someone who joined my father after I graduated, it has been a wonderful surprise that Emily wanted to pursue a career in town planning,” says Robbie.
“Emily’s decision to pursue town planning as a career leaves me very proud, and I know her late grandfather would have been too.”
Emily’s apprenticeship also reflects our wider commitment to supporting people at the beginning of their careers.
As a close-knit, independent consultancy, we aim to give people exposure to a broad range of projects, access to experienced colleagues and opportunities to develop through hands-on experience.
“We’re proud to give people access to the senior team from day one, with opportunities to work alongside project leads and take on meaningful responsibility as they develop,” Robbie explains.
This hands-on approach gives those starting their careers the chance to learn within a supportive and experienced team.
As she starts this next chapter, Emily is looking forward to broadening her experience across a range of projects and developing a deeper understanding of the different areas of town planning.
Over the next few years, she hopes to achieve her master’s degree while continuing to build the practical knowledge and experience that will support her career in the profession.
We’re delighted to welcome Emily back to RDC and look forward to supporting her as she takes this next step in her career.
