Heidi Duncan

"I love the variety of my job. I get to work alongside environmentalists, transport planners and engineers."

What was the best part of your studies?

Some highlights of university included:

• being elected president of the Organisation of Planning Students
• being asked to be Valedictorian of my graduating class
• friendships made with my cohort (some of whom remain my closest friends)
• studying in Can Tho, Vietnam as part of a summer semester elective course
• having a group assignment published in the Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues.
   

What kind of things do you do as a town planner?

I project-managed development applications of varying scales (including minor residential developments through to major master planned subdivisions). As part of a secondment, I was involved in the procurement phase of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage two.

I was also tasked with development feasibility activities, assisting clients with determining whether a potential project would be economically viable.

I also worked for Aurecon as a student planner, where I assisted Telstra, the NBN program and Optus with site selection for telecommunications towers and upgrades.
 

What are your plans for the future?

I recently relocated to the UK on a two year working visa. My intention is to gain employment as a town planner in London. I believe this move will help me further develop my understanding of town planning, through direct exposure to a different city and different planning system.
 

What advice do you have for anyone deciding how to start their career?

I recommend choosing UQ. It is a great university, not just from an academic viewpoint, but also from a social and personal development viewpoint. The University opens doors to opportunities you may never have expected.

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