Meet William Clark, a Town Planner at Barker Ryan Stewart (BRS).
William completed the BRS Graduate Program after finishing his degree at Macquarie University.
Will was working part time at BRS while at university and saw the Graduate Program as a unique opportunity to build on his learnings in a practical, hands-on environment.
We asked Will a few questions about his experience in the program:
What did you study at Macquarie University?
I studied a Bachelor of Planning, which was a four-year, town planning-specific degree. The course covered a wide range of disciplines including urban planning theory and practice, environmental science, planning law, and geographic information systems (GIS). It also included a strong practical component with built-in work experience opportunities.
What made you want to apply for the BRS Graduate Program?
The graduate program was recommended to me by university staff as a potential placement opportunity. It stood out as a great chance to apply what I was learning in a real-world setting and gain valuable, transferable experience in the development industry – even before I graduated.
How long is the graduate program? What did it entail?
I started at BRS as a student planner and then moved into the graduate town planner role after completing my degree, remaining in the program for around two years.
The program involved working as a planning consultant on a diverse range of public and private sector projects. I gained experience preparing development applications (DAs), writing Review of Environmental Factors (REF) reports, and assisting councils with DA assessments. Each project gave me insights into how different industries operate and the role of planning in supporting them.
What were your top 3 learnings from the program?
- Professional skill development – I gained a solid set of transferable professional skills that I use every day as a planner.
- Exposure to different planning contexts – I worked across many different project types and industries, which gave me a broad understanding of planning in the real world.
- The importance of being thorough and resilient – No two sites or projects are the same. Each has unique challenges and opportunities that require critical thinking and adaptability.
How would you rate the program? Would you recommend it to others?
I would absolutely recommend the BRS Graduate Program. It provided a supportive, well-structured environment to build my knowledge and confidence as a planner. I was mentored by experienced colleagues, received training in areas like waste management planning and CPTED assessment, and gained hands-on experience in client and project management.
What was the process like transitioning from the graduate program to being promoted?
The transition from graduate to town planner was seamless. I had already been working on a wide range of projects throughout the program, so stepping into the new title came with increased responsibility, but it felt like a natural next step. I was able to keep building on the skills I’d developed and take on more ownership in my work – all while continuing to learn and grow.
Interested in participating in the BRS Graduate Program?
We’re always on the lookout for the next generation of enthusiastic graduates to join our team and would love to hear from you. Find more information about our Graduate Program below:
