I joined NLP in 2005 having completed a Masters in Development Planning at the University of Reading. I was attracted to NLP because of the company’s involvement in a wide variety of high profile and interesting development projects and I was confident that NLP could support me in achieving chartered membership of the RTPI and the RICS. I was not disappointed; with the support of a dedicated mentor, a structured training programme and diverse project experience, I was able to achieve both professional qualifications within three years of joining NLP.
Within months of starting at NLP I became involved in a large mixed-use development project, which was accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment, which I co-ordinated. This project ended up at a Public Inquiry and given my extensive involvement on the project, I also became responsible for Direct Professional Access to leading Counsel. I obtained a great deal of knowledge and experience working on this particular project but I have also worked on a wide variety of other interesting projects, including health care, housing, green belt, sport and heritage projects. There’s never a dull moment!
At NLP you are encouraged to embrace projects and take on as much responsibility as you feel you are able to manage, whilst having the full support of senior colleagues and a Director throughout. In a sense, there are no barriers to your own career progression.
Life at NLP is enjoyable. Colleagues are friendly and approachable and there’s a professional but relaxed working environment. There is also a regular programme of social events, where we get the opportunity to catch up with colleagues from other workgroups and offices – from nights out to weekends away.
