A snapshot interview with a member of the BURA Talent Pool-
Eimear B (EB)
BURA
What is your understanding of Regeneration? What does it mean and how did you become aware of it?
EB
Regeneration is a multi-disciplinary approach to development incorporating social, physical and economical processes with a key focus on sustainability. I first became aware of urban regeneration through the development of the renowned Temple Bar Quarter in my home town of Dublin. More recently I developed my understanding through work experience with Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. Recent studies in property at the University of Portsmouth, together with several industrial placements, have confirmed my interest in the regenerative approach to development.
BURA
Regeneration is a dynamic cross-sector field involving public, private and voluntary/community organisations. What past work or other experience do you possess that would be transferable to regeneration? For example you may have worked with community groups, delivered council services, been a project manager or organised a neighbourhood, university or charity event? Any work or study related activity that enabled you to display and develop your intuitive skills base is likely to be of interest to regeneration organisations.
EB
I have worked in public and private sectors across a range of industries, developing a wide range of transferable skills including business acumen, time management, and communication and organisation abilities. I have extensive third sector experience with many community based organisations.
Notable experiences include work I undertook at Ballymun Regeneration Ltd (BRL) and Habitat for Humanity.BRL is a Dublin City Council company overseeing one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe. Assisting the senior professional team, I gained valuable insights into regeneration and sustainable development. I volunteered with the affordable housing organisation Habitat for Humanity over a period of six months, working in a practical capacity on the construction site.
BURA
What formal qualifications do you have including courses or training that you may have attended which could also relate to the above skills?
EB
I am currently studying for a BSc in Property Development at the University of Portsmouth, a course which is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Subjects include investment, management, valuation, construction, law, economics, and planning. I hold a certificate in Higher Education in Psychology from the University of Teesside. This course of study included an introduction to psychology of the built environment. In December 2005 I completed an intensive course in construction site health and safety regulations. In August 2007 I attended the RegenWM seminar ‘Introduction to Regeneration’, which provided an overview of the industry. I am registered to participate in a series of online sustainability workshops in February and March 2008, certified by the Academy of Sustainable Communities (ASC).
BURA
From a list of generic skills (not shown here) below, choose up to 5 which you feel are your strong points. Please indicate as to why they are your strongest points and why they are perfect for working within the regeneration sector?
EB
As a mature student I am in the privileged position of having a great deal of prior work experience, and working in diverse environments across many industries I have developed a variety of transferable skills.
Team Building
Co-operation is essential in a cross sector discipline. Regular teamwork, in paid employment and at university, has proved my ability to build effective working relationships. I have demonstrated my ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to integrate with a wide range of people.
Project Management
Urban regeneration projects are often complex and challenging, with many limitations including time and budget. Successful projects need to be well managed. During my first year studies I completed a Student Enterprise unit; assuming the role of Managing Director in a team of six, I ensured that our work was completed to schedule and achieved a final grade of 85%.
Organisational Skills
Working in a dynamic, cross-sector industry, it is essential to be well organised. Having worked in clerical roles across public, private and third sectors, I have developed strong administrative and organisational skills; and as an officer on a student volunteer committee I organised and promoted volunteering events, co-ordinating student volunteers and liaising with representatives from local charities.
Verbal communication
Public speaking, diplomacy, and the ability to communicate with people at all levels are core skills in regeneration. As part of my work as a student mentor I completed a two-day selection and training process which focused on communication and listening skills; and as a student representative at the University of Portsmouth I communicated effectively and sensitively with my fellow students and members of the academic staff.
Research Skills
Whilst working at BRL I read through much of their literature and came to realise how important the research stage is to successful development. As part of my schooling in psychology I studied research methods and statistical analysis, learning how to perform quantitative and qualitative research. Carrying out research projects developed logical thought processes and problem-solving skills.
BURA
What skills or knowledge do you feel you need to develop to allow you either enter or develop further within the Regeneration Sector?
EB
I plan to develop secondary skills through my degree studies, practical experienceand self-directed learning.
Town & Country Planning
I would like to develop my knowledge of planning processes at national and local level. I will be studying the Town and Country Planning Act in detail from October 2008 as part of my degree.
Local economics
As part of my degree studies last year I completed an introduction to economics. Subjects included fiscal policy and supply and demand theory. I enjoyed this subject and I would like to learn more about economics at local and regional level.
Marketing & Public Relations
Development projects are often a source of contention and usually require public consultation and promotion. Consequently, marketing and public relations skills are greatly beneficial when dealing with stakeholders.
Urban Design
I am registered to attend the CABE Urban Design Summer School in June 2008. This is an intensive four-day residential course providing a firm understanding of urban design principles.
BURA
In developing your career options in this sector what information sources have you or would you use for a resource? Please list specific websites or reading material if known.
EB
I have drawn on a broad range of sources to assist me in shaping and directing my career. These include my academic tutors and the Careers Service at university, as well as numerous professionals working in the industry. I regularly read Regenerate, New Start, Regeneration and Renewal, Construction News and Building publications. Websites I have accessed for career purposes include The British Urban Regeneration Association (www.bura.org.uk), The Academy for Sustainable Communities (www.ascskills.org.uk), The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (www.rics.org) and Prospects (www.prospects.ac.uk). Publications I have found to be beneficial include the following:
‘Making places work: A guide to careers in regeneration and sustainable communities’ (ASC);
‘Your pathway to qualifying in planning and development’ (RICS); and,
‘Planning and development surveying’ (Prospects).
BURA
Which particular area of Regeneration interests you and why?
EB
Project management, planning and urban design particularly appeal to me. I became interested in urban design whilst studying environmental psychology a number of years ago and I have had a firm interest in urban planning since I worked at BRL, seeing first hand how good planning and design can transform a community. Project management interests me because it affords the opportunity to be involved for the duration of a project, having an influence from design to completion; and because it utilises some of my more developed skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making and leadership.
BURA
Have you identified any organisations involved in regeneration that you would like to work with? What difference do you feel you could make to their activities?
EB
Whilst there are no particular organisations that I would single out, I am passionate and enthusiastic about regenerative development and I would like to be involved in a project where I can direct this energy and make a valuable contribution. I am keen to work part time whilst studying, and I am more than ready to take on responsibilities in addition to my studies. I am eager to build on my industry knowledge and can offer commitment and dedication to any role that I will undertake.
BURA
Where are you working at the moment and in what capacity? If you are currently in full-time education please advise full course details/locations/timescales.
EB
I am currently on a year out from an undergraduate degree in Property Development at the University of Portsmouth, andI am working full time as an assistant to the Managing Director at an engineering firm.In October 2008 I return to full time study. Formal teaching takes place on campus in Portsmouth and occupies approximately 12-16 hours per week, with Wednesdays free for extracurricular activities. I plan to work on a part time basis throughout the academic year and on a full time basis during the 4-month summer holidays. I am willing to relocate during the summer months.
BURA
If you are working on a time-limited or project based contract then please advise project details.
EB
Not applicable
