We pride ourselves on being innovative and forward-thinking, and offer a supportive environment with space to learn here at PJA. This combined with having some of the industries finest transport planners, engineers and place makers to be influenced by and we’re in the best place to offer opportunities to those at the beginning of their careers.
We spoke with John Tsui, a student studying development studies at the University of Cambridge who completed a placement with our team in Cambridge. We asked him about his time at PJA:
What is your background and what led you to a placement at PJA?
The path that has led me to my placement at PJA has been quite an unconventional one. I have a background in the humanities and social sciences, studying Social Anthropology at Goldsmiths for my undergraduate degree and subsequent MPhil in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge, so transport had never been something I thought actively about in my academic studies. However, it was during my undergraduate studies that I was exposed to ideas about how the physical shape we inhabit both reflects and shapes the quality of our social relations. After picking up cycling in 2019 to commute in London, these ideas started to resonate with me in a more powerful way. Through passionate conversations about the relationship between space, belonging, and ecology with friends in and around the industry and discipline, I was gently nudged towards learning more about transport planning and decided to contact Mike and Jack at the Cambridge office.
What do you feel you’ve gained from your time at PJA?
Whether it has been conducting a desktop assessment of the baseline transport conditions for a Transport Statement or researching for a proposal on a walking and cycling trail in the Lake District, it has been very rewarding to work collaboratively with this team of different skillsets and experience towards holistic solutions to different transport issues.
What has been the highlight of your time at PJA?
To be part of this team dynamic has been the highlight of my time at PJA, as they have been accommodating in guiding me through different stages of the planning process and the industry in general. Of the many things I’ve learnt in my time at PJA, the most valuable takeaway has been the importance of working together and collaborating as a team. Despite just being the four of us, I’ve been continually impressed by how Julia, Mike, and Jack have been so open to discuss ideas together, offer advice and help one another.
What’s next for you?
After leaving Cambridge I will be headed to Taiwan where I’ve been accepted as a Huayu Enrichment Scholar to study Mandarin.
What would you say to someone else who might be thinking about doing a placement?
Do it! Reach out to someone even if you are only interested in something and want to find out more about the industry. The team at PJA are so knowledgeable, welcoming and supportive that you’ll thank yourself that you did!
Find out more information on our services here
Sound like somewhere you’d like to work? We’re particularly interested to hear from transport planners from senior to associate director level based in Cambridge. We have a wide range of interesting and challenging projects, working with a variety of clients. If you are interested in a career with us, please get in touch: [email protected]
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