I Got Hired: Tyler

Posted on: 22 November 2024 by Ruby O'Sullivan in Class of 2023

Tyler Rylance is a Class of 2023 Masters in Town and Regional Planning (MPlan) graduate who now works as a Graduate Planner at Asteer Planning LLP.

How did you hear about your role and decide to apply for it?

I initially started studying Geography at the University of Liverpool. During my first year, I developed a strong interest in urban design and planning modules available, which led me to transfer to Geography and Planning course in my second year.

The department's flexibility and support allowed me to explore these interests further, eventually transitioning into the MPlan program for my third and fourth years. This path enabled me to deepen my knowledge and passion for urban planning, particularly in modules regarding urban regeneration, urban design studies and planning theory.

How did you get to where you are now?

My fourth-year Planning course included a 3-week placement as part of the Planning in Practice module. The department provided excellent opportunities across the North West, and I was fortunate to secure a placement at Asteer Planning. This placement evolved into a part-time assistant role during my final academic year, allowing me to apply my coursework in real-world planning scenarios. After graduating in July 2023, Asteer offered me a Graduate Planner position, where I’ve been involved in large development schemes while working towards my L-APC submission in February 2025.

Your favourite experience as part of your role?

One of my favourite experiences during my course was working on urban design and regeneration projects, especially the Wirral Waters Active Travel Masterplan. Partnering with my classmates, we helped create proposals for incorporating cycling and sustainable transportation into the local area through various techniques. These problem-solving skills have transferred into the real world, where I'm constantly working with developers and other technical consultants to provide solutions for large residential and commercial projects.

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

The most challenging part of my graduate journey was managing the demands of a full-time university workload while working part-time. Balancing the responsibilities of my job with the rigorous coursework and research requirements of my program was a significant challenge. It required careful time management, dedication, and a lot of personal sacrifice. However, this experience taught me crucial skills in prioritization, resilience, and efficiency, and ultimately strengthened my ability to handle multiple commitments/projects effectively in my current role at Asteer!

Top 3 Tips for current students and graduates:

1. Engage with Professors and Professionals: Make the most of the connections you have with your professors and professionals who attend talks and lectures in your course. These people have a wealth of knowledge and are usually more than happy to speak with you and introduce you to interesting contacts! I owe a lot to my professors who found the placement role for me at Asteer and connected me with people to interview for my dissertation. 
2. Build Peer-to-Peer Connections: Build connections with your course mates, as you'll be surprised how often you encounter them in day-to-day life as a planner! While at university, I was involved with the Planning Society, helping organize social and networking events for the cohort. It was great fun and allowed me to get to know my course mates even better! We still regularly meet up in Manchester for drinks!
3. Seek Real-World Experiences & Use Extracurricular Platforms: The best thing I did while trying to find work experience as a planner was to engage with voluntary/community-based initiatives like PLACED and Regeneration Brainery. Gaining practical experience like this improves your skills and builds your professional network compared to your peers. Additionally, find online courses in areas of the industry that interest you the most! I often drew inspiration for my coursework from online sources such as EIT Urban Mobility, which provided valuable material on sustainable transportation issues for my modules and dissertation topic.

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