Nok Him Yuen

Please tell us about your current role and employer

I start my career after my graduation immediately. Currently I pause my career, and I am a full-time MSc Urban Planning Student in the University of Hong Kong. In my previous role, I work in Hong Kong Planning Department as a Technical Officer (Cartographic) after the year I graduated from University of Birmingham.

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

In my previous job, my main duty is amending relevant map annotation for urban planner. Also, my main responsibility is to handle and manage geospatial data with ArcGIS pro, and QGIS.

On the other hand, I need to preparing map for the Committee for Planning and Land Development (CPLD) meeting. And I need to proactively respond Town Planner’s requests on amending different maps when they need to.

What was your journey to getting a job after graduating from Birmingham? (e.g. application process, visa considerations)

Most of my classmates will continue to do an urban planning master’s degree after graduation. However, there is a wide range of urban planning-related master’s degrees, and it is difficult to pick a different route. I decided to spend a year exploring myself in various career paths. Luckily, I got different unforgettable job offers in the UK and Hong Kong. Apart from working in the Hong Kong Planning Department, I also worked in the sustainability and transport planning sector after I graduated. Those working experiences brought me different practical experiences to equip me to be an urban planner in the future. Those working experiences have made me confident in pursuing my career in the urban planning industry....

How do you feel the learning experience on your course helped to prepare you for your career?

I think the University of Birmingham not only train me in the academic field but also trains me in different practical skills in the working environment. Especially I enrolled on the professional placement module, providing different seminars to improve our critical thinking skills and discussion skills. Those skills have always been helpful to my work and my current study at the University of Hong Kong.

How did the University's support services (e.g. Careers Network) help to prepare you for your career?

Careers Network provides the CV checking service which is useful. I got a lot of valuable opinion from the staff there and help to secure different opportunities. Also, I participated in the virtual internship program which hold by the university's career service. I did an internship in the sustainability start-up company. It helps me to explore myself.

What are your top tips for students graduating today?

For students graduating today, my top advice is to actively network by building and maintaining professional connections through platforms like LinkedIn and attending industry events, while embracing lifelong learning to keep your skills sharp through courses or self-directed study. Stay adaptable to navigate change and embrace new challenges, and prioritise financial literacy by learning about budgeting, saving, and investing early on. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance in your career and personal development and remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance to safeguard your mental health and well-being. Finally, take initiative by being proactive in pursuing opportunities and tackling problems head-on.

What were the best things about your course?

I think the course offers a unique blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and social impact, making it one of the most rewarding fields of study. It equips me with the skills to design sustainable, functional, and inclusive cities, addressing critical challenges like population growth, climate change, and resource management. The course combines interdisciplinary learning, covering areas such as urban design, environmental science, economics, and public policy, allowing students to think holistically about urban development. On the other hand, the practical projects, internships, and fieldwork provide hands-on experience, while the focus on community engagement fosters a deep understanding of how planning decisions affect people’s lives.

What was your biggest achievement during your course? (personal, professional or academic)

One of my biggest highlights is being a volunteer in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Game. University of Birmingham is one of the official partners of the game. I am thrilled to be selected in the application process. It is my honour to be a voluntary content creator in the university campus to serve the community. It is a unforgettable experience in my life.