Student Internships 2020

• Urban Planning  – Shaping tomorrow’s cities and communities begins with planning. Our Planning team works on projects of all sizes, with a well-deserved reputation as experts in statutory and strategic planning across cities, communities, business parks, mixed-use developments and activity centres, just to name a few.
• Urban Design & Landscape Architecture – Good design turns spaces into places that live and work, inspire and reward. Work alongside and learn from some of Australia’s finest urban designers and landscape architects. 
• Property Economics & Market Research – Clients turn to Urbis for robust and insightful economic advice and research which helps inform solutions to complex policy, property and social challenges. 
• Valuations & Real Estate Advisory – Working with this specialist team you’ll be learning how we help our clients make the right property decisions at the right time.  
• Public Policy & Social Planning  – Our team is a market leader in policy advice and evaluation, guiding clients on a variety of social issues to inform future decision-making. 
• Heritage – 0ur expertise in heritage conservation helps our clients to shape lively new places that respect our history and conserve heritage values for future generations.  

How did you start out at Urbis?

I first joined Urbis as a student mid-way through my undergraduate planning degree. As part of the Planning degree we were required to undertake a year of work experience in the industry, but I ended up gaining so much more than just that. I have been at Urbis now for over seven years, and every year I am faced with new challenges, different projects, and my passion for Planning just grows.

Take us through a typical day for you.

A typical day for me is hard to describe, as each day can change a lot. Currently I would spend about half my day in meetings or working together with clients and our team on projects, a few hours responding to emails, and a few hours preparing planning advice and reports that inform a planning pathway or seek planning approval for a new development.

I also contribute to the initiatives of the Property Council of Australia (PCA), through my role as Chair of the Future Directions Committee in NSW, and position on the NSW Division Council of the PCA.

How would you describe working in your team? What is the culture like?

Our team supports each other. We have more than 60 planners in our office, but we still work as if we are one large team, constantly sharing information about how to do things better and how to achieve the best. Everyone in our team will bring a different experience and important knowledge to the table that will challenge our collective thinking and push us forward. Our Assistant Planners are no different as we encourage everyone in our team to contribute to building our team’s success.

What has been your biggest achievement so far in your time at Urbis?

If I had to nominate just one, my biggest achievement at Urbis (so far) was working on the One Sydney development at 1 Alfred Street, Sydney. I started off on the project assisting others in the team, and quickly became a key contact for the client in preparing and securing development approval for a high rise residential development and a world class hotel at Circular Quay. The project was highly rewarding as it will deliver key public benefits and new laneways within the CBD, and will be a part of the changing face of Circular Quay for a whole generation.I am proud of being a part of this development not just because of its prestigious location, but for the success we had navigating a highly complex planning approval pathway. This experience is further enhanced by my role as the planner for a nearby new commercial building at 210-220 George Street, and being able to contribute to the renewal of a precinct in the Sydney CBD that is undergoing significant change.

Observing this change is somewhat comparable to the work I have undertaken in Green Square, where the coordination of multiple developments in this significant renewal area is creating a new precinct characterised by design excellence. OK – maybe I’ve squeezed three or four achievements in one!

A little bit about you..

Outside of work I’m busy living my best life exploring and eating. I also have a passion for fashion and I’m an avid op-shopper. There’s a lot of good things about op-shopping. Apart from helping the environment, supporting charities and local businesses; there’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment digging through the racks and finding a designer gem. The economist in me also loves finding things that are undervalued.

How did you start out at Urbis?

I joined Urbis as a student in Property Economics & Market Research in the Brisbane office. I did a 6-month placement in my final semester of uni. After graduation, I transferred to the Urbis Melbourne office as a Research Analyst and have since been promoted to Consultant.

Take us through a typical day for you.

There is no typical day at Urbis. That’s why I like it so much. A lot of what we do is project based and changes all the time. But it generally involves jumping between modelling in Excel, report writing, creating funky infographics, collating data, liaising with clients, and tapping into all the expertise around me.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

The highlight of my role is the mix of clients and work. I’m continually exposed to many aspects of property economics. I get to deal with a range of clients – private developers, industry bodies, state government. With the huge variety of work, I have been able to develop a core set of skills, which can be applied to a wide range of different jobs.

What has been your biggest achievement so far in your time at Urbis?

My biggest achievement has been being promoted from the student program, to Research Analyst and now Consultant in just 12 months. Urbis recognises hard work and provides great career progression opportunities.

A little bit about you..

I recently became a very happy and proud dad, which has been an amazing, life-changing experience!  I have also recently embraced my inner coffee snob and purchased an Italian espresso machine, grown a beard and become a rare tattoo-free self-proclaimed barista.  Did I say that I am Melbourne born and bred? 

When this dad thing isn’t so new, I look forward to getting back to F45 classes and more regular longer distance runs, having previously achieved a personal goal of running a marathon. I also enjoy a more adventurous type of travel, having hiked to Mt Everest Base Camp and to Machu Picchu.  Kilimanjaro is next on my list, but relaxed beachside holidays have become the far more desirable option for the time being.

How did you start out at Urbis?

I joined Urbis in 2001 as a Student Valuer, working 3 days a week.  During my first few years I worked with several leaders within Real Estate Advisory, gaining experience across the major asset classes.  I think that this was essential in establishing a strong and broad understanding of the market. 

I started a long time before the current student program was in place, with today’s opportunity enhanced significantly.  In my current role as a leader, it is exciting to be able to offer the next generation of experts the opportunity to work in a diverse and flexible environment.

What has been your biggest achievement so far in your time at Urbis?

Recently I became a Partner of the firm which is a significant milestone and a result of many years of business and leadership development.  At the moment, I am providing expert advice for several significant claims for compensation under the Planning and Environment Act for residential developers affected by the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to start out in your practice area?

Learning the market and how to undertake a valuation is only the first step.  Our business is based on relationships with our clients and ensuring that we grow together.  We can enhance our value proposition to our clients by being thought leaders, through harnessing knowledge across our different business units. 

A little bit about you..

I joined Urbis in 2016 as an Assistant Planner in the Student Internship Program. I have an undergraduate degree in Law and have recently completed a Masters of Planning at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). I am also a casual academic at UNSW, so some of you may have been in one of my classes!

My planning interest area is creating sustainable, safe and equitable cities (my thesis was on crime prevention through urban design), so in my spare time I love to attend industry events on these topics.

What are the few ingredients you need to start your day off?

There’s only one critical ingredient that I need to start my day: a LIST! Before I leave work each evening, I often make a comprehensive list of pending tasks to make sure that the next day runs smoothly. In Planning this isn’t always guaranteed, but it ensures that my major tasks are prioritised and that I can start my day in a semi-organised fashion.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I try to stay active, do a bit of craft and watch ALOT of live comedy. I haven’t found a way to combine the three yet, but I’m actively trying to achieve this!

How would you describe working in your team?

The culture at Urbis is second-to-none. There’s a strong emphasis on training, mentoring and team-building which continues through the Student, Consultant, Senior and even Associate Director levels. Coming from a legal background, this was originally a complete shock but it’s all part and parcel of the Urbis workplace culture.

A little bit about you..

I’m currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Property Economics degree at UTS in Sydney. On the weekends, I enjoy catching up with mates for a drink, and spending my time outdoors – especially around water. Whether I’m swimming or sailing, I’ll take any opportunity to relax and enjoy taking a break from work and Uni. I’m also a keen skier, so during winter I try to get down to the Snowy Mountains as much as possible.

Take us through a typical day for you.

Usually when I get into the office I’ll log on to my computer and have a quick look at the Financial Review to see the latest news in the property sector. I’ll then touch base with my director to establish what work needs to be done and my priorities for the day. Lunch is a great opportunity to chat with people in the broader Urbis team and catch up on anything and everything. My afternoons are usually spent finishing my assigned work and updating my director on my progress for the day, perhaps with a quick coffee break thrown in there too.

How would you describe working in your team?

One of the great things about the Real Estate Advisory team in Sydney is its size. There are currently 18 people in the team, which is the perfect size to gain a depth of experience while not feeling like a little fish in a big pond. The culture at Urbis is very social and there is a huge emphasis on educating and nurturing junior staff to develop in their careers. The directors are always willing to take the time to mentor and guide the students, developing their skills and experience.

What you need to know

As part of your application, you will need to select which team you’d like to apply for, and provide your CV, cover letter and your academic transcripts. Please address the following questions in your cover letter and limit the length to 1 page.

• Why do you want to join Urbis?
• What motivated you to pursue a career in your selected discipline?
• If you had to select one Urbis project (past or present) that you would like to work on, what would it be and why?

If you are applying for a role in Landscape Architecture or Urban Design, we will also require a portfolio or examples of your work in order for your application to be considered. For other teams, you are welcome to also provide examples of your work in the portfolio section, however this is not required.

In order for your application to be considered, it must be submitted online via our website.

What do we look for?

We look for strong communication skills, academic performance, professionalism and a passion for community and cityshaping.

The best way for you to stand out is a strong application with a tailored, well-considered and concise cover letter. We will provide questions for you to respond to in your cover letter shortly before applications open in August.

Our recruitment process

Shortlisting will begin once applications have closed, and you may be invited to one of our offices for an information evening followed by an interview. Information evenings and interviews will be held from October in the respective offices.

Eligibility

You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for the program.

You must also be studying a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree in 2020. Preference will be given to those in their final year of study in 2020 but we encourage applications from those earlier on in their degrees too.

Interested in our Perth office?

We accept expressions of interest for our Perth office, which regularly offers casual employment for students in the areas of Property Economics & Research, Urban Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture. If you’re undertaking studies in a field relevant to any of these, we’d love to hear from you! To register your interest for Perth please send your CV to the Perth HR team using the link at the bottom of this page.