Oksana Zhang

“Studying the Bachelor of Urban Planning set me up with essential teamwork skills and a sharp eye for detail. The degree pushed me to excel in my writing and visual communication, and it’s through these skills that I acquired my graduate role at Arup.

“The functions and foundations of cities were a big part of the Urban Planning programme, alongside urban design and the socioeconomic aspects of cities. My biggest takeaway was understanding that every element that makes a city is intertwined, much like a ‘domino effect’. 

“As a Graduate Planner, you’re generally assigned a mentor to shadow and assist with tasks on a range of projects. In a multidisciplinary firm, you’re likely to closely interact with engineers, project managers and landscape architects. This helps you understand the holistic project life cycle, which I think is the beauty of being an Urban Planner.

“My introduction to Arup was through an expo presentation at the University, after which I applied for their Graduate Programme. I was also the University representative in the NZPI’s (New Zealand Planning Institute’s) Emerging Planners Committee, which connects young planners and establishes networks with experienced planners. This position provided me with a platform of fruitful relationships, which are crucial in the industry.

“My goal is to lead a project recognised for breakthrough and innovation in a specialised area of urban planning. Because urban planning is so multidisciplinary, it means that you can come from any background, opening a door of infinite possibilities. If anything, the deeper you dig into the world of urban planning, the more rooted your passion will grow.”