Alex Watson
Scholarship Student based in Bunbury
A Sneak Preview into the Industry
A case study on Alex Watson, scholarship student
based in Bunbury
Once he graduated from Bunbury Grammar High School in 2006, Alex was thrilled to be accepted to the University of WA to complete a Town Planning Degree. With his letter of acceptance in waiting, Alex decided that to really put 100% into his studies, he wanted a sneak preview into the industry.
"I sent a number of letters to Town Planning firms based in Bunbury asking for the opportunity to fill my ‘gap year' with some experience in the industry" says Alex. Harley Global, as a joint arrangement with Insitu Planning & Design, were happy to welcome Alex into their planning teams in
early 2007.
Alex quickly learnt the ins-and-outs of the industry over the next 12 months, filling his ‘clean slate' with valuable knowledge extracted from hands-on experience with a number of different planning personnel. Alex's team-oriented approach, and ability to quickly absorb new concepts, proved he would become a highly successful planner in his senior years. Seeing this opportunity, Harley Global and Insitu Planning & Design joined forces to offer Alex one of their unique
scholarship arrangements.
"Now that I have begun my full-time studies, my scholarship agreement means I am guaranteed full time work in my university holidays and when I graduate. I am even given a financial incentive to use as I wish, on anything from travel, accommodation or reading materials," comments Alex.
Alex has thoroughly enjoyed his time so far with both Harley Global and Insitu Planning & Design, finding everyone extremely helpful, patient and supportive. "All the guys were more than willing to spend their time teaching me some really valuable skills. I can now go to University with a head-start over all the other students who'll be coming fresh from school" says Alex. He is also pleased to maintain his current lifestyle in Bunbury, and working in his time off secures a steady income to support his time studying.
Alex highly recommends to any young person intending to enrol in University that taking a gap year and securing work in their appropriate field is well worth it. "It allows you to get a taste for what you're getting yourself into, and you can make sure you've made the right decision" says Alex. He appreciates that taking on a young guy with no experience is a risk for any company, and requires a great deal of time and dedication on the company's behalf. He comments that "it is rare to find companies as willing to pass on their skills and knowledge than the guys at Harley Global and Insitu
Planning & Design".
Even though graduating in 2011 seems a long way away, Alex believes that his balance between practical and theoretical learning, and the support of everyone at Harley Global and Insitu Planning & Design, will make it seem a breeze.
Now just beginning his studies, Alex comments that his year's work with the Harley Global and Insitu team has been extremely valuable for his studies. He mentions that he's now "got a good grasp of what's going on, although a lot of the course relates to Perth which will take some getting used to. Having an Irish lecturer doesn't help either!"
