When Jenny Yang began her Master of Urban Planning and Design (MUPD) at Monash University, she had some experience in planning. With qualifications in urban planning, landscape, and public affairs from Taiwan, and work experience in private consultancy, Jenny was keen to expand her career by understanding how urban planning and design work in a different country.

“I wanted to improve my skills and take on new challenges. Monash caught my eye because it was the only program that combined planning and design. I already had a planning background, but I wanted to strengthen my design skills too,” she says.

That decision set Jenny on a path that led her to an internship with Maribyrnong City Council—and, soon after graduation, a full-time role as a planner.

Real-world learning at Monash

For Jenny, the highlight of the MUPD course was the studio experience.

“Working on real-world projects with councils gave me the chance to apply classroom learning to practical scenarios. It really built my confidence,” she recalls.

Her most memorable studio Placemaking - Clarence Valley, took her to New South Wales, following the devastating 2020 bushfires. There, Monash students collaborated with local communities on recovery efforts.

“We worked with them to understand what kind of assistance they needed and how they could recover. Mixing with architecture students and guided by Professor Mel Dodd and Nikhila Madabhushi was a powerful learning experience because it showed us how planning and design can directly support communities in crisis.”

As an international student, Jenny also valued the diversity of the course. “About half the students were international. It was a very good environment—we learned from each other’s cultural and professional backgrounds.”

From placement to profession

In 2024, Jenny joined Maribyrnong City Council through Monash’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program. She started as a student planner, contributing to projects such as the Yarraville level crossing closure, which explored the impact of infrastructure changes on local businesses and communities.

That experience opened the door to her current role.

“My placement really helped me understand how local government works. It was very different from private consultancy in Taiwan. Here, collaboration is constant—you’re always working with urban designers, transport engineers, and community engagement teams,” she explains.

Soon after her placement ended, Jenny was offered a graduate planner role at the council. Today, she works across both statutory and strategic planning teams.

“Statutory planners assess applications and issue permits, while strategic planners look at long-term policies and neighbourhood plans. I enjoy the strategic side more because it involves engaging with communities and imagining future possibilities.”

Shaping the future of Footscray

Currently, Jenny is part of the team working on the Footscray Activity Centre Strategy, a major urban plan that brings together multiple council departments.

“We collaborate with urban design, transport, engineering, and open space teams. We hold community consultations and surveys, listening to residents’ expectations for housing and open spaces. It’s challenging but rewarding, because we’re shaping how the area will evolve for the next generation.”

For Jenny, this aspect of the work is the most fulfilling.

“Each project gives me the chance to see how we can make a place more liveable. Urban planning isn’t just about the present—it’s about imagining and foreseeing the future.”

The Monash advantage

Jenny credits her Monash studies for equipping her with both knowledge and practical skills.

“Mapping and modelling are critical in my role. They help communicate ideas with teams and external stakeholders. The community engagement training was also important—running workshops and learning how to listen and negotiate.”

She also acknowledges the support of her Monash mentors. “Dr Liz Taylor was my first studio leader. I struggled with English in the first year, but she was patient and explained concepts until everyone understood. That kind of support made a big difference.”

Advice for aspiring planners

Reflecting on her journey, Jenny believes urban planning is both challenging and rewarding—but it’s not for everyone.

“Sometimes the work is very research heavy. You need to be motivated, logical, and organised. Communication and negotiation are also critical—convincing people and expressing your ideas clearly.”

Her advice to future students is simple:

“Research the job before you study. Urban planning is very specific. It’s not always glamorous, but if you care about shaping better communities, it can be deeply fulfilling.”

For Jenny, the future is full of possibilities. “I’m learning something new every day, and I work with a great, inclusive team. The Monash course gave me the foundation, and my placement at Maribyrnong opened the door. Now, I’m excited to keep growing as a planner.”