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Frederico Bruni Roccia, a former student of the Infrastructure Planning Appraisal and Development MSc, shares how his degree helped him pursue an international career working in the UK and Africa.
About Federico Bruni Roccia
Federico Bruni Roccia came to The Bartlett School of Planning to study the Infrastructure Planning Appraisal and Development MSc, and has gone on to have an international career, currently working in Kenya for the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
Q&A with Federico
What motivated you to apply to study at the Bartlett School of Planning?
Having earned my undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and gained experience through summer internships at architectural and planning studios, I was driven to further develop my academic knowledge in the field. Following online research and guidance from UCL alumni within my network, I decided to apply to the Infrastructure Planning Appraisal and Development MSc (IPAD) at The Bartlett School of Planning, renowned for its excellence in architecture and the built environment.
What aspects of the course did you enjoy most?
What attracted me to the IPAD curriculum was its immersive approach, offering exposure to real-world infrastructural and planning challenges. Through site visits, interactions with industry professionals, and insightful case studies, the program provided a dynamic learning environment. Moreover, I enjoyed the broad spectrum of personal and professional backgrounds each student brought into the classroom and the intimate size of the cohort. These aspects allowed me to easily forge friendships, which we developed in the many studying spaces and libraries around the UCL campus, as well as off-campus in the endless coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, and museums the beautiful and vibrant city of London offers. Whilst the MSc program was indeed challenging and demanding, I still found the time to engage with some of the many UCL societies offered on campus, such as the Filipino and Karate Society.
How did studying at The Bartlett School of Planning help you in your career?
Being a Bartlett student undoubtedly gave me a competitive edge when applying for job opportunities. As a matter of fact, I managed to line up two internships straight after graduating from the IPAD MSc, first at the European Investment Bank and successively at UN-Habitat. After completing my internships, I returned to London and spent nearly four years with Mott MacDonald, a leading global engineering and development consultancy. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work on major infrastructure projects across the UK. I then decided to move to Nairobi, Kenya, joining the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. As a Programme Officer, for the past three years, I’ve been managing the grants and loans the Italian Government is financing towards infrastructure and urban development projects in the East African region, with a particular focus on projects in Kenya and Somalia. My role entails providing technical assistance to the counterpart (namely national governments or United Nations agencies) in drafting project proposals; managing financial agreements between the Italian Government and the fund recipient; and eventually supervising the implementation of the funded projects.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
To prospective Infrastructure Planning Appraisal and Development MSc students, I offer the following advice: actively engage in every class, whether it entails theoretical discussions or presentations by industry professionals. Rather than viewing classes as a mere exchange between professor and students, approach them as collaborative forums among peers who share a common interest. Moreover, I urge you to invest not only in academic pursuits such as papers and exams but also in forging meaningful connections with your classmates. Each individual brings a distinct perspective, enriching your understanding of the multicultural world we live in. Lastly, take advantage of the Bartlett's central location to explore the dynamic city of London. Beyond its surface allure, London offers a wealth of infrastructural case studies and diverse cultural experiences. Embrace this opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's juxtapositions and complexities, as they serve as invaluable lessons in your academic and personal growth.
Are you interested in studying the Infrastructure Planning Appraisal and Development MSc at UCL?
Discover more about the course and the career opportunities it could unlock by visiting the UCL Graduate prospectus.
