Alumni Profile – Maleeha Malik

19 October 2026

What did you study and when did you graduate?

"I graduated from Queen Mary University of London in 2024 with a First Class Honours degree in BA Geography. My undergraduate studies were instrumental in developing my interest in the relationship between people, places and the built environment, ultimately inspiring me to pursue a career in urban planning.

What was your favourite thing about being at Queen Mary (a module, a student society, ….)

One of my favourite modules was The Public Life of Cities taught by Dr Regan Koch, which encouraged me to think more critically about urban spaces and how people experience and interact with them. I became particularly interested in the ways that the design and organisation of cities influence everyday life, from the streets we walk along to the public spaces we inhabit. The module helped me appreciate that cities are not simply collections of buildings and infrastructure, but complex social environments shaped by the people who use them. This perspective has stayed with me throughout my academic and professional journey.

What kind of job are you currently doing (role, company)?

I currently work as a Graduate Planning Officer at North Hertfordshire District Council, where I have gained experience across both Urban Design and Planning Policy. During my time in Urban Design, I contributed to the development of the Council’s District-wide Design Code, which provides guidance on the design and appearance of new developments to help create attractive, sustainable and well-designed places. My work involved research, site visits and urban analysis, alongside supporting workshops and engagement with local communities. More recently, I have been working within the Planning Policy team, contributing to the preparation of the Council’s emerging Local Plan, which sets out the long-term vision and policies guiding future development across the district. This has involved evidence-based research, policy development and public consultation.

How were you able to get this role? What kinds of thing did you do to find it/get the job?

I secured my position through the Pathways to Planning programme, which supports graduates entering careers in local government planning. The programme also provided funding for my postgraduate studies, enabling me to complete an MA in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Westminster alongside my professional development.

My journey into planning was shaped by a growing interest in how the built environment influences people’s everyday experiences and quality of life. I sought opportunities that would allow me to combine my academic interests with practical work that could make a meaningful contribution to communities.

What kinds of skills did Queen Mary impart on you that you were able to use to find your career path?

Looking back, Queen Mary provided an invaluable foundation for my career. The research, critical thinking and analytical skills I developed throughout my degree are central to my work today, particularly when evaluating planning evidence, understanding complex spatial issues and communicating findings to different audiences. Perhaps most importantly, studying Geography taught me to approach places with curiosity, question assumptions and appreciate the interconnected nature of social and environmental challenges.

For current Geography students considering their future careers, I would encourage them to remain open to the many possibilities their degree offers. Geography equips you with an incredibly versatile understanding of the world, and its relevance extends far beyond the classroom."