Craig O'Holleran

Craig graduated from the BSc (Hons) in Urban and Regional Planning and now works for Sustrans as a Project Officer. He currently works in partnership with Glasgow City Council to help establish an active travel legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Can you tell us about where you work and describe your role?

I work within a city-wide partnership initiative between Sustrans and Glasgow City Council aimed at developing proposals and outline designs for the completion of a cohesive city-wide active travel network. I play a role in helping to deliver the City Council's Commonwealth Games legacy vision for active travel, which includes actions aimed at encouraging both walking and cycling through community engagement and looking after the city's on-road and off-road active travel network. The role calls for the auditing of the existing and proposed cycle network as well as identifying areas of minor improvements and missing opportunities.

I chose Heriot-Watt because of its reputation and location. The built environment and design is something that has always interested me, especially the way that people interact and move within their surroundings.

Why did you choose Heriot-Watt and the programme that you studied?

I chose Heriot-Watt because of its reputation and location. The built environment and design is something that has always interested me, especially the way that people interact and move within their surroundings. The programme offered me a deeper understanding of design, environmental, social and economic issues.

What was your experience of doing a degree at Heriot-Watt University?

The experience was enjoyable. The programme made me think about how interconnected global issues were within the built environment and how decisions today can have a long term impact. The courses were challenging yet necessary. This combined with excellent support from the lecturers made this a valuable and worthwhile degree.

How has your degree helped you in your profession?

My degree and especially my dissertation on cycling infrastructure is what got me my job within Sustrans.

Do you have any advice for students interested in working in your field?

Be enthusiastic about your chosen field of expertise and know the current issues and policy that can have an effect.