Max Starn

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Paul Mew Associates

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After graduating in 2023, I spent another year in Falmouth working full-time at The Boathouse where I worked part-time across second and third years. I left in July 2024 and started my job in London in August 2024. As a Graduate Transport Consultant, I am involved in the tranpsort side of planning applications where I have produced Transport Statements, Travel Plans and Construction Logistics Plans for a range of developments in and around London.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I have always had an interest in public transport, active transport (I did my dissertation on repurposing disused railway lines for cycling trails) and had recently before joining become interested in safe road design and urban planning. I enjoy that every project is different and the satisfaction of issuing the reports I produce. It also gives me a great work-life balance as I get an hour for lunch and finish at 5:30 so can do plenty with my evenings.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was Vegan Society president 2021/22 and 2022/23, Basketball president 2022/23, and Basketball media and comms sec 2021/22.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed the range of topics I could choose with Environmental Science being inherently multi-disciplinary so did four modules across second and third years from the medical school and ECEHH. My best memory though was our second year field trip to the Isles of Scilly. I got really close with my friends on the course and we had a brilliant time together.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I loved the feel of the campus and it was so nice to be so near to everyone given the size of Falmouth.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I came for the open day in 2019 and my mum and I loved Falmouth and the course sounded interesting, rewarding, and challenging.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

My report writing is the most applicable skill I use day to day now.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Make sure you know what the job entails. I thought transport consultant meant advising on road design or bus routes for example rather than slightly more mundane sounding things like parking provision, access, servicing arrangements, etc. for new developments.

What are your plans for the future?

I am planning on staying at my current employer for at least 1-2 years unless something better presents itself.