Urban Planning Jobs Basics

Experience a rewarding career as an urban planner building strong communities

Jobs in urban planning (also referred to as city planning) is a diverse and exciting field that focuses on issues such as transportation planning, environmental planning, economic development, revitalization and zoning. The aforementioned areas of urban planning when coupled with the involvement and participation of citizens help build strong sustainable communities.

While many consider a degree in urban or city planning as a requirement for urban planning careers, degrees in geography, architecture, engineering, environmental studies and economics are also related disciplines that qualify you to obtain urban planning jobs. Basics to think about when considering a career in urban planning include:

1. Evaluating current and future urban planning job opportunities.

2. Obtaining a degree in a planning related field.

3. Interviewing urban planners to gain understanding and insight to the field of urban planning.

 

Research current job opportunities in urban planning

Access urban planning employment opportunities that exist in the public and private sectors on online employment websites.
Try: The American Planning Association and Geography Jobs websites provide postings that include both senior and entry level urban planning jobs.

Earn a degree in a Planning related field to qualify you for jobs in urban planning

A degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, Architecture or Engineering is some of the disciplines that open doors for urban planning careers.
Try: Contact your local institutions of higher learning through the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) to see if they offer degrees in Planning or a Planning related field such as geography or architecture. Learn about earning a Masters Degrees in Planning at GradSchools.com as another way to enhance your opportunities for urban planner employment.

Use planning professionals to gain insight on careers in urban planning

Talk to professional urban planners to gather more information regarding urban planner jobs. Basics of urban planning that you can discuss include career opportunities, current and past projects they have worked on, current news and trends in urban planning and any skills or knowledge that prove to be beneficial and an asset in obtaining city planning jobs.
Try: The University of Wisconsin presents a comprehensive overview of urban planning such as what do urban planners do, how much can they earn and the job outlook for Urban Planning. Read national and international planning news on Cyburbia.org.

 

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an instrumental tool in the planning field for performing spatial data analysis. Become a more attractive candidate for urban planning jobs by having a background in GIS. Penn State University is one institution that offers a convenient online Geographic Information Systems certification program to help you achieve your goal.
• Expand your urban planning career opportunities by earning your American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification as this is a requirement for some senior and higher level planning positions.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---