Get a Community Planning Job
Working in the field of community planning can be highly rewarding for a person committed to making his community a better place for its residents. A community planning job will give you the opportunity to help your city or town while earning a salary. If you are interested in getting started but are unsure of where to begin, you will find a few helpful suggestions below on get your community planning career off to a strong start.
Instructions
Education and Experience are Critical to Your Success in the Field
1. Decide in which aspect of community planning you want to seek employment. There are a number of specializations in community planning, including community development, historical preservation, parks and recreation, land use and code enforcement, urban design, housing, transportation design, environmental planning and others. Determine which specialization you prefer to focus on for your job hunt. Consider your education level, as well. Many community planners with Bachelor's Degrees will further their studies to receive a Master's Degree in planning.
2. Join an online job board to assist in your community planning employment search. Along with the obvious job search websites like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com, register with other sites specific to people who are looking for positions in the field of community planning. The American Planning Association (www.planning.org) as well as Planetizen (www.planetizen.com) offer specific job boards for community planners of all experience levels. Your college may also have job listings.
3. Build your resume. If you are just starting out in the community planning field, explore opportunities for internships and entry-level positions. Consider volunteering your services for city government or a planning agency to gain experience. Have an active membership in clubs or organizations in school or out that are focused on planning.
4. Network with others in the profession of community planning. Build relationships with others who work in the field. This can be done by attending trainings, discussions and other planning-focused events. Get to know fellow staff if you have an opportunity to do an internship for an agency or government office. Make people aware of your career intentions, as you never know who can offer helpful advice or even open a door. Talk to others who are working in a position you hope to eventually obtain and ask thorough questions about the responsibilities and the opportunities for advancement.
5. Consider additional training, education or certification. If you are changing careers or have been in the planning profession for a while and want to advance, take additional classes or training, if possible. You may decide to seek a Master's Degree in Planning if you currently have a Bachelor's Degree. Another option for practicing planners is to seek certification through American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), which is the American Planning Association's professional institute. Specific information about the AICP certification process can be found on the American Planning Association website at www.planning.org.
Tags: community planning, community planning, American Planning, American Planning Association, Planning Association, community planners