How Do I Become an Urban Planner?

An urban planner is a person who determines how to use various areas of a city or town for the most effective purposes. He or she will perform studies to figure out how to relieve automobile congestion, lay out roads, determine where commercial and residential areas should be built as well, and much more. In order to become an urban planner, you will need to complete a high school education; it helps to try to earn good grades while in high school so you will have an easier time being accepted to a college program that will train you to become an urban planner.

An undergraduate degree in statistics, computer science, business, or planning is preferred by employees, and if you want to become an urban planner, you may want to consider earning a master's degree after you complete your bachelor's degree coursework. You can become an urban planner with just a bachelor's degree, but your advancement opportunities will be limited. Earning a master's degree will make you a more competitive job candidate and will qualify you for management or other leadership positions. Advanced degrees will also give you specific training in statistical and economic analysis, planning, theory, and other subject areas that will be useful in the field.

While you are in college, either at the undergraduate level or the graduate level, it is a wise decision to seek out internships or apprenticeships that will help you become an urban planner once you graduate. These positions may or may not offer a salary or hourly pay, but they will give you crucial experience in the field that will, once again, make you a more competitive job candidate. You will also be able to develop relationships with people in the field; these contacts may be important later on when you are actively seeking out positions as an urban planner.

Once you graduate from college, you will need to write a resume and submit that document to potential employers. Making your resume as attractive as possible is vital; you may need to do volunteer work or internships, or participate in seminars and other professional activities in order to build your resume appropriately, especially if you are new to the field and have not gotten any job experience yet. Once you secure a position, you will more than likely end up in an entry-level position, working with more experienced planners as you learn more about the field.