To become a town planner, finish high school and get a college education, specializing in urban design or planning. Gain experience through internships and volunteer opportunities, and search for job vacancies on government websites and trade publications.
A town planner is an administrator in a town responsible for determining the best use of land and resources within a township. If you want to become an urban planner, there are several things you can do to make that dream a reality. One of the most important things is to finish high school and get a college education. Another thing that will help with your goal of becoming a city planner is to take advantage of as many internships and volunteer opportunities as possible.
One of the first things you’ll need to become an urban planner is a good basic education starting in high school. Focus on classes like math, communications, and computers. All of these skills are essential in the fields of city management and planning, and will also help you build a strong foundation for college. You might also consider some type of engineering class for beginners if your school offers them.
After graduating from high school, your choice of degree to become a city planner usually involves a specialization in a field such as urban design or urban planning. If you’re willing to become a city planner for a smaller municipality, you can start with just a bachelor’s degree, but many communities need a master’s, especially if it’s a larger community. Therefore, if you want to progress in your urban planning career, you may need to obtain a postgraduate degree.
While you’re still in college, getting internships or summer jobs in cities is a great opportunity, especially if you land a job at a planning and zoning office. These opportunities not only give you the opportunity to get your name out there, but also provide hands-on experience, which is useful for anyone wanting to become an urban planner. In many cases, the best time to start looking is two to three months before the summer break.
Finding a job as a city planner can be difficult, but there are opportunities available, even for those fresh out of college. If you have a specific geographic location you’re interested in, check out some region or city sites. Many list their job vacancies and it can be the best way to find a local job. Otherwise, there are several general websites focused on government jobs. Trade publications, usually available at a college, library, or even city hall, are another good source of employment information.
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