College Crunch

Environmental careers are gaining in relevance and becoming increasingly more prevalent in the current economy. Over the last century, scientists and various other experts have uncovered evidence of the destruction and negative consequences caused by human action and interference in the natural environment. These discoveries have led experts to conclude that an urgent need exists for socially and ecologically responsible business practices. Developing policies to regulate potentially harmful business practices is necessary to protect the health and safety of the current and future inhabitants of the planet. The emergence of new knowledge regarding the impending cataclysmic events which will occur if swift and certain actions are not taken to reverse the course on which the planet is presently set have caused governments and businesses to adopt and adhere to these stricter and more conscientious methods.

Job Description and statistics

In order to ensure businesses adhere to ecologically and environmentally sound policies, new positions have been created to administer and/or respond to the changing needs of a growing and socially aware population. One such position is the urban and regional planner. The urban and regional planner is responsible for providing recommendations to local officials regarding which locations would be optimal for building new roads, schools or other structures and how to minimize any potentially detrimental effects of the construction on the environment, the community and the economy. When the evaluation is completed and the urban and regional planner is preparing to make their recommendations, they must provide suggestions on how to accomplish the goals while optimizing the benefits and minimizing the negative consequences. The urban and regional planners must also consider and balance the present and future needs of the population when making their recommendations.

The urban and regional planners are charged with substantial responsibilities. The responsibilities and tasks associated with the job range from addressing the evolving social health issues of the growing community to making decision concerning resources and protecting the ecology in the area. Because of their expertise, urban and regional planners are often called upon to draft legislation to address the specific needs and concerns relating to the environmental, economic and social aspects when development is being considered. Preparing and studying reports, providing statistical, social and scientific data are responding to the concerns of various individuals related to the proposed project are all part of the job description also. The urban and regional preparers provide background information on the region; characteristics of the people who live in that area and detail the trends in employment and the economy. Each of these factors helps determine how to best use the land or buildings for the maximum benefit of all concerned.

According to the United States Department of Labor, job opportunities in the field of urban and regional planning are expected to increase faster than the average. The expected growth rate for employment in this field is projected to grow approximately 19 percent over the next seven years. The basis for this projection is the expected need for additional public services propelled by the growing populations. Local and state governments will require the services of urban and regional planners to assist in the expansion and development of the various housing, transportation and entertainment projects which will accompany the growth. Commercial projects will also need to be evaluated by the urban and regional planners to ensure the completion will not produce detrimental consequences. These professionals will offer valuable information regarding the technicalities of developing the zones, suggest practical design variations concerning issues such as storm water management and assist with issues regarding the environmental regulations which would potentially affect the project.

High School

The varied skills required of an individual in the field of regional and urban planning will necessitate students to complete courses in a range of subjects. Students should complete the college preparatory curriculum as a college degree will be required of anyone intending to enter the field. Courses in English, Science, mathematics and social studies are required. Opting to complete supplementary science courses could be advantageous for future studies. Additionally, students will need to complete courses in computers and technology. Elective courses are usually offered to students as part of the curriculum. These students should consider courses in business, legal studies or economics. These courses will prepare students for many of the roles they will need to fulfill in the regional planning field.

Extracurricular activities serve two functions for high school students. Colleges prefer students who invest more than the requisite hours committed to academics into their school. Students who participate in afterschool activities are more likely to gain admission to college than one who doesn’t. Given the competitiveness of the college admission process, it is important to seize any advantage at your disposal. Participation in activities can very well mean the difference between receiving an acceptance or denial letter. Also, the students reap benefits from the experience of participating. For example, the debate club would train students to prepare arguments and their relevant points in advance, to present these arguments verbally in a confrontational and public setting and to respond spontaneously to opposing arguments with extremely limited time to prepare a rebuttal.

Computer clubs will help students attain a proficiency in the use of the most vital piece of technology in current times. The additional time spent working with and learning about the latest and most popular software programs and learning about the hardware will help the students attain an aptitude with and inherent understanding of the equipment. College coursework will require a substantial amount of the students’ work to be completed using computers and various software programs. Urban or regional planners use computers to create reports, charts, calculate statistics, for communication purposes and for a range of other purposes. The proficiency which will be gained through participation in a computer club at the school or a local community center or college will assure future success with utilizing the most important tool in modern business.

College

Choosing a college can be a complicated process for some individuals. It can be difficult to know which factors should be afforded higher priority than the others. The order of importance will vary based on a variety of very individualized needs which can include financial concerns, geographical location, program flexibility and the availability of various services. Job placement, career counseling, department advising, tutoring assistance, cooperative programs and internships are all programs which could each be narrowing factors when considering colleges. There are also universal factors which are applicable to all prospective students including accreditation, faculty to student ratios, length of time the college or programs have existed and endured and the number of faculty members employed as well as the level of professional expertise and teaching abilities.

The college you choose should offer programs relevant to the urban and regional planning field. Only a limited number of colleges, 15, offer an accredited undergraduate program in planning. Accreditation for planning programs is through the Planning Accreditation Board which is comprised of three organizations: the American Institute of Certified Planners, the American Planning Association and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning. If the college you select based on need or preference doesn’t have one of the 15 accredited planning programs, a degree in a related field will provide beneficial academic training. There are a range of undergraduate programs which will have relevance and applicability. Future professionals in urban and regional planning can benefit from a degree in economics, engineering, geography, environmental planning or political science.

The complicated nature of the urban and regional planning field requires extensive academic study. An advanced degree is a necessity for a person who intends to pursue a career in the field. Some individuals may be able to attain entry level positions with only an undergraduate degree, but the career path will be long and arduous without the accompaniment of the graduate degree. Nearly 70 colleges offer accredited graduate degree programs in planning. These degree programs include courses in statistics and statistical analysis, administration, management, economics, finances, demography, earth sciences and a range of other applicable subjects. Graduate students attend seminars and workshops, complete required laboratory courses and practice solving planning problems. Students generally complete internships or obtain employment at a planning office as part of the graduate program curriculum. The experiential learning is essential; providing students a comprehensive educational experience.

Licensure, Registration and Certification

Currently, only the state of New Jersey requires their urban and regional planners to be licensed. The licensure process is completed through an examination process. Prospective professionals are required to complete two exams; one which tests on general planning knowledge and one testing the applicant’s knowledge of New Jersey laws. Michigan requires planners who choose to use the professional title of community planner to be registered. The registration process requires applicants to complete both a national and state exam. Applicants must also adhere to certain experience requirements. Individuals who intend to pursue careers in planning in either of these states should check the state websites to attain more information.

The American Institute of Certified Planners is one of the professional organizations within the American Planning Institute. Certification of professional planners is administered by the American Institute of Certified Planners. In order for professional planners to attain certification, they must meet the qualifications as prescribed by the organization which includes a certain number of years of experience and successful completion of an examination. The individuals with a graduate degree in the field of planning are only required to have two years of experience in planning to take the certification exam. A bachelor degree recipient must have three years. Individuals who intend to become urban or regional planners should visit their website at http://www.planning.org/. All of the information pertaining to the exam, fees and test preparation can be found there.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is an integral aspect of the urban and regional planning profession. The emergence of new knowledge and scientific advancements will continuously alter and expand the responsibilities of the field. Professionals will need to stay abreast of these changes as well as any that occur with the regulations. Regulations are also constantly changing. Federal, state and local lawmakers review and update the laws and regulations to adapt to the changing needs of the environment and the communities. It is the ethical and professional responsibility of the regional or urban planner to ensure their knowledge and skills remain current in the industry. The certification by the American Planning Association requires planners to complete a certain number of continuing education credits in order to be eligible to renew their certification. Planners will need to complete 32 credits in a two year period with a prescribed number of credits to be completed in planning law and ethics.

Regional and urban planners can meet their continuing education requirements in several ways. The certification maintenance program offered by the American Planning Association provides training opportunities. The planners will learn the newest and latest practices and trends in the field. These training courses will also ensure the planners are familiar and proficient with the latest technologies in the field. Planners can choose to complete courses approved by the APA as providers. The planners can choose to take part in various events or activities which are registered by the APA for credits. Speaking or instructing at an APA approved activity or event approved by the APA will earn credits. Authoring an article related to planning earns credits. And self reporting attendance or instruction performed by the professional at an approved event are deemed by the APA as acceptable for continuing education purposes if the event is approved as acceptable.