PATHWAY TO PLANNING PROFESSION2012 FALL CONFERENCE
COLUMBUS, GA
SEPTEMBER 27, THURSDAY
GEORGIA PLANNING ASSOCIATION
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
AGENDA
What is the Young Planners Group?
Panel Introduction
Student Participants
Building the Pathway
Q & A
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
Young Planners Group Provides a forum for networking,
learning new skills, and having fun too!
Quarterly newsletters and social meetings
Previous events Georgia State Water Plan and Water
Wars Historic Fourth Ward Park
Tour/Beltline Update Gulch Tour / MMPT Presentation Sustainable Planning: What does it
mean?, 2010 Spring Conference Sustainable Affordable Housing – The
New Trend, 2011 Fall Conference
WHAT IS THE YPG?
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
PANEL INTRODUCTION
Jamie CochranSenior Vice President of Transportation Planning, Gresham, Smith, and Partners
Rick MorrisPlanning and Community Development Director, River Valley Regional Commission
Bob BeglePrincipal, Urban Collage, Inc.
Dan ReuterLand Use Division Chief, Atlanta Regional Commission
Addie WeberAssociate Urban Designer, AECOM
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
Jamie Cochran
Senior Vice President of Transportation Planning, Gresham, Smith, and PartnersAreas of Specialization –
Community, regional and statewide planning
Transportation programs Program management Public transit Transportation finance Citizen and stakeholder involvement
programs
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
JAMIE’S CAREER PATH
Public Sector
Private Sector
FDOT
FDOT
FDOT
Small Local Firm
BigNat’l Firm
GRTA
Small Local Firm
Own Firm
Mid-size
Regional Firm
+/- 1,000 Years
Teaching at GA Tech
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
Rick Morris
Planning and Community Development Director, River Valley Regional CommissionAreas of Specialization –
Comprehensive planning Historic preservation planning Transportation planning Geographic Information Systems Zoning activities
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
Bob Begle
Urban Designer, Principal, Urban Collage, Inc.Areas of Specialization –
Community master planning Urban Redevelopment Plans Housing and feasibility studies Urban design Architectural design
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
Dan Reuter
Land Use Division Chief, Atlanta Regional CommissionAreas of Specialization –
Comprehensive Planning Transportation Planning Livable Communities
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
Addie Weber
Associate Urban Designer, AECOMAreas of Specialization –
Urban design Transportation Mentoring young professionals
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS
• Nearly 60 students signed up for the conference
• A brief survey with nine short-answer questions on SurveyMonkey
• Close to 30 responses from students of a variety of planning backgrounds
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS
• Planning Specialization*• Economic Development – 42%• Urban Design / Landscape Architecture – 35%• Transportation Planning – 30%• Community Development – 30%• Land Use / Zoning – 23%
* Some students have multiple specializations
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS
• Planning degree• Most are graduate students
in planning program• Some are pursuing dual
degree • Employment in Planning• Full time – 7%• Part time / Internship – 55%• GRA / TA – 30%• None – 30%
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS
• Preference on Professional Sector• Public Sector – 78%• Private Sector SMALL Firm – 63%• Non-profit organization – 52%• Private Sector LARGE firm – 45%
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
• Level of professional guidance in academic environment
LEASTInterview Tips
Portfolio makingResume
LITTLE – MODERATE Presentation Skills
Communication SkillsNetworking Skills
Writing skills
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
• Desired guidance in planning profession
MODERATEResume adviceInterview tips
MOSTPlanning employment /
careerCommunication
NetworkingPortfolio making
Interview tipsResume advice
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
• Current resources for skill improvements• Instructor/Professors• Internet • Peer group
• Networking with professionals• Networking events• In person
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
• Expectations from the session1. Need help with resume and portfolio2. How to market skills and professional experience3. How to build and expand professional relationships with
practitioners4. How to transition to the work environment – research,
presentations, networking activities 5. How to communicate project ideas concisely to
professionals or future employers6. What are the non-technical skills needed by planners?
Pathway to Planning Profession, 2012 Fall Conference
NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS/QUALITIES
Personal/Professional Maturity Advocates for Fair
Solutions Willing to “Pay Dues” Good Team Member Has the Team’s Back
Discretion Knows When to Talk/When
to Listen Can Help Mediate Sides Loyal and Reliable
Bias Toward Thoughtful Actions Thinks Before Acting Willing to Make Hard
Decisions Considers Impacts on
Others