What career progression is possible in urban planning?
Typically, a planner begins in a position such as assistant planner or associate planner. Initially, the beginning planner will spend time evaluating building permit applications, locating maps and ordinances for citizens and developers, and responding to questions. The beginning planner who possesses a masters degree is also likely to be given specific tasks to complete, such as conducting a survey of vacant properties, designing a questionnaire for a community survey, analyzing retail market demand, preparing a presentation for a community meeting, or other tasks that require specialized training to complete. As the planner progresses to greater levels of autonomy and responsibility, the planner will eventually become the director of planning or director of community development. The director makes decisions about what tasks subordinates need to do and how the other planners in the office will go about their work to achieve the goals of the planning agency.
