How To Become A Community Planner

How To Become A Community PlannerA simple search regarding how to become a community planner may yield infinite results. A community planning position can definitely be a highly rewarding career for the right individual. Community planning specialists are committed to making a specific community a better place for its citizens. The position of a community planner allows an individual to help their home town be the best that it can be while enjoying a flourishing professional career. There is definitely great financial stability to be found with a solid career in the field of community planning.

Featured Programs

1. Grand Canyon University - B.S. in Sociology
2. Ashford University - BA - Sociology
3. Post University - B.S. in Human Services / Sociology

The Education Requirements Of A Community Planner

Community planners specialize in various fields that are necessary to better serve their communities. As with any specialty position a potential employee must acquire the minimum prerequisites that are necessary for the job. A community planner needs to obtain a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of choice. A student that is learning how to become a community planner often completes a bachelor’s degree in statistics, geography, urban development or mathematics. In addition individuals may also choose to complete a degree in communications, business or engineering. And in order for a potential community planner to be competitive in the current job market here she may also opt to obtain a specialized degree or certification in the field of urban planning or community development.

How To Become A Community Planner That Employers Want To Hire

A number of employers are currently raising the stakes when it comes to the necessary criteria for hiring a professional community planner. This means that if a student truly hopes to be competitive in the current community planner job market, she needs to also obtain a degree in a relative field on the graduate level. Furthermore, community planners must be accredited by receiving a specific necessary certification that is issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners. This specific certification specifies that the applicant has completed the necessary skills and testing that is required of all potential community planners and that he knows how to become a community planner. This certification is one of the most widely used criteria by employers of the city, county, state and federal offices that are looking to hire potential community planners.

Job Search and Beyond

Prospective community planners can seek out employment through local and national employment sites. These specific types of sites can greatly help an applicant that is searching for community planning employment in the near future. The American Planning Association also offers a specific job board for individuals that already have experience as a community planner. In addition, Planetzin also offers a specific job board for individuals that are experienced community planners as well as entry-level specialist. Prospective employees can also benefit from inquiring about community planning positions at their local university or community college. Networking can go a long way when attempting to find a position in this particular field. Professionals have the opportunity to build relationships with established community planners that have had years of experience in the field and these professionals can be a very valuable resource in teaching someone how to become a community planner. These connections can easily be made by taking part of discussions, trainings and conferences that focus specifically on community planning topics. A student may choose to take part in an internship with a local agency or federal government office in order to increase their experience.

Now that you know how to become a community planner, you can get started on what promises to be an exciting and rewarding career.

Featured Programs

1. Saint Leo University Online - BA - Sociology
2. Ashford University - BA - Sociology
3. Post University - B.S. in Human Services / Sociology

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