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Hi everybody, I am a somewhat young professional (early thirties) who is thinking about a career change. I considered pursuing a masters in Architecture roughly 7 years ago but I chickened out due to job prospects in the field and debt. That being said, my love of buildings and cities hasn't gone away and I have realized that it never will go away (I played way too much Simcity on my SNES when i was a kid). That is why I am considering a career in Urban Planning or Urban Design (I know there are some differences). I have looked at a few graduate programs and I believe that I can secure a few grants from certain schools. Before I go that route I was wondering if it possible to be an urban planner without a degree in Urban Planning? I have a degree in Business along with Banking and some IT experience. Also what is the market like for Urban Designers/Planners who want to consult, specifically outside the United States in developing countries? Heck what is the market like period for Urban Designers and or Urban Planners?
Hi everybody, I am a somewhat young professional (early thirties) who is thinking about a career change. I considered pursuing a masters in Architecture roughly 7 years ago but I chickened out due to job prospects in the field and debt. That being said, my love of buildings and cities hasn't gone away and I have realized that it never will go away (I played way too much Simcity on my SNES when i was a kid). That is why I am considering a career in Urban Planning or Urban Design (I know there are some differences). I have looked at a few graduate programs and I believe that I can secure a few grants from certain schools. Before I go that route I was wondering if it possible to be an urban planner without a degree in Urban Planning? I have a degree in Business along with Banking and some IT experience. Also what is the market like for Urban Designers/Planners who want to consult, specifically outside the United States in developing countries? Heck what is the market like period for Urban Designers and or Urban Planners?
I guess we are pretty similar (ha). But really, I did the same exact thing. My plan is to eventually get a Masters of Urban Planning degree, but starting out with a civil engineering major. I know that civil engineers are often hired as urban planners, but I'm not sure about people with business majors.
Sounds like fun if you want to sit in on endless community meetings to create a master plan, only to outrage the community when the homeless shelter finally breaks ground.
Not for me. Too much concept and ribbon cutting. Ill stick to proformas and shovels.
I looked at UP and most of your well thought out and time invested Master Plans rarely happen.. Its something that I cannot live with...to see all that hard work wasted.
Sounds like fun if you want to sit in on endless community meetings to create a master plan, only to outrage the community when the homeless shelter finally breaks ground.
Not for me. Too much concept and ribbon cutting. Ill stick to proformas and shovels.
A lot of frustrated planners jump ship to that side
I guess we are pretty similar (ha). But really, I did the same exact thing. My plan is to eventually get a Masters of Urban Planning degree, but starting out with a civil engineering major. I know that civil engineers are often hired as urban planners, but I'm not sure about people with business majors.
That's is not a bad idea. To stay on the similarity theme I actually took a hard look at civil engineering. It would be hard for me to get a masters due to not having a bachelors in engineering so I eventually dismissed the idea. Honestly I haven't completely killed the idea of a M.Arch, but I am starting to feel that I am too old for it (I'm in my early thirties).
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