Urban & Regional Planning Interview with Sandy Coyman – Director of Worchester Comprehensive Planning Office
What is Urban Planning? “A collaborative process to improve a community by creating convenient, equitable, efficient, and attractive environments for present and future generations.” “City building” (American Planning Association)
Details of Interview Phone interview Less stressful Talked briefly about his background Asked my questions
Questions Requirements to enter this career field? What are the best things about this career? What are the worst aspects of this career? Is this a growth field? What suggestions do you have for me?
Educational Requirements MINIMUM – B.S degree in Geography or a B.A degree in a related social science plus experience M.S. Degree in Urban & Regional Planning (MURP) Classes in planning theory, GIS, site design, government, landscaping, & statistics
Potential Employment Areas Government ($$) Private Consulting ($$$$) Developers ($$$$) Values are important – what is important to you?
Worchester County Openings GIS Technician Administrative Assistant Nothing in planning available right now State hiring freeze
Conclusions Continue in school to get M.S degree SU Geography Dept – good rep in MD/DE/NJ/PA Do another internship related to coastal zone management Look at all levels of government for openings as well as private firms