Alumni Advice
Welcome to our alumni advice page! Here, graduates of the School of City and Regional Planning generously share their insights and wisdom for current and prospective students. Whether you're just starting your journey or navigating your way through your studies, we hope you find these tips helpful and inspiring.
Carson's advice:
"I would encourage students to try everything, especially topics they have no experience in. There were certain topics that I didn't find an interest in until the end of the program, because I didn't take that elective starting, that I wished I had pursued earlier so I could have learned more. The discomfort of trying to learn something totally new to you is also beneficial in the planning profession. Basically, don't put yourself in a box or only focus on your specialization in the program because it's better to have more flexibility and more experience in various things once you get a job."
Rod's advice:
"The time you have at Georgia Tech is going to provide you with the foundation you need to be successful. The first job you have as a planner after graduation will be one of the most important in your career. I was fortunate to have great mentors at the South Florida Regional Planning Council, my first job, and they effectively continued my education by teaching me how to apply my foundational skills to the work at the SFRPC. If you do not have mentors who will pattern quality professional planning, consider moving on. I also encourage you to give back to Tech and the planning profession. Volunteer at local APA chapter events, participate in the Georgia Tech Roll Call, mentor others, and more."
Jacqueline's advice:
"My advice for prospective and current SCaRP students is to not to be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and explore non traditional planning career paths. As a student, I have dreams and aspirations of working in the transportation industry as a planner. Little did I know that I would end up working in the aviation industry for over 30 years as an Environmental Program Manager. In this position, I have utilized my educational background in land use, transportation and environmental planning. Last year, the FAA published national guidance on Airport Compatible Land Use Planning. I led the team responsible for the development of this national guidance. Having worked as a local land use planner and reviewed zoning proposals, I was able to provide a lot of input into the development of the Advisory Circular."
Bill's advice:
"Make friends and be curious! Say yes to what you want to prioritize the most, and no to the things that are not in the top or medium tier of your list. The MSUA program is tough as it is a new program and registration support for it is currently limited as such, but you definitely learn a lot both academically and character wise for the pain you go through. Just don't give up!"
Woody's advice:
"Take a class that is outside your comfort zone or area of expertise, or even think about pursuing a dual degree. Having a broad knowledge base will make you a stronger planner regardless of what field you pursue."
Tricia's advice:
"Put your head down and just do it! No one can take it away from you once you have earned it."
Jennifer's advice:
"Don't forget to learn from your classmates and value them as colleagues not just today but in the future as your careers grow and evolve."
Joe's advice:
"Although Atlanta (and other big cities) are a planner's playground, there is a need for planning professionals to serve smaller communities, other places, other countries. "Nuts and bolts" planning (zoning administration, land use planning, etc.) may seem boring compared with the big picture work of our profession, but it is needed just as much. Planners have the unique ability to look at a situation through different lenses and work through all the implications of a decision. There will always be a need for paper maps, plans, and drawings. We have so much technology at our fingertips as planners than when I started, but sometimes nothing beats rolling out a map!"
David's advice:
"Learn everything you can during your graduate education. One never knows what future twists and turns your professional career may take. Things which may not seem all that pertinent now can prove very useful in the future."
Jeremy's advice:
"I would encourage you to both specialize and diversify. It was helpful for me to pick a single specialization and focus on it (classes, internship, extracurricular reading and interviews, etc.). But also, you never know where you are going to end up, and I am working with housing issues far more than I thought I would be in my current job. So take a building construction or real estate, transportation, or business management class or two while you're there!"
Steve's advice:
"My SCaRP classmates have become life-long colleagues and personal friends. Also, never stop learning and growing. You will learn great fundamentals in school, but nothing beats real-world experience. With that being said, never lose faith as our communities benefit greatly from planners...it may just take some time for the results to become visible to the rest of the world!"