City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning

Your work will directly shape the future of cities and towns. Initially, you’ll be in the trenches as a planning assistant, using GIS software to analyze land use, researching zoning codes, and conducting site visits for new developments. You'll spend your time creating the maps and reports that bring complex data to life for community boards and government agencies.

With experience, you'll advance to manage your own projects, presenting proposals to city councils and navigating the complex needs of residents and developers. This path can lead to becoming a senior specialist in transportation or environmental policy, or you can climb into highly-paid management. As an architectural or engineering manager, you’ll oversee entire teams, control project budgets, and guide major infrastructure projects to completion. While AI tools will increasingly help with analysis and modeling, your role in negotiating with stakeholders and making nuanced judgments about a community’s future remains irreplaceable, ensuring steady demand for your expertise.