Are you interested in a career in Urban or Regional Planning? Workers within these fields typically develop and implement plans for land use and physical facilities in various jurisdictions, focusing on zoning, housing, transportation, and public utilities. They also advise officials on project feasibility, lead public meetings, and create reports or mediate disputes to ensure effective and sustainable community development.1 (Check out this video for a more detailed breakdown of the ins and outs of Urban Planning and tips for entering the field).
If you are interested in this sort of work, there are fortunately some promising employment trends for Urban and Regional Planners in the near future: employment demand is expected to grow by 8.32% nationwide within the next 10 years, with the top five national employers being CBRE, JLL, WSP Global, Cadmus International Limited and Kimley-Horn. In New York State, an even higher growth rate of 12.09% is expected in the next decade, with the highest job prospects being through the City Of New York, New York State Government, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, University at Buffalo, and CBRE.1
Nationwide growth:
New York growth:
On O*Net Online, you can see a more detailed view of which states will be experiencing average, above-average, or below-average growth within the field of Urban and Regional Planning.2
At Binghamton University, some majors that could help you develop relevant skills and knowledge needed for a career in Urban and Regional Planning include Business Administration and Management, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology/Earth Science, History, Political Science, Sociology, and Sustainability Studies.3 By completing a few quick assessments on Focus 2, you can gain some quick insights about Urban and Regional Planning and see how well your values, interests, skills and academics align with jobs within those sectors.
As you explore your career options, consider the growing employment opportunities in Urban and Regional Planning. With a promising job outlook and the chance to make a significant impact on community development, this field offers a fulfilling path for those interested in shaping the future of our cities. At Binghamton University, a variety of majors can help you build the skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field, so take advantage of resources like Focus 2, O*Net Online, and our virtual career center to see if Urban and Regional Planning is the right fit for you.
1https://careertools.binghamton.edu/job-market-insights/
2https://www.mynextmove.org/profile/state/19-3051.00
3https://www.focus2career.com/
This blog was authored with the support of ChatGPT.
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