In the current job market, it’s important to explore all options. Urban planners are a group of professionals who work in cities, and they play an important role in shaping the quality of life for their communities. But if you’re interested in alternative careers for urban planners, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Real estate agent: If you’re interested in making a career out of real estate but don’t want to be stuck behind a desk, becoming an agent might be the perfect solution. Agents work on commission and are often required to travel around town and meet with clients face-to-face. If this sounds like something that would interest you, consider enrolling in a course at [school name] that will teach you everything you need to know about selling houses!
Governmental worker: If you have always dreamed of working for your local government, becoming an administrative assistant might be just what the doctor ordered! Administrative assistants help city employees by organizing their schedules and running errands for them when necessary. This job can be demanding at times—but if you’re passionate about public service and have experience preparing reports or meeting deadlines, this might be right up your alley!
Public relations specialist: Public relations specialists help businesses promote themselves by managing their reputation among different
Alternative Careers For Urban Planners
What are the key skills UPD students develop?
- Research
- Writing
- Analysis
- Community outreach/meeting facilitation
- GIS skills
- Public speaking/presentations
Which industries hire UPD graduates?
- Landscape architecture, architecture, planning firms
- Consulting
- Government
- Higher education
- Nonprofits
What types of jobs do UPD grads pursue?
- Development Manager, real estate
- Project Manager, economic development
- Planner, city government
- Planner, consulting
- Associate Planner, urban consulting
- Research Associate, international urban development nonprofit Founder, international NGO
- Project Planner and Analyst, nonprofit
- Planner, multidisciplinary design firm
- Consultant, Urban Planning & Development firm
- Architect/Urban Designer, multidisciplinary design firm
How do I find Planning and Urban Design alumni contacts?
Three sources of alumni contacts (for current students and graduates):
LinkedIn: Join the Harvard GSD group
CREATE: the GSD career management system
Harvard University Alumni: (Harvard Alumni Association)
Reality Check
- Utilize your time here to cultivate relationships within the GSD community:
alumni; fellow students; faculty; visiting speakers; networking events; GSD Alumni Council events - Seek out ways to supplement your academic studies with experience: involvement with student clubs (HUPO, RED Club as well as across Harvard), summer internship or community service fellowship
Events of special note for UPD students
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) Consulting Fair (fall), Urban Innovations Fairs (spring)
- Harvard Real Estate Career Day (fall)
- Case Interview Prep Session (fall)
- Resume Blitz (electronic resume reviews)
- Virtual Career Fair (January; summer internship opportunities)
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) International Development Expo (spring)
- GSD Planning Careers Expo (spring)
Take advantage of:
- Weekly e-newsletter (Career Newsflash)
- Virtual Career Fair, January
- (Begin your summer internship search early)
- Community Service Fellowship Program
(domestic summer internships & international travel grants)
apply by late November for international travel;
apply by mid March for domestic summer internships