Need planning experience

[sgood]

I have a geography degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and am a certified middle grades science teacher. I am interested in environmental planning and pursuing a master's degree in planning. I live in southeast NC and cannot seem to secure a planning internship, part-time job or entry level full-time job. I just want some experience so that i don't go into the graduate program not really knowing what i'm doing. Does anyone have any suggestions for gaining employment or an internship while not enrolled in an academic program, specifically for this area?

[Richmond Jake]

I recommend looking thru the Career Advice forum. Lots of good stuff there.

Thread moved to Career Advice subforum.

[Jeff]

You live in one of the fastest growing areas in the country, you cant find work? Or an internship? keep trying.

Have you consulted with a career center at your alma-mater? No faculty can hook you up?

[Plan 9]

So which do you really want, internship, part-time, or full time?

Internships are limited cuz employers want someone they can count on full time, all the time. Interns may cost less, but they are also usually less capable.

Good luck with finding an entry level part-time...that is basically an internship.

Full-time entry level. You just have to keep sending out applications. An immediate turn-off for an employer is "I want a full-time job, oh, but by the way, I'm still going to school so can I work 2pm to 10pm and have next Tuesday off so I can study for a test?" Uh, no. In other words, going to school, even part-time, can be a challenge to finding a full-time job, because in planning, full-time is often just that. 8-5 + night meetings + weekend meetings + overtime to finish critical projects, etc etc.

Have someone (or a few someones) look over your resume and cover letter if you are not getting interviews.

[zman]

^^Really? Weekend Meetings?

[KSharpe]

Sweetie, you don't need experience before you go to grad school for planning- almost no one has a planning background. And they would rather give you an internship once you're in school. So go to school, then work on your experience.

[Raf]

Sweetie, you don't need experience before you go to grad school for planning

Did you automatically assume this is a gal that posted? Tisk Tisk Kshape, i expected better! But in all seriousness, Kshape is right. You don't really need an internship before going to grad school. Try picking up a book or visiting the professional branch of environmental planners http://califaep.org/

Good Luck!