How to keep my "planning" skills and resume fresh while out of work?

[wv06]

So I have been out of planning about 3-4 months now due to having to relocate for personal reasons. I have had to make a career change in attempts to pay the bills but i want to get back into Planning ASAP. Does anyone have any advice to keep my planning skills up to date for job openings. I fear if more time passes I will have to revert back to entry levels positions with a small salery. I have about 4 1/2 years experience and a bachelors degree.

Right now I am volunteering with a local community development organization and I am considering taking classes towards a masters but i dont know if i would be accepted with my undergrade GPA of 2.7 and i have little money to pay for classes.

Any advice would be appreciated

[Masswich]

I don't think you'd have to "revert" to entry level positions. Staying involved as a volunteer does help. The best transition back would be a masters but that is a big commitment. Informational interviews are a good way to get your name out there, esp. in a new area.

[Whose Yur Planner]

Work on things that broaden your base and are related to planning-floodplain management, grants, etc.

[jkbrown]

You can always take courses at a college or university and wow the professor who teaches them. Its always nice to have someone on the inside recommend and advocate for you, but you've got to really step up.
Most Colleges allow a certain number of graduate specialist credits to be applied toward an advanced degree.

[nrschmid]

UIUC would let me finish an MUP in one year since I earned my BUP degree there (2.7 GPA), 3 1/2 years of planning experience, and am AICP. UIC wouldn't budge. At this point, I would rather earn a degree in a related field.