Course Selection- MURP

[waterboy]

I am going to begin my graduate studies this Fall, and as I prepare to enroll in courses I am conflicted between selecting classes that relate to my interests in environmental planning, food systems and ecosystem services and enrolling in courses that may be attractive to future employers.

Specifically, I am struggling to pick courses that are of interest to me and others that could result in, for example, a Transportation Management Graduate Certificate.

Any suggestions on whether course selection and graduate certificates make a difference after school?

I'm thinking I should make the most of school and really develop my interests so that I can pursue careers I will enjoy. I have nearly 4 years of 'professional' work experience in policy, non-profit management and transportation. Not too sure if a Grad Cert will really make it to the interview discussion.

[OfficialPlanner]

I'm in the 'follow your interests' camp. Employer's will look at prior work experience and the Masters in Planning. I'm also willing to bet that many planners are in a field that differs from what they specialized in school. I think it would be a bad idea to pursue transportation planning if that is not your true interest.

I specialized in transportation, and loved it! I landed a job in housing and community development, and I love it even more. Things have a way of working out.

[Cardinal]

Follow your interests, but do not track to narrowly. There are not many jobs related to food systems, for instance. Perhaps there are opportunities to tailor other courses to your interests. A transportation course might let you research transportation issues related to agriculture. An economic development class might let you explore local food production. You can sell thedse as 'broad' courses to a general employer, or discuss your focus areas when pursuing a job in food system planning.

[Plan_F]

I am going to begin my graduate studies this Fall, and as I prepare to enroll in courses I am conflicted between selecting classes that relate to my interests in environmental planning, food systems and ecosystem services and enrolling in courses that may be attractive to future employers.

Specifically, I am struggling to pick courses that are of interest to me and others that could result in, for example, a Transportation Management Graduate Certificate.

.... I have nearly 4 years of 'professional' work experience in policy, non-profit management and transportation. Not too sure if a Grad Cert will really make it to the interview discussion.

You might want to try "hunting" for a job to see what employers are asking for. In your course work, you should probably pick one of the tracks that they offer. Transportation tends to be one of the most specialized branches of planning.

If you plan to stay in California, being able to do CEQA reviews is huge.

[waterboy]

Thank you for the information. It makes a lot of sense. In the end, I am going to take quite a few economic, quantitative analysis and courses that address conservation, land use management and food systems.

Going to stay away from the transportation cert as I am confident my existing work experience could get me into a position in transportation.

The program doesn't have concentrations (UW-Madison); you develop a schedule according to your interests and specific career goals.