Questions from a current undergrad.

[RossKinkade]

Hey guys,

My name is Ross and I am currently a Junior at the University of Ilinois-Chicago, in the Urban and Public Affairs program.

I just transfered to the University last semester, and spent some time taking electives (the two from my department were excelent).

I love it there but I struggle with a few things:

1. Im a commuter student from the western suburbs (40 miles away in batavia, near Illinois' second largest city,Aurora). I can deal with taking the train in everyday, but i feel a disconnect between whereI live and where I go to school. Has anyone else felt this, and how have they delt with it.

2.I'm struggling to find a direction to focus my self. I honestlh love all types of planning, from land use to transportation and everything in between. I also love geography, and I have taken GIS courses before and would be interested in pursuing them again. Right now I think I am focused on community development, because I like the idea of creating programs to strenthen and build community. Anybody have advice as to where I should go?

3. Im struggling with finding places to gain experience. I was at the APA conference in April here, but I am looking for deeper connections or a mentor in my local area. I would like to really see how planning works and gain somd experience before i graduate in two years.

I hope that isnt too much in one post, I tend to get wordy!

[akshali2000]

Hey Ross,
Have you heard of the Young Planners Network in Chicago? They do some networking events (mostly in conjunction with UIC's grad student organization) so maybe you'd be interested in that?

[Vancity]

1. Im a commuter student from the western suburbs (40 miles away in batavia, near Illinois' second largest city,Aurora). I can deal with taking the train in everyday, but i feel a disconnect between whereI live and where I go to school. Has anyone else felt this, and how have they delt with it.

I have always gone to schools that are over an hour away. Personally, I don't really know what you mean as far as a 'disconnect' goes. Are you having a hard time meeting people at school, because you are not a part of their community? If that is the case then you just have to make yourself a more frequent visitor I think. I went to a college for 5 years, and truly didn't speak to a single person until my last year there (I was fine with that though, maybe even doing it on purpose) because previous to my last year, I would get to school on time, go to and from my classes, and then leave immediately when I was finished. In my last year I started meeting people when I started sticking around the school and it's surrounding areas outside of class time.
Again, I don't know what you meant by disconnect. But that's my two cents on living far from your school.If you want to feel a part of something, you' ve got to spend more time there.

[dvdneal]

For the 1st question, just remember you're getting a good education. If you want to be connected you have to spend more time at the school with people from the school. Go hang out with some people at the bars and build some lasting friendships, or go to a few games. I had the same problem, but I didn't feel a need to be connected to my school. Maybe because I was older and had a family. I did hang out with some of the other older students that lived in my area. We all drove in together since it was an hour drive to get to school. College is what you make of it, as long as you have that degree in the end.

For the 2nd question, take a couple summers to intern at some different places. See what you like and go for it. There is no bad planning subject, or is it that they are all bad subjects, I forget.

I can't help on the 3rd question, I don't know the area. Maybe the Illinois APA has some connections or your school program.

Good luck.

[Danai Z]

Hello Ross,

I am also having problems choosing a concentration even if I believe it is important. I currently do a MSc with concentration on land use/environmental planning but most of the courses I choose are related with community planning. I agree with dvdneal that you should try to find internships related with what you believe interests you more...

[RossKinkade]

A little update:

I just started my core classes for the UPA degree about a month ago. Had a shaky start, felt a little overwhelmed but now I feel better.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw that CMAP was looking for UPA students to help with their FLIP program. I kinda overlooked it, then I applied last week and I got the internship with them.

Alot of what I would be doing is mainly exposing high school students to planning and how it works in the real world. Im extremely excited for this, because I love to work with those who planners directly impact, educate them and give them insight into the world of planning..

Things have been going better at school too. I am now a member of the Honors College, making friends in my Cohort and developing professional relationships that will hopefully lead to jobs in the future.

I have also been looking into doing some things with Young Planners and APA.

With this all, I have alot on my plate, and I think I have found my direction. I am going to go into Community Development, with some experience in GIS of course. I love working with and developing communities.

How are the job prospects for those in community development? I know im still in college, but I am really looking into moving back east to the Boston area, where I grew up and feel more comftorable and connected there.

Just some random thoughts and an update.

[Hink]

A little update:

I just started my core classes for the UPA degree about a month ago. Had a shaky start, felt a little overwhelmed but now I feel better.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw that CMAP was looking for UPA students to help with their FLIP program. I kinda overlooked it, then I applied last week and I got the internship with them.

Alot of what I would be doing is mainly exposing high school students to planning and how it works in the real world. Im extremely excited for this, because I love to work with those who planners directly impact, educate them and give them insight into the world of planning..

Things have been going better at school too. I am now a member of the Honors College, making friends in my Cohort and developing professional relationships that will hopefully lead to jobs in the future.

I have also been looking into doing some things with Young Planners and APA.

With this all, I have alot on my plate, and I think I have found my direction. I am going to go into Community Development, with some experience in GIS of course. I love working with and developing communities.

How are the job prospects for those in community development? I know im still in college, but I am really looking into moving back east to the Boston area, where I grew up and feel more comftorable and connected there.

Just some random thoughts and an update.

First, just search for some of the past threads - there are tons that hopefully can provide you some insight.

As for the job prospects, they aren't great today. But in 2-4 years they might be better. Once the baby boomers get off our lawn, those of us in the middle will move to the top and you youngin's will get your feet in the door. We are still 5 years away from the big jump though.

Community development will be part of any government sector job, some have more specific roles, but mostly CD is thrown in with planning.

I would stay active, and consider graduate school in Boston if that is what you want to do and where you want to be. Grad school is the best way to intern at places and get your feet in the door of the place you want to end up. Grad school costs a lot though, so it is a balance.

Good luck and hang around here. We have many planners from around Boston, and all over the country. Get to know us. Who knows, maybe someday you might get a job from it. Go to the FAC and start posting. Glad to have you around. Good luck!