rocketjim said:
I'm about to graduate from Ohio State with a degree in Geography, a specialization in urban and regional systems. While I would like to go on to a CRP program, but I want to get out and work for a little while before heading back to school. Do you think a geography degree is good enough to get my foot in the door at a local planning agency ? Did anyone that you know in the field simply use geography and get a position from that. Despite being in a major city, it is very difficult to get internships for geography students, because the CRP program has a virual lock on all the internships in city planning around Columbus. I've called about a half dozen townships and they all are willing to have you come in for free, but it is mostly just sending out mailing and simple copy work. Any thoughts?
Rocketjim, First off welcome to Cyburbia.
I have a BA in Geography my Major was Environmental Resource Management yet I had a dozen or so Planning related classes ,my minor was Sociology specifically urban studies, or the study of how people interact with one another and the physical surroundings in an urban environment.
After graduation I got a entry level job with a municipality (pop. 53,000). Stayed there for 1.5 years and now I am a Project Planner with a private firm (been here nearly 5 years). I've got some management responsibilities and am project manager on several projects.
I guess what I'm trying to say, IMO, is no you don't need to go right into grad school. If you can find an entry level job and you can prove yourself you can succeed. Just don't give up. I sent out dozens of resumes before I landed my first job