Students and Recent Graduates

MAP has begun a new initiative to better prepare you for your first job!

Mentoring Program

Student/Recent Graduate Conference

Resume Samples

Interview Tips

Leading consulting firms in Michigan are seeking...

Job Search Tips
Take the chance to get firsthand experience while in school (Internships, job shadowing…..) Educational courses teach you all the tools but nothing comes close to training you for how to interact and work with the public. Planning can be a tense and contentions issue which can lead to high emotions.
It isn’t what you know, it is who you know. My first job with Bridgewater Township came from touching base with the former Planning Chair of my township. I had been extremely active while in high school and when I returned home from college they were willing to offer me a job.
Look for jobs in less desirable communities/more remote locations. These jobs are easier to come by and can offer additional benefits including; lower cost of living, reduced commuting time, and a WIDER RANGE OF TASKS. Many times in a more rural community you will become the expert and have a much better chance of working on a variety of projects compared to planners that are hired to perform once specific task in a larger municipality or consulting firm.
Remember the planning ethics! We are working as professional planners to “make great communities happen”. We won’t all be making the big bucks when we start out. We are in this profession because we care about the future of our community, not because we are looking to get rich. (Although that always helps).

Jonathan Ringel, recent graduate of EMU's Master of Urban Planning program, and new planner.