Emerging Planning Professionals (EPP)
Emerging Planning Professionals are working students, entry-level-to-mid-level planners, those in non-traditional fields without decades of experience, or individuals embarking on encore careers. Whether equipped with a brand new planning degree, shifting focus in their career, or tackling that first professional planning position, EPP’s offer ambition, passion and potential, and often have questions about how to get to where they want to go. The Michigan Association of Planning provides member services, leadership opportunities and training to meet these unique needs.
EPP Membership
MAP has launched an initiative for a new generation of planners who are finding their way in the profession. As the Michigan Chapter, APA continues to strategically connect with various member cohorts, we look to the future of planning in Michigan, and to planners not yet firmly planted in their career paths, or in transition from one phase to another.
Take advantage of the graduated membership dues structure: $30 for EPP membership (for up to three years following graduation); and eventually to $60 individual MAP membership.
Some of the services and benefits offered to Emerging Planning Professionals include:
- Graduated membership dues structure
- Opportunities to network and learn with seasoned professionals at the Career Building Reception, held annually in November.
- Special recognition at MAP events integrating you into the MAP network of planners.
- Articles and features in the Michigan Planner magazine and in the E-dition
- Leadership opportunities in the EPP Committee, a group comprised of your peers working to meet EPP's unique professional development needs.
- Mentoring through participation in the Michigan Planning Mentoring Program (MP2)
Join today!
EPP Committee
An active group of MAP's emerging planning professional members meets monthly via a conference call to plan activities and support MAP's events. The committee operates under the following goals:
EPP is a voice for new professionals (Our Advocacy Role)
- Participate in the Student MAP Conference
- Link back to Student Planning Organizations
- Advocate for AICP accreditation
- Work to retain recently graduated planners in Michigan
EPP is able to bridge needs between recent graduates and professionals (Our Professional Development Role)
- Provide assistance to recent graduates
- Provide opportunities to get recognition and take a leadership role
- Provide education and skills-building to fill the gaps in knowledge
- Develop relationships within the profession
Interested in joining? Contact committee chair Caitlyn Habban or MAP staff Wendy Rampson.
Michigan Planning Mentoring Program (MP2)
MP2 is a new mentorship initiative spearheaded by MAP’s Emerging Planning Professionals Committee. The program offers a flexible format to encourage connections and professional growth opportunities for both new and experienced planners through a mutually beneficial partnership.
Who can participate?
Mentees: Any practicing planner with five or less years of experience in the field, as well as any student in a planning or planning-related program within one year of graduation.
Mentors: Any practicing or retired planner with at least five years of experience.
How does it work?
MP2 has been designed to be flexible, allowing each pairing to determine the best way to connect. Meet every week or once a month. Talk on the phone or grab coffee. Job shadow for a day or take in a Michigan festival together. The EPP Committee will handle the administrative aspects of the program, leaving you to focus on sharing information and insight. The program does include a kick-off webinar and four strongly recommended in-person events (see below).
What do we talk about?
MP2 will provide some suggested topics and resources, but what you get out of it is ultimately up to you. Mentorship is a blend of professional and personal relationship building. Some typical professional topics or activities include: resume review, mock interviews, job shadowing, book or article discussions, and career stories & planning.
You'll get links to helpful resources from MAP and APA to help you get started.
How long does the program run?
For the 2018-2019 pilot round, MP2 will run from mid-October to late April. We anticipate having MP2 sponsored meet-up opportunities at the following events:
- Early Career Reception: November 2, 2018 (Detroit)
- Student MAP Conference: February 2, 2019 (Ann Arbor)
- MAP Spring Institute: April 2019 (Lansing)
Are there any costs?
Participation in MP2 is free, although there are registration costs for the MAP events mentioned above. Many MAP events have scholarships available.
Ready to apply?
Download the application below. Once completed, just email it – along with your resume – to [email protected]
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