Besides a career as an architect, which careers are involved in city planning?
July 21, 2010 11:38 PM Subscribe
Besides a career as an architect, which careers are involved in city planning?
A little while back, I asked if architecture would be a good fit for me. I've since decided that perhaps that specific path is not really for me, but am still thinking about all the possible careers that relate to getting a building built. Architects don't just make a sketch and start hammering away.
My question is, what are these possible careers, and of these, which do not require a masters degree? I have since looked at a few urban planning resources online that seem to stress graduate degrees, but I am more interested in the grunt-work side of things, or along the lines of land surveying, or ordinances, etc.
Sorry if what I'm looking for is not clear and if this is really broad. I am reaching in the dark here, so if anyone can give me any possible google searches, that would be great!
A little while back, I asked if architecture would be a good fit for me. I've since decided that perhaps that specific path is not really for me, but am still thinking about all the possible careers that relate to getting a building built. Architects don't just make a sketch and start hammering away.
My question is, what are these possible careers, and of these, which do not require a masters degree? I have since looked at a few urban planning resources online that seem to stress graduate degrees, but I am more interested in the grunt-work side of things, or along the lines of land surveying, or ordinances, etc.
Sorry if what I'm looking for is not clear and if this is really broad. I am reaching in the dark here, so if anyone can give me any possible google searches, that would be great!
Lots of engineering disciplines— civil engineering, geoengineering (is this soil going to move after we build on it?), environmental, hydrological, traffic. AIUI these careers usually want a bachelors.
posted by hattifattener at 12:09 AM on July 22, 2010
posted by hattifattener at 12:09 AM on July 22, 2010
Civil Engineering. If you go by magazine lists, I saw that as one of the "best" professions: low stress (their claim, not mine), good pay, sense of accomplishment. Congratulations on sidestepping Architecture. You made a wise decision.
posted by tfmm at 3:59 AM on July 22, 2010
posted by tfmm at 3:59 AM on July 22, 2010
Landscape Architect.
posted by pulled_levers at 4:49 AM on July 22, 2010
posted by pulled_levers at 4:49 AM on July 22, 2010
If you really want to explore possible careers relating to getting a building built, I would also examine your comfort level with low job security. Particularly since you mention the "grunt-work" side of thing. Bad choice of words- "logistical" is probably what you meant if you want to make more than $14/hr. Anyway, there a significant levels of unemployment at all responsibility levels since buildings are not being built at the same rate they were 5 years ago.
You will likely avoid the current economic recession since you're heading to school for the next 4-5 years, but look and learn now. I see a lot more job security in building "infrastructure" rather than building "buildings".
posted by tfmm at 4:50 AM on July 22, 2010
You will likely avoid the current economic recession since you're heading to school for the next 4-5 years, but look and learn now. I see a lot more job security in building "infrastructure" rather than building "buildings".
posted by tfmm at 4:50 AM on July 22, 2010
I work with some surveyors. You are looking at a minimum of a two year degree (note that this may vary by location) to get the flunky/helper job; getting licensed as a professional surveyor is a serious process involving schooling, practical experience, and tough tests.
Quite a few of the city planners I have dealt with have only a BA/BS in planning; a few have graduate degrees in the field. But if you already have a BA in another subject, getting a masters is a lot faster than getting a second bachelors.
GIS jobs can be had with only a two-year degree, but to earn better money and do more interesting work you'll need more schooling. My sense of that field is if you want to make good money and have some stability you'd better be interested in modeling, programming, databases, or some other specialization -- doing basic mapping isn't as special as it was a few years ago.
Have you looked into any programs in construction management? Or anything involving, say, ecological remediation or certification?
posted by Forktine at 5:10 AM on July 22, 2010
Quite a few of the city planners I have dealt with have only a BA/BS in planning; a few have graduate degrees in the field. But if you already have a BA in another subject, getting a masters is a lot faster than getting a second bachelors.
GIS jobs can be had with only a two-year degree, but to earn better money and do more interesting work you'll need more schooling. My sense of that field is if you want to make good money and have some stability you'd better be interested in modeling, programming, databases, or some other specialization -- doing basic mapping isn't as special as it was a few years ago.
Have you looked into any programs in construction management? Or anything involving, say, ecological remediation or certification?
posted by Forktine at 5:10 AM on July 22, 2010
Basically an associate degree will land you a job as a GIS Technician or Autocad Draftsman or Engineering Technician. A GIS Technician is still a high-demand job and will land you with work in planning although it will be as you say, grunt work. It's not too high paying of a job unless you have specific knowledge or expertise which you may get from a BS degree.
If you want a decision-making/designing job in planning then a MS degree is a requisite. There are people that do get those jobs with just a BS but it isn't common without experience. Look at degree programs in LIS or GIS.
Another possibility is to get a dual degree in Public Administration, which typically requires a Master's degree and a GIS degree and you will be have it made.
As far as architects go, the guys at the bottom of the pile, just out of college are not the guys doing the designing on major projects at large firms. They will be doing lots of basic drafting and plan work. The Principals or Lead Architects do the conceptual design and fun stuff.
posted by JJ86 at 6:33 AM on July 22, 2010
If you want a decision-making/designing job in planning then a MS degree is a requisite. There are people that do get those jobs with just a BS but it isn't common without experience. Look at degree programs in LIS or GIS.
Another possibility is to get a dual degree in Public Administration, which typically requires a Master's degree and a GIS degree and you will be have it made.
As far as architects go, the guys at the bottom of the pile, just out of college are not the guys doing the designing on major projects at large firms. They will be doing lots of basic drafting and plan work. The Principals or Lead Architects do the conceptual design and fun stuff.
posted by JJ86 at 6:33 AM on July 22, 2010
careers that relate to the built environment:
civil / geotech engineer / contractor
structural engineer / steel fabricator / mason
mechanical/plumbing engineer / HVAC contractor / plumber
electrical engineer / electrician
landscape architect / landscaper
surveyor
fire sprinkler / alarm contractor
general contractor
estimator
project superintendent
construction manager / project manager
architect
model maker / 3D visualization
draftsman
specification writer
interior designer
building product manufacturer / sales rep
urban planner
traffic engineer
GIS tech
urban designer
building inspector
lawmaker / administrator
land use attorney
real estate developer
real estate broker
real estate appraiser
property manager
HOA administrator
specialty engineer or consultant (green design, asbestos inspector / hazardous materials remediation, golf course designer, industrial equipment designer, etc.)
and then specializations by region, building type, etc within each of those...
practical advice: do a few weeks of shadowing or internship in whatever field you are interested in, BEFORE you commit to any schooling. The construction industry is kinda crap for the next several years at least, but if you find the right field and then start your education, things might be picking back up when you get out. Actually, if you can get an internship, try and turn that into a job directly (skip school). Education is usually a good thing if you can afford it, but it's mainly just a foot in the door and may not be a good return on investment if you can talk your way into an apprenticeship or similar -- getting paid to learn from a professional is better than paying to learn from academics. However, most engineering / professional work requires licensure, which means school and internships and exams. Do your research so you know what you're getting into.
posted by Chris4d at 8:19 AM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
civil / geotech engineer / contractor
structural engineer / steel fabricator / mason
mechanical/plumbing engineer / HVAC contractor / plumber
electrical engineer / electrician
landscape architect / landscaper
surveyor
fire sprinkler / alarm contractor
general contractor
estimator
project superintendent
construction manager / project manager
architect
model maker / 3D visualization
draftsman
specification writer
interior designer
building product manufacturer / sales rep
urban planner
traffic engineer
GIS tech
urban designer
building inspector
lawmaker / administrator
land use attorney
real estate developer
real estate broker
real estate appraiser
property manager
HOA administrator
specialty engineer or consultant (green design, asbestos inspector / hazardous materials remediation, golf course designer, industrial equipment designer, etc.)
and then specializations by region, building type, etc within each of those...
practical advice: do a few weeks of shadowing or internship in whatever field you are interested in, BEFORE you commit to any schooling. The construction industry is kinda crap for the next several years at least, but if you find the right field and then start your education, things might be picking back up when you get out. Actually, if you can get an internship, try and turn that into a job directly (skip school). Education is usually a good thing if you can afford it, but it's mainly just a foot in the door and may not be a good return on investment if you can talk your way into an apprenticeship or similar -- getting paid to learn from a professional is better than paying to learn from academics. However, most engineering / professional work requires licensure, which means school and internships and exams. Do your research so you know what you're getting into.
posted by Chris4d at 8:19 AM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
Most cities also have policy planners. They attempt to manage growth and development through "Official Plans", By-Laws, etc. This is what I studied for my undergraduate degree. Plenty of my classmates now have successful careers as 'city planners' without having to complete any more education.
Most cities in North America were hiring planners faster than they could graduate while the housing / development boom was in full swing. I don't know what the outlook for the career is now though.
posted by csmason at 8:28 AM on July 23, 2010
Most cities in North America were hiring planners faster than they could graduate while the housing / development boom was in full swing. I don't know what the outlook for the career is now though.
posted by csmason at 8:28 AM on July 23, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers everyone. i appreciate it!
posted by DeltaForce at 7:22 AM on July 24, 2010
posted by DeltaForce at 7:22 AM on July 24, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
GIS technician (mapping)
CAD technician
Transport planner
Construction - project management, programme management
Quantity surveying
In the UK to start in any of those you would need at least some college, but more probably a bachelor degree. But most planning departments and v. large contstruction firms have assistant-type jobs that require less education.
posted by plonkee at 12:05 AM on July 22, 2010