Career as Urban Planner
Urban Planning is undoubtedly one of the most interesting job profile that s quickly grabbing attention of many growing individuals. The job offers an exciting opportunity for people who want to design sustainable, vibrant and prosperous cities. Urban planners play a crucial role in shaping the physical, social and economic aspects of the urban environment.
Urban planners deeply understand the urban development, land use, transportation and environmental issues and work in order to create plans and policies that promote efficient land use, improve community well-being and promote equitable growth. Urban planners work with various stakeholders, such as government agencies, community organizations, and private developers, to design and implement urban projects that meet the needs of a diverse population.
They analyze data, conduct research and use cutting-edge technology to calculate existing urban infrastructure and develop better and more innovative solutions to urban problems. Considering factors such as the constantly increasing population, transportation systems, affordable housing and environmental sustainability, city planners strive to create inclusive and vibrant communities that optimize resources and improve quality of life.
Read More
Eligibility Criteria
The job of Urban Planners is one of the most creative and mindful ones. It is essential to understand and meet the neccessary requirements to be eligible for the job of Urban Planner. The eligiblity criteria is given below:
- The job applicant must have a Master's degree in Planning, Public Policy or a related field.
- The applicant must harness the ability to analyze demographic data and keep a track of the evolving trends in various industries such as health, education, fashion etc.
- The applicant must have the knowledge of various database softwares including Microsoft Suite.
- Excellent communication skills is a must for Urban Planners.
- The applicant must have a technical and creative work-experience in related to problem-solving and planning.
- The applicant must be creative and quick-witted. He should be able to conceptualize and incorporate new ideas.
- Spatial Thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Research and Data Analysis Skills
- Communication Skills
- Problem solving
- Collaboration
- Policy Knowledge
- Computer Skills
- Time Management
Types of Job Roles
Urban planners are responsible for a wide range of job roles including:
- Field Research: The candidate must be able to conduct field research to identify factors affecting community development.
- Problem Solving: The candidate must have knowledge regarding the traffic growth, land use etc. of the area and manage solutions for general transportation needs.
- Creative Thinking: The candidate must be able to find innovative ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of local businesses.
- Maintaining Sustainability: The candidate must carefully monitor project development and help provide sustainable and affordable housing.
- Systematic Approach: The candidate must have a systematic approach to plan and design towns and cities that promote healthy and active lifestyles.
- Preservation of Monuments: The candidate must look after and maintain the historical monuments and sites.
- Planning and Strategizing: The canddiate has to assist in strategizing plans to renovate the lower sections of the society areas of the district.
Admission
To land a job as an Urban Planner, the candidate must go through a graduation after completing their schooling. It is mendatory to have Maths as one of the main subject during the 10+2 qualification. The candidate can then apply for a Master's degree in the field of Planning (M.Plan).
Various Planning Courses for Master's Degree
- Environmental Planning
- Housing
- Regional Planning
- Urban Planning
- Transport Planning
Candidates can also get admission in B.Arch, Civil Engineering or Master's degree in Geography, Economics, Sociology etc. These courses also makes them eligible for the job of Urban Planner.
Some of the colleges offering relevent courses are mentioned below:
- Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
- National Institute of Technology, Calicut
- Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur
- School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
- The College of Engineering, Trivandrum
Exam
Urban Planning is a course inclusive of all theoretical concepts of urbanization, planning, use of lands, challenges in urbanisation, governance, and laws, socio-economic issues of urbanisation and environmental issues.
- Planning History and Theory
- The socio-economic basis for Planning
- Planning Techniques
- Infrastructure and Transport Planning
- Housing and Environmental Planning
- City and Metropolitan Planning
- Infrastructure Planning
- City development plan
- Urban Development Management
- Development Finance
- Resettlement and Rehabilitation
These subjects focuses on generating awareness, enhancing understanding about the course and providing the essental information and ideas of the same. They reflect the various types of planning methods, management and strategizing things, technical aspects of being an Urban Planner etc.
Prep Books
Urban Planning requires the students to clear some of the competetive exams such as GATE and CEED. It is important to prepare for the exam properly to secure a seat in the desired course.
Candidates must go through as much data as possible to gain knowledge and a thorough understanding of the basic concepts. It is also important to be aware of the current events. Some of the prep books to prepare for various exams related to Urban Planning are mentioned below:
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Building Construction by P. C. Varghese
- Principles of Town Planning and Architecture by Biswas Hiranmay
- The Urban Pattern: City Planning and Design by Gallion
- History of Architecture by Fletcher
FAQ's
Urban planners are professionals who design and develop land use plans, consider transportation systems, and create policies to ensure efficient and sustainable urban development.
Most urban planners have a bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, architecture, or a related field. Some roles may require additional certifications or licenses.
The urban planning process includes data collection, analysis, community engagement, plan development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring and adaptation.
Job prospects for urban planners are generally positive due to urbanization and the need for sustainable development. However, job availability can vary by location and economic conditions.
