Urban Studies and Planning - Essay Example

? Urban Studies and Planning Urban Studies and Planning The Urban Studies/Planning Program prepares grandaunts for work in a myriad of fields. Programs in these fields are not pre-professional, narrow education, but extensive liberal arts degree that combines vital, transferable talents. My interest for this program emanated from its capability of allowing students to successfully pursue careers in architecture, city planning, real estate development, finance, and non-profit management. Despite the numerous career prospects that this program offers, I believe that urban planning, architecture and real estate development are suitable career paths for me. All these careers are exciting and personally fulfilling in the sense that they are well paying, challenging, and they give one an opportunity to grow. The urge of using my skills to establish a community where people can live and start families makes a career as an urban planner to be my first priority. I understand that a college degree in addition to extensive training is a requirement for a successful entry into this field of work. To qualify as an urban planner, one needs to take classes on environmental studies so as to understand the interactions between people and the natural environment as well as the dynamics of the environment. Moreover, a person needs to take classes on economics so as to comprehend how the markets operate, particularly, what makes a successful regional economy and business. Additionally, one needs to take classes in art and design so as to prepare oneself to think creatively about visual appearances. The prospect of getting employed as an urban planner is also high. First, there are many institutions, both public and private that hire urban planners. With a degree in urban planning together with the required experience, I can be hired by local/regional governments, private planning firms, and private property owners to facilitate the planning of commercial and communal developments, as well as transportation systems and public facilities (Bayer, Frank, & Valerius, 2009). Secondly, urban planning is a growing field of employment. As Bayer, Frank & Valerius (2009) put it, the roles of urban planners remain in high demand, and is expected to grow significantly by 2014. For example, the U.S News and Urban Report rated urban and regional planner among the best careers in 2009 (U.S News, 2009). Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth in planning jobs between 2006 and 2016. The salary and benefits of regional and urban planners is very attractive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median yearly pay for urban and regional planners was $63,040 in May 2010 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). Based on the fact that the planning industry has experienced growth in the past years, the prospect of career development is also looking good. This growth is stimulated by environmental concerns and population growth being experienced. Other than becoming an urban planner, I would prefer to become an architect. Since my childhood, I have always been fascinated with the science and art of building and construction. The prospect of becoming a renowned architect is exciting and interesting because this career path will enable me to design an entire built environment- from how a building associates with its surrounding environment, to construction or architectural details that entails its interior and designing and making furniture to be used inside it. Looking at this career path from a different perspective, I established that architecture is poetic in the manner that it presents itself. It is complex in the questions and issues it gives rise to. Contrary to popular belief that architecture is static, I have established that architecture is detailed and analytical. These qualities make this career path not only attractive, but also fulfilling. A career in architecture is interesting and exciting due to its longevity nature. As compared to most professions, architects can practice their professions for as long as they want. Those who have practiced in this profession assert that a person can be an architect even when they have retired. Moreover, there are a variety of options that an architect can pursue within the same profession. For example, a grandaunt can choose to work in big and small firms, embrace the role of project architect, become a manager or focus on design. The salaries and benefits of an architect are also very attractive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2013), the medium pay for an architect in 2010 was $72,550 per annum. The job outlook is also encouraging considering the fact that this industry is projected to grow 24% from 2010 to 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). The qualifications of becoming a licensed architecture follow three basic steps. First, a person must earn a professional degree in architecture from a recognized institution of higher learning. Thereafter, he/she must gain some professional work experience through an internship. After gaining some experience, he/she is expected to sit and pass the Architect Registration Exam (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). Apart from the above urban studies/planning career options; a career in real estate development is another preference for me. My fascination with this career emanates from the powerful force it has in determining where people live, work, play and shop. As a matter of fact, real estate developers play a crucial role in shaping the fabrics of our towns, suburbs, and cities, hence, influence the quality of people’s lives. Real estate development is undeniably one of the most visible career paths on the planet. Therefore, it needs individuals who are committed and ready to face challenges. Additionally, a career in real estate development will ensure that my passion for managing, developing and owning physical assets is achieved. Real estate development provides real estate enthusiasts with a wide variety of career choices within its three core sectors, namely, investment, development, and services. As such, real estate development provides an individual with the opportunity of specializing in marketing, finance, investments, asset management, sales and leasing and property acquisition (Carberry, 2006). Moreover, a person can work for a public or private firm, a small or big home-builder or developer, or a firm that invests globally or small market. I believe that a career in real estate development will not only give me an opportunity to make good money, but also give back to the community. In regards to qualifications, real estate developers should exhibit unique knowledge in various phases and aspects of real estate, as well as exceptional skills in financial and asset management (Carberry, 2006). To become a real estate developer, one is required to hold a master’s degree in urban planning, business administration, marketing, and related fields. Moreover, an individual should exhibit strong communication and entrepreneurial skills since selling of ideas is the key to success in real estate development. Similar to the aforementioned career paths, salaries and benefits for real estate developers vary significantly depending on various factors, including the success and size of projects, geographic location, and the economic condition. Experienced real estate developers may earn $1 million or more annually. Nonetheless, many real estate developers who invest huge sums of money in unsuccessful projects often lose their investments. References Bayer, M, Frank, N & Valerius, J. (2009). Becoming an urban planner: A guide to careers in planning and urban design. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2013). Subject areas. Occupational Outlook Handbook2012-2013 Edition. Retrieved March 14, 2012, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm Carberry, J. (2006). Career in real estate: How to uncover job opportunities in a dynamic industry. Retrieved March 14, 2013, from http://www.planetizen.com/node/20350 Read More