Five Reasons I Enjoy Studying Urban Planning
1. I Love the Multidisciplinary Nature
During high school, I enjoyed history, geography, legal studies and economics. In my free time, I enjoy following politics, especially those related to environmental challenges and social equity. Through urban planning, I have been able to study all my areas of interest, while learning how to combine them to work within a valuable and practical industry.
2. I am Excited by the Numerous Career Paths
Before beginning my degree I didn’t realise there are a whole range of possible career paths in planning. I still don’t know if I’ll go into strategic or statutory, private or public, academia or industry, local or state government. However, I do know I’m excited by the opportunity to experience a range of options, ensuring I have career journey will be diverse and broad.
3. Our Shared Belief in Change
While planners undoubtedly can become more cynical throughout their career, or even throughout their studies, the field of planning is only possible through the belief in positive change. I love the field of planning because it allows me to believe, and to study alongside people who also believe, that through all the political battles and environmental, economic and social conflicts, we might actually be able to improve things for a state, a community or a household.
4. The Possibilities of Solutions
Before studying planning, I thought there were a lot of problems that no one knew the answers too. Now, while I think there are some problems we can’t yet solve — like how to ensure accountability, while taking the politicization out of planning decisions — I have been inspired and surprised at the amount of research and evidence available to guide planners to address social, economic and environmental challenges.
5. I am Excited to Start Work
While I am terrified to leave the safety of university at the end of next year, I am also excited to begin what I know will be a varied career, with the possibility that I may affect real change. While I don’t know how hard the job market will be yet, I feel optimistic it will not be too long before I start making a difference.
