Urban planners, also known as city planners, are in charge of the construction, growth and development of cities, towns or regions. They are usually employed by local governments, and must undergo extensive schooling, including receiving both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree. Most urban and regional planners focus the majority of their time developing long and short-term plans for land use in urban, suburban and rural communities, all with the goal of revitalizing the area and helping it grow.

This guide will provide you with information on how to become an urban planner. Highlights will include educational requirements, the job duties of city and regional planners, and the types of companies you may have the opportunity to work for. You will also learn what employers are looking for when hiring urban planners, and what you can do to make yourself more appealing to potential employees.

Urban planners have a variety of duties, mostly depending on who employees them. Most urban and regional planners work for the city government, and are therefore called community, regional or city planners. Their job mainly centers around promoting and determining the best uses for a community or region's land resources for recreational, institutional, commercial and residential purposes.http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/proft72.shtml#tra Additional duties may include:

1. Helping to establish alternative public transportation systems
2. Protecting ecologically sensitive areas
3. Addressing issues regarding air pollution and traffic congestion
4. Creating plans for the construction of new schools or public housing

Most federal, state and local government agencies, who usually employ urban and regional planners, prefer to hire those individuals that have received a master's degree from an accredited program in urban or regional planning, or a related field such as urban design, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, or civil engineering. Some agencies will hire employees that only have an accredited bachelor's degree in planning, but you will have a better chance to get a job and advance if you also have a master's degree. It is important to make sure the degree is from an accredited program from the Planning Accreditation Board. A list of accredited schools can be found on their official website.http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/proft72.shtml#tra

• Most master's degree programs are an additional two years. Most agencies encourage aspiring urban and regional planners to take classes in related areas such as:

1. Economics
2. Finance
3. Architecture
4. Geographic Information Systems
5. Law
6. Earth Science

Gaining experience is important for anyone that wants to pursue a career in urban or regional planning. The more experience you can put down on your resume, the more attractive you will be to potential employers. While you are still in college, consider seeking a summer job in a related urban planning field. You will also want to get an internship in a related company, including, but not limited to:

1. Architectural firms
2. Urban planning offices
3. Law firms, preferably in a related area

The final step to becoming an urban or regional planner is to get certified. Certification is acquired through The American Institute of Certified Planners, which is a professional institute associated with the American Planning Association. Certification is important for both the hiring process and advancement in the field.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos057.htm