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Things that open doors

  • GIS (geographic information systems)

    Mapping and data software. Planners who can run it stand out.

  • Transportation or urban design specialty

    Transit projects have money. Urban design adds a drawing skill most planners lack.

  • Environmental assessment

    Big infrastructure needs it. Consulting firms hire for it.

  • Development finance

    Understanding what makes a project pencil out can move you to the developer side.