Urban & Regional Planning

Interview with Sandy Coyman – Director of Worchester

Comprehensive Planning Office

What is Urban Planning?

• “A collaborative process to improve a community by creating convenient, equitable, efficient, and attractive environments for present and future generations.”

• “City building”• www.planning.org (American Planning

Association)

Details of Interview

• Phone interview

• Less stressful

• Talked briefly about his background

• Asked my questions

Questions

• Requirements to enter this career field?

• What are the best things about this career?

• What are the worst aspects of this career?

• Is this a growth field?

• What suggestions do you have for me?

Educational Requirements

• MINIMUM – B.S degree in Geography or a B.A degree in a related social science plus experience

• M.S. Degree in Urban & Regional Planning (MURP)

• Classes in planning theory, GIS, site design, government, landscaping, & statistics

Potential Employment Areas

• Government ($$)

• Private Consulting ($$$$)

• Developers ($$$$)

• Values are important – what is important to you?

Worchester County Openings

• GIS Technician

• Administrative Assistant

• Nothing in planning available right now

• State hiring freeze

Conclusions

• Continue in school to get M.S degree

• SU Geography Dept – good rep in MD/DE/NJ/PA

• Do another internship related to coastal zone management

• Look at all levels of government for openings as well as private firms