Employers & Career Paths for Urban Planning and Design Students
Who hires GSD Urban Planning & Design graduates? A look at employers hiring 2016-2019:
- Economic Development: Inter American Development Bank, Jiaming Investment Group, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, NY City Economic Development Corp.
- Consulting: ARUP, Asakura Robinson, Deloitte, KPMG, URS Corp., McKinsey & Company, VHB
- Design: AECOM, SOM, Raimi + Associates, Tsoi Kobus Design, ZGF Architects
- Government: Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Cambridge Housing Authority, EPA, U.S. Govt. GSA, City of Chicago, New York City Dept. of Housing Preservation & Development, Urban Redevelopment Authority
- Transportation: Federal Highway Administration, Illinois Dept. of Transportation, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
- Real Estate: AIG Real Estate, BlueWave Capital LLC, EYA LLC, Hines, Jonathan Rose, Primary Development LLC, The Schochet Company
- Nonprofit: Affordable Housing Assoc., Community Housing Partnership, Crossover Community Impact, Inc., Homeowners RehabPreservation of Affordable Housing
What are the key skills UPD students develop?
- Research
- Writing
- Analysis
- Community outreach/meeting facilitation
- GIS skills
- Public speaking/presentations
Which industries hire UPD graduates?
- Landscape architecture, architecture, planning firms
- Consulting
- Government
- Higher education
- Nonprofits
What types of jobs do UPD grads pursue?
- Development Manager, real estate
- Project Manager, economic development
- Planner, city government
- Planner, consulting
- Associate Planner, urban consulting
- Research Associate, international urban development nonprofit Founder, international NGO
- Project Planner and Analyst, nonprofit
- Planner, multidisciplinary design firm
- Consultant, Urban Planning & Development firm
- Architect/Urban Designer, multidisciplinary design firm
How do I find Planning and Urban Design alumni contacts?
Three sources of alumni contacts (for current students and graduates):
LinkedIn: Join the Harvard GSD group
CREATE: the GSD career management system
Harvard University Alumni: (Harvard Alumni Association)
Reality Check
- Utilize your time here to cultivate relationships within the GSD community:
alumni; fellow students; faculty; visiting speakers; networking events; GSD Alumni Council events - Seek out ways to supplement your academic studies with experience: involvement with student clubs (HUPO, RED Club as well as across Harvard), summer internship or community service fellowship
Events of special note for UPD students
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) Consulting Fair (fall), Urban Innovations Fairs (spring)
- Harvard Real Estate Career Day (fall)
- Case Interview Prep Session (fall)
- Resume Blitz (electronic resume reviews)
- Virtual Career Fair (January; summer internship opportunities)
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) International Development Expo (spring)
- GSD Planning Careers Expo (spring)
Take advantage of:
- Weekly e-newsletter (Career Newsflash)
- Virtual Career Fair, January
- (Begin your summer internship search early)
- Community Service Fellowship Program
(domestic summer internships & international travel grants)
apply by late November for international travel;
apply by mid March for domestic summer internships
Additional Resources
Occupational Outlook Handbook for Urban and Regional Planners