URBAN PLANNING Q&A: grad school, career, and tips for aspiring planners

[@bibi-en1ej]

I'm an inspiring urban planner and let me tell you how good I felt when I saw a black muslim woman being in this field ! I'm so happy to see ppl of my community engage in this field that makes me feel very good (sorry for my weak english...)

[@Quesadiyah]

bi bi this comment made my day! Thank you for watching and I hope this video was helpful to you 💜💜

[@dusty9210]

4 years later and this comment made me smile, I love seeing people encouraged to pursue dreams because they've found a role model ❤ hope everything education wise has gone great for you!!

[@bibi-en1ej]

@@dusty9210 well... let me tell you this sad story of mine... im a french hijabi... and if you want a career in france as a urban planner you either have to have a architect background or become a civil servant... but... if you want to become a civil servant you have to take of your hijab so i decided to change path

[@innocence2009]

I just graduate with my masters in urban planning! It’s so nice to see Black women getting into the field. Marginalized groups are often highly impacted by city plans but they often do not have the privilege to be active in the decision making process to begin with.

[@laminmanaf8872]

I just got admitted into uni to study urban design and planning. Can we be friends

[@therandomscloset434]

Yesss! We need more people of color in these jobs ! You are the future!

[@rosellelover239]

In what way are you marginalized?

[@logans3365]

I’m a white male thinking about getting into urban planing to build city’s that work for the working class, this would greatly help poorer areas of the city which are indeed poor largely due to city design. But pointing out race all the time such as applauding someone for being in position and also being a certain race or gender does more harm than good, it creates more divide instead of healing it. It makes much more sense to use labels such as working class which includes all races and genders thus brining everyone under one flag against our rigged capitalist system.

[@kanoelani3425]

@@logans3365shut up

[@welmoe]

I’m a junior in high school and it’s very fun to hear that someone else did the same sort of nerdy city-studying that I like to do. I really appreciate the video and the advice.

[@carolinelucas8113]

if this is a year ago, then that means were both high school seniors! glad to see others like me interested in this field!!

[@ryanlamkin20]

GO YOU!!!! THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN THE FIELD! just changed my major to Geology and planning to go into Urban Planning for either environmental policy or transportation. Best of luck to you 🥰

[@ryanlamkin20]

OMFG YOU WENT TO COLUMBIA SHE SMART AS FUCK

[@Quesadiyah]

Thank you! 😊

[@sandanakiroshnanp634]

Haa yes, I am an undergrad in Geology. Was wondering whether it makes sense to do a masters in Urban Planning. But I was strongly interested in Planning. Now that I have seen this, Imma definitely go do that shittttt 🥺❤️

[@sydneyrobinson7022]

Literally me right now

[@djwestbrook36]

its really an issue when you go into a field and you see nobody like yourself doing it. I see you, and I am all of a sudden far more motivated to get into the field.

[@jharrisss]

This was so helpful! I just graduated from undergrad with a degree in psychology and I originally wanted to pursue a PhD in community psychology with hopes of understanding community dynamics and how I can be of service to them and learned that the field is far more theoretical than applicable. I’ve been reading a lot more about urban planning and I have this interest in place making and public land use and am looking into masters programs for urban planning. I definitely want to engage with communities in a genuine way and I’m curious about how cities will change as a response to COVID. Thanks for this balanced review of the field, I don’t see a lot of black women in urban planning and if I do seriously pursue planning I hope to help change that narrative. You have a great, honest spirit, seriously so glad I found this video!

[@Quesadiyah]

Thank you! 💜 I’m glad you found it helpful. And yes, we definitely need more black women in the planning field to provide our unique perspectives. Best of luck to you!

[@remioshibanjo5631]

Planning and Development professional in London here! Good to see you in the sector!

[@anonymityisfreedom8457]

Finally someone who goes straight to the point and who gives complete information !! thank you ! Great video :) !

[@juliaz9843]

You urban planners have such a responsible job, be proud of yourselves ☺️ I didn’t study urban planning but I sincerely am so interesting in cities & creating environments

[@katiestewart4928]

As a recent graduate from an urban studies program, your channel is everything! I had a pretty unorthodox experience in undergrad and am looking at urban planning/law programs to further my education. This advice is golden!

[@warmlacroix_9820]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO. I'm in high school right now and I've been so interested in the field of urban planning for about a year now and I am seriously considering it. GO women in urban planning!

[@adamstanhope7720]

Thank you for making this video! I'm a high school student interested in urban planning, and this video was a great way to get a sense of what the field is like.

[@Quesadiyah]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@tylergooding68]

Thanks for the info and tips! I'm about to begin my Master's in Urban Planning at McGill so this was quite helpful! All the best!

[@duaachan4386]

How has it been? I'm applying for McGill too, I'm interested in transportation mainly.

[@XC20248]

@@duaachan4386 Did any of you go there. I'm interested in doing this too esp transportation

[@qjtvaddict]

@@duaachan4386 the pay is low tho?

[@TheMadmonkeys101]

Thank you for this advice! I am a recent graduate applying for urban and regional planning at master's level. I will bear this information in mind going forward into my career!

[@supasual610nd13]

Im only 13 but this seems so cool and I really wanna pursue this in the future. I aslo get so immersed in cities just like you said, I cant stop reading abt them and being so interested, and this seems perfect for people like that.thanks for posting the video, it was very helpful.

[@rachelmazyck8838]

Watching this 4 years late but thank you for this video! I’m a geographer and I’m excited to get into urban planning!

[@LizIsSoCrazy]

ahhh as someone who is contemplating a graduate degree in planning / public policy i can relate sooo much to your concerns about the field. really great and informative video

[@alexisdejohn1349]

I appreciate this video! I graduated with my masters in urban planning this past July. My concentration is in community development and housing. Now, I am continuing my studies and pursuing my doctorate in the field. I’m excited to see you in the field. Also, thank you for emphasizing GIS, I’m trying to learn in now.

[@luckypeanut9943]

I got my undergrad degree in social work and am applying for urban studies masters programs. I'm born and raised NYC and had the same kinda nerdy interest in the city growing up and have the same passion for improving our communities. I appreciate the honesty for checking into the program and I didn't even consider the concerns around gentrification and am embarrassed with myself 😅 I love the idea of connecting with communities and advocating/developing public spaces but I know I need to keep check on my ambitions

[@axander9212]

I'm a Muslim from Philadelphia as well, and I've always wanted to be a planner. The field of planning is really confusing with regard to school because I need to stay in the state and finding a school with a program that works is difficult. Thank you for your advice.

[@ayathusseini1439]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and all of these tips. I gained so much from this video! You've really articulated so many of the questions and concerns I have about moving into the field from gentrification to using it as a force for good to the day to day of a typical vs atypical urban planner. Its so amazing to see other Muslim women who are not only in the field but are putting up content to help others figure out whether or not the degree/career is a good fit for them. Thank you a million times! Going to watch part 2 right now!

[@jsphdghl]

Everything you described yourself as doing when you were young is what I’ve done. Only just started looking into urban planning, so you’re channel has been so helpful. Thankyou.

[@bIairsarchive]

absolutely love this video! i just switched my major to urban planning as a second semester sophomore so i’m definitely still trying to get a feel for what it all entails. your editing style is A1 too lol new sub!

[@Quesadiyah]

Thank you for watching! Glad you found it helpful 🙌🏾

[@laconyac]

Great video! My current career does not fulfill me anymore and urban planning is something I have always had an interest. Best of luck to you on your professional journey!

[@mayacowan2930]

Hello... I love what you said and you made some really great points. I'm 17 and trying to find potential majors that involve developing communities. I appreciate the advice you gave it was really interesting and it pointed out that in some cases urban planning doesn't always help the members of the communities. Very Insightful!!! Thanks so much! Congrats on finding a career that makes you happy.

[@gingerseed123]

My advisor told me to look into urban planning for grad school today! Thank you for making this video :) I can’t believe I never knew it existed until today!! Thank you for sharing

[@夏瑞慈]

thank you for making this video, I am going to do my first year of urban planning, design and management at UCL this September! So helpful!

[@jackyfonseca3495]

夏瑞慈 Good luck!

[@browneysvisions3083]

Thank you for this video! I just completed my undergrad degree in Urban Studies and I am considering the Urban Planning masters program at Morgan State. This was very enlightening!

[@Quesadiyah]

thanks for watching! :)

[@d.o.2115]

thanks for this video! It’s rare to find urban planners on KZbin that share insights. As a 3rd year undergrad student, I need to start thinking about internships and easing myself into the industry and I was feelin real lost. This video has given a lotta insight! thanks!

[@samij97]

Hello! I’m so glad that I found your channel, it’s so awesome to see a beautiful woman of color in urban planning! I will begin my MURP (Masters of Urban Regional Planning) at UCLA beginning this October. I feel so passionate about this program because of similar disparities that you noticed as well. I also wrote about these issues in my personal statement. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Wish you the best in the field and maybe we can work alongside each other one day. 💙

[@Quesadiyah]

Samantha Guerrero thank you for watching! Best of luck to you! 💜💜💜

[@jackyfonseca3495]

Samantha Guerrero Good Luck! I just started my educational journey for the same major! I’m a sophomore in college and idk where I’m going /.\

[@samij97]

Jacky Fonseca Hi!!! Good luck to you too. I’m always down to connect and offer advice and a safe space for women in education✨

[@lenarose3190]

This is so so helpful! Feeling way more informed and affirmed abt my decision to pursue planning 🙌

[@nayaramuniz371]

Found you randomly searching for urban planning stuff. I'm from Brazil, I also study urban planning and it's so crazy how similar your perspectives about the subject is to mine.

[@SunandGold]

No joke, I’m looking at going through clearing to a university course (I’m from the UK, so I don’t know if the US does clearing- it basically if I don’t meet the grade requirements for my A-Levels, then I’ll be rejected from my medical course, and then on results day in clearing you can phone up every university to ask them to give you a place on another course if they have space- so I need AAA for medicine, if I don’t get AAA then I’ll have to pick an entirely different career path based on a different degree). Anyway: I was going through the obvious med-reject courses like biochemistry and biomedical science, and all the videos explaining the degrees just missed out all the detail of what kind of study skills you actually need, what it actually means to do the course, and what students actually do during their degree. I did Geography A-Level, so I figured Planning would be an outlier degree from the sciences to look into that I might really enjoy, and this was the first video that came up. I am CONVINCED you’re the only person on KZbin to EVER ACTUALLY EXPLAIN what is involved in a degree. Like the information on what type of essay skills, and the fact you pointed out it’s not an instant gratification, and that you were honest about needing a masters, just THANK YOU. Seriously: I’ve been stress searching for the last month, every single day, for someone with useful information (because, let’s be honest, universities are advertising to you, so they only show you the good sides). I genuinely cannot express my inner joy at finding someone who made the perfect explanation of a degree course, it’s like finding gold. Thank you so much!!

[@Itzamyzeng]

I appreciated this so much! I’m a 3rd year undergraduate student and I wanted to find more information about masters in urban planning so thanks so much🤗

[@mykahjoseph]

I stumbled upon your video shortly after i started applying for grad school. Now Ill be graduating this summer with my MUP and I currently work for a Large Local Municipality in Planning and Development. thanks for the tips and inspiration!

[@Quesadiyah]

That’s great to hear! Congratulations 👏🏾

[@gracetaussig6531]

Thanks for the info and tips! It’s so helpful! I was thinking about getting my masters in planning and I’m currently a civil engineer I do roadway work that I don’t necessarily believe in I want my career to reflect what you were talking about more! I was interested in getting my masters in London now that I found out my company isn’t reimbursing school anymore but I think you’re experience has made me have a little bit more to think about

[@Izeberu1]

Hello! Thank you! Very helpful. Greetings from Nicaragua in Central America. :)

[@Quesadiyah]

Jezabel Aponte thanks for watching! Wow Nicaragua, so cool! ☺️ I’ve only been to Costa Rica in central america

[@Ambient.Immersion]

These statements sum up my apprehension toward higher education in a capitalist society. They always want more than you got, and they want it before you can get it. And costs 10x the amount in America vs if you are an EU member where ppl study for free. And yes, trying to inject authentic change with a group of corporate gentrifiers must be grueling and miserable. Not having the technical skills when you paid for a career-literally all of this is my life

[@ciimoon5661]

wow, this is so inspiring! thank you for sharing your journey. I'm considering Urban planning as a mid life transition, starting from scratch. My bachelors is in bioengineering, and after working in government work (med devices), I transitioned to permaculture and landscape design (self taught). Providing more affordable housing, parks, trails, and gardens and healthy food options to communities feels like it would be very rewarding. Could one get into this without getting a masters degree? Ive considered taking some GIS courses at my local community college, as this is more accessible and within my budget. Do you think this would be helpful? I also had concerns that government urban planning positions may have red tape or politically influenced, thank you for touching on this subject. The position you have with commerical cooridor manager, that sounds amazing! Is that a private section position? I love that you feel more impactful with the actual residents of the community.

[@smascarenhas33]

That's the information I needed.... thank you

[@theshadestartsnow9818]

Working on applying to Grad schools for UP! Your video was great! Thanks for this!

[@kamxxz]

i have a bachelors in urban planning.. i would like to see what options i have for myself .. after watching this video i learned alot thank you

[@ThaoNguyen-ou5rd]

this is amazing guys!! btw, i just remembered my school taught about this in 6th Grade yup, 6th grade and that was our end-of-term

[@antediluvial]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Heading into college and city planning is what iv got my eyes set on

[@uncoolniece635]

So incredibly helpful! I appreciate that your video style is also ADHD friendly haha! Urban planning seems so crazy important, especially when it comes to the impact on minorities and communities in poverty. You seem like you have a good heart so I bet you do a lot a great work. Thanks for the valuable info!!!!! P.S Your eyebrows are fire.

[@Quesadiyah]

Thank you so much! 💜💜

[@zanderkennethclarke]

Great video! Very thorough. Definitely provided thoughts that I will consider when looking for a masters in urban planning. Thank you!

[@kaywallace3141]

Amazing information and insight, thanks for taking the time! also great structure. only thing is the audio, would be great if your voice could be a little louder, especially against the sound effects xx

[@oromhal]

thank you! such a helpful video, i am glad i watched it

[@sebastianalvarez4211]

Thank you for this video. It was insightful! :)

[@Quesadiyah]

Sebastian Alvarez thanks for watching! 😊

[@juanlewis7205]

Good video. You sound highly competent in your field and an intelligent professional.

[@kzhao4618]

Wow your so smart. I wanted a career change and was looking into urban planning. Your video really helped me to make a decision! Thank you!

[@Quesadiyah]

Thank you for watching!

[@insertyourquarters]

Omg I am you and you are me with such a deep interest in how cities are planned. 😍 Although I'm going into Sociology and Social Policy this September this is still insightful information, thank you!

[@Quesadiyah]

twins! lol thanks for watching :)

[@thejomarifernandez7554]

Hey. This vid is helpful. Thanks.

[@Juiceboy3005]

Thank you for making this video, very informative!!

[@katiekennedy3632]

Love this! Thank you for going in depth about not only the logistics of the field but your personal ties to that area of interest from a young age! Just found your page and as some one trying to work up the courage to attend a MURP program for grad school, your insight is so so helpful. What mentors did you find in the field/best advice you've been given?

[@imeldaromero6865]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much!

[@alexs9699]

Thanks, Quesadiyah! The info is really helpful.

[@Born1e]

Fire intro out of nowhere

[@Zarafatima-gr1pb]

I am in the first semester of BS city reasoning and planning. At first i was too much confuse but by the time my goals starting clarification ☺️

[@MrsBrownCreole]

Love this video!! I currently studying Urban Planninng.

[@ardria]

i used to research cities on wikipedia too lol. i’m also fascinated/disappointed watching my city change and people moving in/moving out because of circumstances they have no say in.

[@alexkelly4237]

This was very useful, thanks!

[@sujiko123]

Thank you for the insights!! Also your voice is super soothing :)

[@Quesadiyah]

Maya KW thank you! ☺️

[@diannefumero3146]

Thank you so much for sharing!! You are wonderful

[@Quesadiyah]

Thank you for watching! 💚

[@ghozlaneharoune470]

I am in my last semester of master degree in urban planing and even my family still ask what is that

[@braeanneoribello4797]

This is a great video. Thank you for sharing!

[@amisavage]

Thank you for this!! I’d love to see a video about your dissertation

[@Quesadiyah]

Ami Savage sure! I can film something about my dissertation. Thanks for watching!

[@illgiveyouthesun-5307]

Can you speak on your experience in studying urban studies at Columbia and what job opportunities arose from that?

[@pradonis]

Thank you for this video. A lot of interesting gems that I needed to hear.

[@Quesadiyah]

Adrian Rentas thanks for watching! 😊

[@pradonis]

Quesadiyah I am in the Philadelphia area and currently studying Urban Studies at Rutgers Camden. I am very interested in Penn for their City Planning. I’m always seeking information on this field.

[@Quesadiyah]

Adrian Rentas PennPlanning is a great program! I hope you apply

[@marionnavarrete6870]

wow thank you so much, so helpful and interesting video. Im going to take university admission exam in Mexico for this degree :)

[@Quesadiyah]

Marion Navarrete thanks for watching! ☺️

[@justinvickers7354]

Thank you so much for your videos! They’re super helpful! I just recently graduated and I’ve been in a bit of a fog regarding what I want to do. After realizing my major was not what I wanted to do with my life, I feel like I’m in a bit of a limbo. I’m still searching but thank you for a glimpse into the field.

[@milicavelickovic2968]

Very well explained.

[@bobbuildin01]

I do believe that UK universities do not include much technical skills in the curriculum. My masters from an UK university was a big flop too and dissertation was a disaster. That is why, I am finding schools in Australia or else.

[@rubyrubacuori1905]

Loved the vid, deffo wish i learned about urban planning before i eventually did. I just gotta ask tho what's the song u use in the intro?

[@Quesadiyah]

thanks! Here’s the link to the song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iap5pmq52kqas

[@josiahnewman4434]

I am a mech E graduate considering a career change and this was a great perspective. I am a white man and many of the people I see talking about this on KZbin are also white men. I appreciate the comment you made at the end to not go in thinking you know better than the residents, but have some humility and willingness to hear other people’s opinions. That is a difficult thing to do bc I think we tend to have our optimal ideal of how cities should be laid out but what’s great for one person may not be for someone else. So listening to the residents should always be a central part of the job.

[@alexalcantara262]

So helpful. Just wondering is there a lot of maths involved in the undergrad?

[@frankalzuru1768]

I enjoyed this video

[@ArchAnime]

Great video!

[@benhudnut9288]

I'm super interested in urban planning, but I don't like GIS much (took the intro class last year). How important is GIS to the field? Is it worth minoring in during college? Or is an intro class enough

[@deeksha611]

Would it be possible for someone in urban planning to pivot to a career in urban design or vice versa with some training? How transferable are the skill you learned in urban planning to other careers?

[@thecreativecatgirl897]

Thank you so much for making this video! You have really helped me learn a lot more about urban planning! I have a question, is there a field in urban planning that focuses more on the environmental aspect of urban planning? :)

[@flordynebadong4319]

im interested in partaking in this field as well! while researching programs i found that urban sustainability is a degree to look into as it delves into planning while also taking into consideration social and environmental issues. hope this helped!! :)

[@thecreativecatgirl897]

@@flordynebadong4319 Thank you!!! :)

[@pearlhay5033]

Amazing advice as well:,)

[@Quesadiyah]

Thank you! ☺️

[@getemnate1]

Great intro lol! Thanks for sharing your experiences. How many graduate schools did you apply to and do you think that it is beneficial to apply to multiple schools?

[@getemnate1]

I just watched your video about applying to graduate school. Do you regret applying only to 5 schools looking back on it?

[@corinncruz7856]

I loved this video, and the biggest thing was you just going over all of the concerns I had about pursuing an urban planning degree; Honestly, my biggest fear is that I won't be working with and for my community in the way that I want to. I know you said you found a job that does give you that while also using the competencies you learned in grad school, but would you still recommend this degree path as the way to approach a career path that is more actively advocating for the individuals and families within communities?

[@taina313]

Hi! I’m getting my masters in sustainability and urban planning is what my thesis will be on. Can I interview you in the coming months?

[@NotAModel96]

hey from philly! thank's for making this video, i'm at the very beginning stages of contemplating a MUP degree...so this vid was *chef's kiss*! great editing! wondering if you have any recommendations for orgs/programs/learning opportunities in philly?

[@gelilamenna]

hey, thank you so much for this video. there's a new BA of urban studies program at my uni and it sounds super interesting... but recently i've been set on sociology. just interested to know what you liked about soci as a potential major?

[@michaeljavieravendanocalde4003]

I have a question from Colombia. What is the best university to study urban planning and design in the world? Thanks for answering me. 🙋🏼🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴😃🌃🌆🏙️🏙️🏙️🌇🏗️🛣️

[@tical2399]

I'm only a few mins into the vid, but did you minor or get a cert in GIS? Edit: Also you could have used the recent grad program to land an entry level planning job with the feds.

[@heyjoude]

“Child” -love the video

[@Shna993]

what is the application program that show in the first time of this vedio that urban planner use it?

[@nishapatel9497]

Could you suggest me to where to study urban planning?

[@justinmiller9623]

I feel like my desires are very similar to yours when it comes to a job. I got my degree in education, but don’t feel like teaching allows me to make the impact I want to. Is urban development the best route to the career you have now or would you take a different route? I love interacting with people and creating change, but feel like that’s difficult to do with most “impactful” jobs because of the systems already in place.

[@eugeniapuyot3851]

I also have my degree in education. I completely understand where you are coming from. May I ask if you have pursued a career in urban development ?

[@briankeli4660]

i have a financial background degree-wise. is it possible to try the masters program without prior experience or knowledge in planning?

[@AADANHAJIACOMPANY-bc3hm]

public administration can come a urban planner i need answer

[@atiyaislam7989]

I want to know more about Urban & Regional Planning. I've many queries about this sector. I want to know everything.

[@bobbuildin01]

Heya, Which uni did you study and where are you working as of now? Sorry you do answer these questions. If im not mistaken you are from Philadelphia in USA. and now you work with the city's water department!

[@lauramartinez3442]

Hey! I'm in a Urban Planning masters program at University of Florida but I'm suuuuper interested in working abroad. Have any recommendations?

[@Penguin-wk7gq]

I’m only in year 10 and strongly considering urban planning as a career. Would you recommend urban/regional planning? If so what can I do now to get a feel for it.

[@ryann5266]

hey! i’m a senior in hs and i’m looking to go into a interdisciplinary program with data science and urban planning. i plan to work in social justice intiatives. would a starting career be better in a private or public practice? thanks!