Five Things You Need to Know to Advance Your Career in Challenging Times

Relaunching APA's Career Services and Professional Development programs has given me the chance to talk with planners at every stage of their career journey, from students looking for that entry-level position to seasoned professionals ready for reinvention and career advancement. In these conversations, one thing is clear: Today's professional landscape feels both exciting and uncertain. And one question persists: How do I keep moving forward?

As a response to these needs, APA launched Career Consultations. These consultations are a way for APA members to seek career advice from APA leadership as they navigate their journey in the planning field.

Sign up for Future Career Consultation Events

Two APA board members who participated in our inaugural Career Consultation event this past July have been generous in sharing insights that can help guide us through these uncertain times.

Remember These Five Career Steps

1. Invest in Your Professional Credentials

Lauren Driscoll, AICP, the APA Board Treasurer and director of Community and Development Services in Salina, Kansas, reminds us that mid-career often feels like a crossroads — too many options, not enough time. If you're wondering "what's next," pursuing the AICP credential can be a meaningful way to invest in yourself without leaving your job or committing to another degree.

It's a nationally recognized credential of your expertise and credibility. And if you don't pass on the first try? That's part of the journey — many have been there, dusted themselves off, and come back stronger. Plus, the APA Salary Survey found that the AICP credential resulted in a 30 percent higher salary on average.

2. Remember That Community Matters

Career advancement is not just about what you know, but who you connect with. Driscoll also points out that APA events — whether at the chapter, division, or national level — are more than opportunities to earn certification maintenance (CM) credits. They are spaces to build lasting friendships, swap advice, and hear real-world solutions from peers who've faced similar challenges. For planners working in small offices (where there isn't much of a sounding board) or tackling unique community issues, these opportunities and connections can make all the difference.

3. Tap Into the Power of Networking

Serving on the APA Board as Director, Region II and principal at Green Heron Planning, LLC in Durham, North Carolina, Benjamin Hitchings, FAICP, has spoken with planners in every career stage. His advice is simple: Get out and talk with people.

Even as we lean on virtual tools, don't overlook the value of an "old-school" informational interview. Seasoned professionals are often willing to share their experiences — and in doing so, they may introduce you to opportunities you wouldn't find online. Networking can be about transactional exchanges, but by building genuine, mutually supportive relationships, you are positioning yourself to be top of mind when exciting opportunities arise.

4. Be Strategic About Employers

Not all workplaces are created equal. Hitchings suggests asking prospective employers how they invest in their staff. Do they pay for professional memberships? Provide structured professional development plans? Support the AICP exam? The answers to these questions not only signal their commitment to your personal growth but also reveal their overall approach to managing and valuing employees. Choosing an employer who invests in you can be just as important as the job title you hold.

5. Think Long-Term and Stay Resilient

Finally, career advancement is not always about moving quickly — it's about moving wisely. Hitchings emphasizes that if you're in a healthy environment where you're learning and growing, consider staying put long enough to lead projects and demonstrate results. Those accomplishments become powerful stories on your resume and in your next interview. At the same time, remember that planning skills are transferable. If your path shifts — from practice to policy, or even from another profession into planning — there's space in this field for your talents. The right fit is out there.

Invest, Connect, and Keep Growing

These are challenging times, but we're also in a moment of uncharted possibility. By investing in yourself, building community, seeking out supportive workplaces, and staying resilient, you can position yourself for a fulfilling career in planning. And know this: you're not on the journey alone. APA is here to support you with resources, connections, and a community that wants to see you thrive.

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