Students and New Planners
Make Connections to Launch and Advance Your Career
You're excited about making a difference in your community, and you're not alone!
Whether you're a planning student or a new planner, APA will help you gear up for the career you want.
Socialize for Success
Connect with peers and pros on campus and in communities.
- Planning Student Organizations interact with students, faculty, and local communities.
- Young Planners Groups network with professional planners at the chapter level, opening opportunities to find mentors, plan and attend events, and volunteer.
- Join an APA division and share your interest in a planning specialty.
Be a Leader
Add your voice to the national planning conversation.
- Write for the APA Blog.
- Present at the National Planning Conference, or review session proposals.
- Join the Planners' Advocacy Network.
- Serve on APA's Student Representatives Council.
Get Recognized
Compete for awards, scholarships, and fellowships from APA, its chapters and divisions, and other organizations.
- APA Scholarships
- APA Outstanding Student Awards
- Enter the Student Planning and Design Competition at NPC
- Chapter and division scholarships, grants, writing competitions, and more!
Students and New Planners Blog Posts
December 4, 2023
Career Advice for Planning Students
September 20, 2023
The New Nicollet Redevelopment: Reimaging New Places and Opportunities
August 22, 2023
Getting Hired: Answering Tough Interview Questions
July 13, 2023
Opportunity Unbound Scholarship Recipient Reflects on First NPC
June 26, 2023
Designing the Future of Planning: Success of the 2023 Student Design Competition
March 3, 2023
Understanding a Career in Urban Design
December 7, 2022
Finding Meaning in Municipal Careers: Insights From Planning Directors
March 27, 2020
Career Advice for Recent Grads: Navigating the Pandemic