A planner is someone who helps to organize events or projects. They may work with individuals, businesses, or government agencies to ensure that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. A planner might also be responsible for creating budgets, researching locations, and coordinating transportation and lodging.
Planner job duties include:
- Researching and analyzing data to support planning activities
- Developing long-term plans based on research and data analysis
- Identifying trends and patterns in data to support planning activities
- Developing short-term plans to address immediate needs or issues
- Coordinating with other departments or agencies to ensure efficient implementation of plans
- Monitoring progress of plans and making necessary adjustments
- Preparing reports on the status of plans and their outcomes
- Presenting plans to stakeholders for approval or feedback
- Revising plans as needed in response to changes or new information
Planner Job Requirements
Most planners have a bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, although some have a degree in a related field such as civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, or public administration. Many planners also have a master's degree in urban or regional planning. In order to be certified, planners must complete a professional planning program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board and pass a written examination. Most states also require planners to be licensed. To maintain their certification, planners must complete continuing education courses. Planners typically have several years of experience working in the planning field before becoming certified.
Planner Skills
- Time management
- Communication
- Organizational
- Writing
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Presentation
- Interpersonal
- Teamwork
- Leadership
Related: Top Planner Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Planner
There are many steps to becoming a planner. The first step is to get a degree in planning from an accredited university. Once you have your degree, you will need to pass the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam. After passing the AICP exam, you will need to find a job with a planning firm or local government. Once you have gained some experience, you can apply to become a certified planner through the AICP.
Related: Planner Resume Example