Job market/profession of a professional planner vs. that of a policy analyst MPA/MPP

[flexicitus]

Dear all,
Thanks so much for this forum. I am considering between a professional degree in urban planning and a professional degree in public policy.

I am wondering if any of you would be kind enough to speak on the topic of the current state of the job market for professional planners and fresh graduates of planning programs in Ontario.

Thanks!

Flex

 

[ShonTron]

Just a note - I have removed this identical thread in P&C and moved it here from Transportation.

A question like this is probably best here. As well, threads/posts should be posted once. Just so you know.

Otherwise, welcome!

 

[Hypnotoad]

I am recent MPA grad with an even more recent job as result. I can tell you that the job market is find for MPAs but access to this market is extremely difficult. Most competitions run in government (all orders of) are usually internal and very lengthy. The competitions that are open to the outside rarely yield results for external applicants.

My recommendation is to go to a school that offers co-op and then use that as a method for being recruited into government.

 

[Hydrogen]

I'm not sure if you want to just focus on planning with respect to public administration, but with an MPA you should try the Public Service Commission in Ottawa. There are a number of initiatives to bring in recent graduates. There are waves of boomer retirements coming up, so its worth the effort to get your foot in the door.

 

[flexicitus]

Thanks for all your generous comments and inputs. In response to some of the questions raised, I am trying to decide between an MPl (or its variations) or an MPA/MPP. (TOO BAD we don't have a dual degree program in Ontario.) Some of the factors I am considering are: viability of job market, difficulty in advancement or even access to the job market itself, potentiality in the field of community-urban design/social planning or policy, and finally value-for-money in terms of its appeal to both private, public, and not-to-profit sectors.

The co-op idea is definitely something right on the money. I am volunteering in fields related to my interests and hope something nice will come my way as a result.

Thanks again!!

Flex