Career Worth Planning

Book excerpt: Now that your planning degree is in sight or in hand, how and where can you find your "dream job?" Once you're on the job, what can you do to not just survive, but thrive and avoid common professional pitfalls? In A Career Worth Planning, two veteran planners offer a road map for success. Packed with practical information and useful advice, it is must reading for planning students, new planners, and experienced planners looking to advance their careers. Career questions can paralyze beginning planners. What are the differences between working for a public planning agency or a private consulting firm? What does an employer look for in a job candidate? How can you set yourself apart from other job hunters through your resume and in an interview? A Career Worth Planning answers these tough questions and many others. But landing a job is only half the battle. Once you're there, how do you negotiate the career ladder, even in the most difficult circumstances? Here are nuggets of wisdom on how to deal with a bad boss, identify crucial "insiders" who can make or break your success on the job, clarify ethical conflicts, manage political land mines, and yes, even evaluate your job satisfaction and determine when you're ready to move on. Wherever you are along your career path, this book will help you assess your skills, preferences, and work style, and find the planning niche that fits you.