Nature of work
A strategic planner, also known as an urban planner, can often be employed by a local government or an architectural firm. These people are in high demand, as cities look for ways to revitalize, especially downtown areas, and to use their land for the best possible purposes. A strategic planner works to allot community resources, particularly land, to be used for different purposes, including new subdivisions and other housing options, new businesses, and new areas for people to relax and enjoy themselves.A strategic planner helps with long-term community goals by looking at what already exists and what needs to happen to help a community reach its goals. He/she understands reports on street and highway capacity, water and sewer lines, existing community properties like schools and libraries, existing parks and housing areas, available airports in the area, demographic data, and economic and employment trends. Taking all this together, a strategic planner will help a community come up with a strategy for utilizing its resources well so that it can grow in better ways in the future.
Environment of work
The job of an urban strategic planner can be a somewhat stressful since this is usually a deadline-based job and since there is often political pressure from different parties to make certain decisions. Most planners work during the regular work week but also go to meetings with citizen’s groups or locals during the evenings and weekends.This job often involves travel within a limited community area since much of the decision making takes place on site. Most planners have an office where they keep records and may use computer programs, such as GIS, to create their plans.
Professional life
The demand for a strategic planner in urban and regional environments is expected to grow faster than average rate though competition for these jobs may be keen.As he/she gains experience, a strategic planner may move up to more advanced planning projects that involve more independent thinking or larger budgets. Often, planners move into other related jobs like economic development or community director.
The majority of strategic planners work for local and regional government organizations and should apply directly to these organizations after getting a master’s degree. While getting an education, a strategic planner could benefit from internship experience, which will set him/her apart from the crowd when job searching later on.
Range of typical starting salaries: 35000 SYP plus potential bonuses.
Getting the job
Even entry-level jobs in strategic planning require a Master’s degree in planning-related fields, including environmental planning, geography, or urban design. Undergraduate students can take classes in political science, environmental design, economics, geography, architecture, and a wide variety of other areas to prepare for graduate level work and eventual strategic planning positions.Some training is done on the job. At the beginning strategic planners often work with those who are more experienced and start by planning smaller projects.
Educational requirements typically include at least a bachelor's degree in economics, finance, business or a related discipline. Many of these professionals continue their education by obtaining training related to quality management practices and industry specific training. Employment opportunities may increase for those who obtain a master's in business administration.
Other qualifications include strong knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures related to the business discipline of the organization, as well as good judgment to plan and accomplish strategic goals.
Skills
A candidate should show evidence of the following skills:- Proven leadership abilities.
- Marketing background and strong analytical capabilities are must.
- Ability to think creatively and evidence of success in developing brands and delivering them to market.
Sources and references
If you a candidate needs any further information on what is included in this file, he/she can visit the following websites:- wwww.acsp.org, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning
- ww.isocarp.org, International Society of City and Regional Planners
- www.planning.org, American Planning Association
- Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
A strategic planner provides strategies for current and future growth of an organization by suggesting changes or improvements to current business plans, policies and procedures. In most cases, these professionals are part of human resources or the top executive team within an organization. Strategic planning requires extensive analysis of an organization's business goals and what factors will contribute to or impede the ability to obtain those goals.