Last updated on Jun 23, 2024

Here's how you can expand your network as an urban planner through professional associations.

As an urban planner, expanding your professional network is crucial for career growth and staying abreast of the latest industry trends. Professional associations offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with peers, learn from experts, and contribute to the advancement of urban planning. By engaging with these organizations, you can enhance your professional profile, gain new insights, and build lasting relationships that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.

1 Join Groups

Joining professional associations specific to urban planning is a powerful way to meet like-minded professionals. These groups often hold regular meetings, workshops, and conferences where you can interact with fellow urban planners. By attending these events, you can share your experiences, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions. It's an excellent way to stay informed about new developments in the field and to establish yourself as a proactive member of the urban planning community.

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Ali Khodabandeh

Regional Planning Student | GIS | SPSS
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Joining professional associations in urban planning offers numerous opportunities for professional development and networking. Attending meetings, workshops, and conferences allows for the exchange of experiences, discussion of challenges, and collaboration on solutions, which can enhance knowledge and skills. Additionally, participating in these events keeps you informed about new developments in the field and helps establish you as an active member of the urban planning community. However, involvement in these associations requires time and financial investment, which may not be feasible for all professionals. Therefore, it is important to weigh these benefits against your resources and priorities.

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Irimar Palombo

Facility Management at SESC SP Serviço Social do Comércio and President at ABRAFAC Associação Brasileira de Property, Workplace and Facility Management.
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This is the best way to be with professionals of different companies. Networking is one of the best reasons. There you know people which work at same área indiferente companies you never know the opportunities you can meet, at least someone to call when you are in doubt or needing some technical advice! The market will know that you are part of it, you are of the team of professionals in that field. In Brazil we have ABRAFAC, and I am honored to be its VP.

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2 Attend Events

Attending events organized by professional associations can be a game-changer for your network. Conferences, seminars, and networking mixers are prime venues for exchanging ideas and business cards. Make it a point to introduce yourself to speakers and participants, as these individuals could be potential mentors, employers, or partners in future projects. Remember, each event is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression and forge new connections.

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Irimar Palombo

Facility Management at SESC SP Serviço Social do Comércio and President at ABRAFAC Associação Brasileira de Property, Workplace and Facility Management.
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This is the best way to be seen, sharing your knowledge will make people to look for you as a reference in specific topics. You become updated and know what is happening around.

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3 Volunteer Roles

Taking on volunteer roles within professional associations can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility. By contributing your time and skills to committees or special projects, you demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to lead. These roles can also provide you with access to a more exclusive circle of professionals, including seasoned planners and association leaders, who can offer guidance and opportunities for advancement.

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Irimar Palombo

Facility Management at SESC SP Serviço Social do Comércio and President at ABRAFAC Associação Brasileira de Property, Workplace and Facility Management.
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Volunteering is the most genuine way to connect with other professionals and show who you are. Working on tasks together is the most effective way to get to know other people. In the association I participate in, we have study committees where no one is a manager or director; everyone is a curious professional working on specific topics. This is definitely the best networking.

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4 Share Expertise

Sharing your expertise by presenting at association events or writing for their publications can establish you as a thought leader in urban planning. This not only benefits your peers by providing them with valuable insights but also puts your name in the spotlight. As you contribute more, your reputation will grow, leading to more invitations to speak or write, thus expanding your network even further.

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5 Build Relationships

Building lasting relationships within professional associations goes beyond exchanging business cards. Engage in meaningful conversations, follow up with new contacts, and offer your assistance when possible. By showing genuine interest in others' work and sharing your own experiences, you create a foundation for mutually beneficial relationships that can evolve over time and lead to collaborative projects or job opportunities.

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6 Stay Active

Staying active in professional associations is key to maintaining and expanding your network. Regularly participate in events, continue sharing your knowledge, and keep in touch with the contacts you've made. Being consistent in your involvement ensures that you remain on the radar of your peers and that your network continues to grow as you meet new members and strengthen existing relationships.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Urban Planning

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Here's how you can expand your network as an urban planner through professional associations.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Join Groups

2 Attend Events

3 Volunteer Roles

4 Share Expertise

5 Build Relationships

6 Stay Active

7 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

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Here's how you can expand your network as an urban planner through professional associations.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Join Groups

2 Attend Events

3 Volunteer Roles

4 Share Expertise

5 Build Relationships

6 Stay Active

7 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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