Students and New Planners
Make Connections to Launch and Advance Your Career
You're excited about making a difference in your community, and you're not alone!
Whether you're a planning student or a new planner, APA will help you gear up for the career you want.
Socialize for Success
Connect with peers and pros on campus and in communities.
- Planning Student Organizations interact with students, faculty, and local communities.
- Young Planners Groups network with professional planners at the chapter level, opening opportunities to find mentors, plan and attend events, and volunteer.
- Join an APA division and share your interest in a planning specialty.
Be a Leader
Add your voice to the national planning conversation.
- Write for the APA Blog.
- Present at the National Planning Conference, or review session proposals.
- Join the Planners' Advocacy Network.
- Serve on APA's Student Representatives Council.
Get Recognized
Compete for awards, scholarships, and fellowships from APA, its chapters and divisions, and other organizations.
- APA Scholarships
- APA Outstanding Student Awards
- Enter the Student Planning and Design Competition at NPC
- Chapter and division scholarships, grants, writing competitions, and more!
Students and New Planners Blog Posts
August 22, 2023
Getting Hired: Answering Tough Interview Questions
July 13, 2023
Opportunity Unbound Scholarship Recipient Reflects on First NPC
June 26, 2023
Designing the Future of Planning: Success of the 2023 Student Design Competition
December 7, 2022
Finding Meaning in Municipal Careers: Insights From Planning Directors
March 27, 2020
Career Advice for Recent Grads: Navigating the Pandemic
July 24, 2019
Emerging Professionals Plug Planning Across Borders
April 22, 2019
Street Air on Earth Day
July 17, 2018
APA Ambassador Brings Children’s Workshop to Life in Texas