Students

The Michigan Association of Planning (MAP) is the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). MAP supports our student members by providing education and networking opportunities throughout the year (such as the Student MAP Conference). 

Joining APA and MAP is free for students. Click below to join as a student through APA's website. 

Students: Join for Free Here    MAP Scholarships    APA Scholarships 

Roundtable mentoring sessions at the 2024 and 2025 Student MAP Conference: One of the many networking opportunities provided by MAP to connect students members to planning professionals.

The July 2025 Student Bulletin:

Active Planning Student Organizations in Michigan:

Michigan State University: Urban & Regional Planning Student Association (URPSA)

University of Michigan: The Urban Planning Students Association (UPSA)

Wayne State University: Wayne State Student Urban Planners (WSSUP)

Resources for students:

MAP Your Career Guides: Planning Career Paths

The planning field is incredibly diverse, and you may not realize the breadth of career paths available. While this list covers many common ones, it's not exhaustive. Here's a breakdown of different planning sectors and specializations.

MAP Your Career Guides: Portfolios

An effective portfolio can demonstrate not just what you’ve done, but how you think and solve problems. Not sure where to start or how to improve your current one? Check our guide on how planning students can stand out with a well-made portfolio.

MAP Your Career Guides: Planning Job Search Websites

Knowing where to search can make all the difference when it comes to finding your ideal role in urban planning. The number of job sites can be overwhelming, so here's a quick guide for planners.

MAP Your Career Guides: LinkedIn

New to LinkedIn? This guide provides essential tips on using LinkedIn to enhance your professional profile, connect with others in the planning community, and advance your career.

Why should I have a LinkedIn? Does it really matter? (Hint: 5.2% higher pay is associated with richer public profiles according to Harvard Business Review)

Emerging Planning Professionals: Career Building Resource Guidebook

Prepared by MAP's 2014 Emerging Planning Professionals Committee Members, the document guides networking, professional etiquette, job search resources, data resources, planning tools & training, and land use resources that planners find useful.

American Planning Association: Divisions

Do you have a planning specialty or interest areas? Choose from among 25 divisions and join a community of professionals with shared interests. Areas range from city, regional, rural, federal, and international planning to environmental, hazard mitigation, housing, and transportation planning to many more topics.

American Planning Association Planning Magazine: Keys to Effective Salary Negotiation

Want to know how planners can secure better pay, benefits, and work-life balance? APA wrote an article about this in November 2024. Check out these 4 tips to success.