More about Tyler
What is your current job and how did your planning degree prepare you for it?
I’m currently a Transit Service Planning II. My planning degree prepared me for this role by teaching me planning history and theory, which I still reference today. It gave me a strong understanding of how past decisions shape the communities we live in and where we need to move forward with more care. My program also encouraged my natural strengths, helping me understand how to contribute effectively on a team and leverage those skills throughout my career.
Why did you choose to study urban planning?
I chose to study Urban Planning because I believe in community-led planning at every level – without barriers to participation. Technical knowledge helps us understand how things work, but lived experience teaches us why they matter. Studying urban planning gave me the tools to bridge that gap and ensure that both expertise and experience shape the future of our communities.
What advice would you share with someone who is considering a career in urban planning?
My advice is to follow what genuinely interests you within the field. Urban planning is broad – there are great generalist roles to start in, but each specialization also has its own subfields. For example, I studied transportation planning and never expected to become a Transit Service Planner, but I’ve grown to love it. Be open to exploration; every experience can reveal new passions and possibilities in this industry.