The Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) has urged budding town planners to invest in skill development and deepen involvement in professional activities.
Chairman of ATOPCON Lagos state chapter, Dr David Olawale, who spoke at the Southwest regional dialogue organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners’ Young Planners Forum, said the challenges that could hinder their aspirations are surmountable if they remain focused.
Olawale, who was the guest speaker at the forum, pointed out that the young planners must prioritise skills development, be focused and maintain integrity for relevance in the profession.
Speaking on the theme: “Career Advancement Strategies in Private Practice: A Guide for Emerging Town Planning Consultants’’, he highlighted challenges in advancing career in urban planning to include inexperience, the fear of the unknown, initial capital to establish, absence of mentorship, competition in the market, as well as economic challenge.
However, he argued that young planners should consider starting on a low key, as there are prospects for survival in the profession.
According to him, the prospect for young planners is centred on the availability of jobs depending on the level of knowledge, skills and exposures, leveraging technologies as an added advantage.
“What you know about Information Communication Technology (ICT), the older generation didn’t know it or have the skill. There are different areas of specialisation, including transportation, environmental management, mapping, and data management. Also, you don’t have to get a big office before you can start,” Olawale said.
On strategies for advancing a career in urban planning, he challenged the practitioners to believe in their capacity and ability, explore partnership/collaboration and develop skills that can make them stand out among their peers.
Other strategies for career development in the town planning profession, according to him, include continuous learning, adequate and prompt service delivery, readiness to make sacrifices and active participation in professional activities.
