Marc Mintz
BA Geography 2005, Minor Environmental Studies, Certificate in Urban Planning

While getting my degree in Geography, I worked for the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District as an environmental planner specializing in water resource permitting and environmental analysis.  After finishing my studies, I moved to Eugene, Oregon in September to work for the Lane Council of Governments as a water resources planner through an Americorps program administered by the University of Oregon’s (UO) Department of Planning, Public Policy, and Management Community Service Center.  The program is called Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE:http://rare.uoregon.edu/ ) and aims “to increase the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions, through the assistance of trained graduate-level participants who live and work in communities for 11 months (1,700 hours).”  In exchange for my service I receive a $4,725.00 educational reward, nine credits in the UO Masters of Community and Regional Planning (CRP) program, a small monthly stipend, health insurance, and Oregon residency.  After my service is completed in August I plan on beginning a dual masters program in CRP and Public Administration at the UO.

Whether you are looking for that first planning job or just a change of scenery, I strongly encourage people to look into this or similar service learning programs for the truly unique experiences and opportunities they provide.