An Invitation to Mentor the Next Generation of Planners

The Community and Regional Planning program at the University of Nebraska Lincoln has been intentional about strengthening connections between our students and the wider planning community throughout its existence since the 1970’s.  Although the program has faced challenges before, this is a critical time for planning in Nebraska and beyond. 

One of the most meaningful ways that we have increasingly focused on strengthening these connections is through our mentorship program and support for placing students at internships and planning jobs.  This has continued to grow thanks to the time and generosity of practitioners across Nebraska and beyond.

Our undergraduate and graduate students are preparing for careers in planning with interests that span housing, transportation, environmental planning, and community engagement. Alongside their coursework, many students are seeking opportunities to learn directly from people doing the work. Mentorship provides that bridge by offering perspective, professional context, and space for honest conversation about planning careers and practice.

This past year, mentors connected with students through various events, and now that we have overcome the urgent financial challenges at UNL, we are encouraged to move forward with our efforts to better prime our students for the workforce.

As we move into this semester, we are hoping to expand participation in our mentorship program. We are especially interested in connecting students with planners working in public agencies, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and related fields. Mentorship does not require a large time commitment.  In fact, we do everything possible to keep time and other commitments to this program at a minimum.  For many, this program has meant a few conversations over the course of the semester and a willingness to share experience and advice.

We see mentorship as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the planning program and the communities it serves. The support of practitioners, alumni, and partners has been especially meaningful over the past semester and continues to shape and inspire the direction of the program.

If you are a planning professional interested in mentoring a student, we would be glad to hear from you. Mentorship is one of the most direct ways to support future planners, and we welcome conversations with anyone interested in being part of that effort.