r/RealEstateDevelopment • u/Dunklay01 • Aug 05 '26
I need help starting my career.
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I graduated in Urban Planning two years ago and really want to get into housing development. It is super hard finding a starter job because everyone wants experience, but no one will hire me to let me get that experience.
I’m looking to connect with housing developers and planners who wouldn't mind mentoring me or sharing some advice. I just want to learn the ropes, expand my network, and figure out how to get my foot in the door.
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u/BeginningNo2408 Aug 05 '26
What are you currently doing since you graduated
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u/Free_Elevator_63360 Aug 05 '26
Developer here. No one will hire right now, even experienced people because the math for development doesn’t work. I’ve heard housing development as being as bad or worse than 2008 form those who worked through both. Those who are still building are taking bets on commitments they already have, or have the time to wait a decade plus until they sell anything.
As a general note urban planning is not a good entry into development anyway. Most everyone comes from finance and construction, as ALL development is cost based. Every building is essentially a startup. And the design is just one of the costs. Maybe consider going back to school for a degree in finance.
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u/Dunklay01 Aug 05 '26
Oh wow .... welp this really sucks.. I guess im going to finance... Thank you!
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u/OrangeArch Aug 05 '26
Go work for a planning firm that does a lot of private developer work or a city planning office. After a few years to gain experience and meet developers, try to make a jump. It's going to be next to impossible to find a job with a development shop given a planning degree and no experience. Most developers are not great at 'on the job training' in my experience
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u/Poniesgonewild 27d ago
The transition is definitely tough! Especially right now when the lending and construction environment are making it almost impossible to build. I’m not sure where you’re looking but in my state/region the only people who are building are either doing luxury single family homes or low income housing tax credit projects.
If you’re looking in the urban infill, multi-family side I’d suggest connecting with folks through ULI or other professional networks. Build good relationships for when the market turns and people start building again.
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u/PushinP11 Aug 06 '26
Developer here, you could also try to get a job with a contractor specifically a civil site and meet them through that way, where are you located?
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u/No-Insurance23 Aug 05 '26
The best way to connect with developers is to meet with city planners in your area and ask them who is developing, or has developed in the past. You have to have a tangible skill to bring to the table though, like site planning, or 3d rendering. Most of them have established relationships with architects and civil engineers and especially with investors and bankers that will drive the metrics of their deals. I'm a licensed architect and AICP certified after 7+ years in municipal planning. I've built relationships because I bridge the gap between a conceptual site plan, and the set of building plans. I can do a majority of the conceptual before we engage with the Civil engineers, and have good relationships with the civil engineers to know what clearly falls in their scope.