Curtis Witek

MUPP 2016

Center for Neighborhood Technology

RainReady Associate

 

Can you describe your work and how your planning degree contributes to it?

​

As a member of the RainReady Community team, I currently support a variety of community-wide risk assessment and resilience planning projects. No two days are alike at CNT, and as a planner I have to quickly shift between a variety of tasks. These could include developing planning processes, facilitating community meetings, analyzing data, writing plans, and presenting to diverse stakeholders (in equally diverse settings). My planning degree has equipped me with conceptual models, pragmatic planning approaches, and technical skills that I draw upon on a daily basis.

 

What do you like most about your current job or related work in planning?

 

Working in a team setting, on complex projects that have uncertain outcomes is hard! At CNT, I am fortunate to work with very smart and creative team of colleagues that have a sincere interest in creating more sustainable and equitable communities.

 

What advice do you wish you had gotten as a MUPP or, conversely, what advice would you give to young planners today?

 

Really invest in your internships. The experiences you gain and the relationships you develop through internships and applied projects will be your greatest assets for finding a job after graduation.