CAREERS IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

I am currently working as a Grants Manager with the State of Kansas in Topeka, Kansas.

While my current position has been a blessing, I would like to get back into the planning profession, particularly transportation planning, as I believe it offers the best opportunities for long-term career growth, challenging opportunities, and a better ability to put my skills to use. In my current organization, I am limited in career development, as there are not many other civilian positions to move into. My current organization is a law enforcement-oriented organization.

I received my Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Kansas. Related planning experience includes a summer planning internship with the City of Lenexa, Kansas, as well as working as Planning and Zoning Coordinator for the City of DeSoto, Kansas. My undergraduate degree is in Political Science from the University of Iowa.

Your candor and insight on the following is greatly appreciated:

1. Would I best served to not pursue getting back into planning due to being away from the profession for several years?
2. Would I need to go back to school and take more planning classes in order to get back into the transportation planning profession?
3. Would I need to take an internship as opposed to pursuing entry-level positions initally?

I am very serious about wanting to make a career transition. Your time and interest in reading my forum posting was very gracious.

Thanks!