On April 22nd, the American Planning Association, Pennsylvania Chapter, Southeast Section (APAPASE) and Temple University’s Student Planning Organization (TSPO) hosted a Zoom College Outreach and Engagement Panel Event. Graduate planning students from schools in the Philadelphia region – including Bryn Mawr College, Temple University, UPenn, and West Chester University – participated in the hour-long event, which was moderated by Andrew Halt (TSPO President). Panelists consisted of three APAPAPASE members:
- John Federico, PE, AICP, a project manager with over 20 years of professional experience in multimodal transportation planning and design, including bicycle, pedestrian, transit, parking, and integrated land use-transportation projects.
- Lorianne DeFalco, AICP, a technical director and LEED Green Associate with over 15 years of experience in the environmental consulting, planning, and engineering industry.
- Matthew Popek, AICP, a Transportation Planning Assistant Manager at Montgomery County Planning Commission, and a former TSPO President.
With a mix of environmental and transportation disciplines and public and private sector background experience, the panelists provided perspectives on the current entry-level hiring process and opportunities, as well as personal career movement. The panel answered questions related to experiences on work styles, recent project assignments, and on-the-ground community engagement. The event was a success and APAPASE is looking forward to future events with planning programs within the Philadelphia region.
