The Future Planners Program supports students and emerging planners as they prepare to transition from their studies into the planning profession. Through professional development, career resources, networking opportunities, and connections with participants, students build the skills and confidence needed to take the next step in their careers.
In this Q&A, we catch up with Dylan Teply about their experience in the Future Planners Program, the lessons and connections they gained along the way, and how the program has helped shape their next steps as a future planner.
What inspired you to participate in the Future Planners Program?
What inspired me to participate in this program was being able to attend the FUSION 2026 conference and the opportunity to meet planners like me starting out across Canada. It was my first time ever attending a planning conference, so I didn’t really know what to expect, but having this opportunity of a small cohort of peers encouraged me to apply. In addition, building my connections was an important aspect. Planning is such a huge profession, but it is such a small world where almost everyone knows each other.
What was the most valuable part of your Future Planners Program experience?
Knowing that I was the only person in the program from Alberta made me feel kind of proud that I was representing my province, and being able to meet planners from there easily was so worth it! Two sessions that stood out to me were the all-women panel of presidents of various national planning institutions and Honourable Bob Rae’s keynote. Through another session, I learned how important it is to be resilient and that it is okay to burn out. Planners do many other jobs on top of their own, so building and knowing a variety of skills is valuable. Likewise, being able to talk about and hear about the challenges and successes of planning with people new and old to the industry was really comforting. It made me realize that we all go through similar things and can pick ourselves back up.
How did the program help you build connections within the planning profession?
Through this program, I was able to connect with practicing planners and other students. I found the Pheedloop app to be very helpful in finding and connecting with planners in my neck of the woods. I especially found the student networking lunch to be very helpful in meeting more planners from Alberta; and I was able to connect with people from Calgary through the Masquerade Mystique. I learned more about the different paths that planners can take in their careers and all the places they can go! This program really allowed me to engage and network with my peers.
What did you learn about yourself as an Emerging Planner through your participation in the Future Planners Program?
This program really helped solidify my interests in planning and my career goals. A common theme was to start small and rural and then make your way up. That was something I already had in mind, so it was nice to hear that. I found new interests to add to my list of plenty. I am really into transportation and community development and now I am also interested in regional planning and climate change planning, among others. One thing that I highlighted in my conversations with other planners was GBA+ and how few planners knew there was a name for something we do every day. It is my personal mission to ensure that GBA+ is advocated for and that planners know the name for what we do.
How has the Future Planners Program influenced your plans for the next stage of your career?
I would say it influenced my plans a lot. Going into this program, I only had a few interests and did not really have eyes open to what else planners could do. This program has clarified what I want to do after graduation. Through my newfound connections, I seek to continue to ask questions about planning and seek help in areas that I am stuck in. I am mostly looking forward to continuing my education in a planning master’s program and slowly checking off the list of the road to RPP.
What advice would you give to students considering the Future Planners Program?
I would say go for it! It is such a great opportunity to connect with peers and mentors. I thoroughly enjoyed the program, and I feel it has opened many doors for me in my future as a professional planner. The advice that I would give is to get involved and check out lots of the panels and sessions. Be engaged in each panel you attend and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Is there anything you would like to share with CIP members?
I really enjoyed this program and this year’s conference that brought me back to the city I love the most! I would like to shout out the amazing planners that I was able to connect with and get to know; it was such a pleasure to meet them. Also, thank you to this program’s organizers and my fellow future planners in this first cohort that I had the pleasure of getting to know!
Want to get more involved in the planning community?
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