Geography & Urban Studies

Are you interested in the role cities play in shaping the social, cultural, economic, political and environmental conditions of everyday life? Do you want to know more about the connection between global issues and local communities? The Department of Geography offers a BA Specialized Honours degree in Geography & Urban Studies for students who wish to focus on the most important challenges facing urban areas and the policy strategies needed to build sustainable cities in the future.

Career Options in Geography & Urban Studies

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Geography & Urban Studies. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Geography & Urban Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Geography & Urban Studies than others.

Author
Activist
Community Worker
Conservationist
Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Diplomat
Economist
Editor
Entrepreneur
Event Coordinator
Foreign Service Officer
Fundraising Coordinator
Historian
Human Rights Specialist
Immigration Officer
Industrial Relations Consultant
International Aid Director
International Development Worker

Journalist
Labour Relations Specialist
Lawyer
Legislative Aide
Lobbyist
Media Correspondent
Market Research Analyst
Non-Profit Administrator
Policy Advisor
Politician
Population Studies Analyst
Professor
Public Policy Analyst
Public Relations Specialist
Researcher
Social Program Director
Urban Planner
UN Representative

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Geography & Urban Studies Degree

A background in Geography & Urban Studies ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Geography & Urban Studies degree can help you develop:

Core Geography & Urban Studies Skills

An understanding of the global process of urbanization and the ability to critically analyze the complex ways in which global issues play out as local communities struggle over resources, services and public spaces.
Development of research skills and analytical methods required by today’s private and public sector employers.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Geography & Urban Studies that you may want to visit as you research career options for Geography & Urban Studies graduates.