The Practitioner's View of Social Planning

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Abstract
This article reports on a study of recent graduates of planning and public policy schools who consider social policy planning to be their primary professional practice interest. Information collected on the job tasks performed and the skills used on the job suggests that skill needs on the job are somewhat different from the skills training received in the professional schools. On the basis of actual job activities these social planners can be organized into six planning roles. There is little difference in job holding and professional work between those trained in planning and public policy schools. An examination of the fit between their education and their professional experience shows that these planners found their training lacking in communications skills and an understanding of the context of practice. Their experience raises questions about the appropriate education for practice.

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