Hannah Cacner

Why pursue a Master of Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Tech?
Current DC campus student Hannah Cacner shares her experience:

What attracted you to the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program at Virginia Tech originally?
There were a number of factors that drew me to the VT MURP, the largest of which were the location, affordability, and flexibility of the program. When I applied I was already working full-time in the DC area. Because the classes are in the evenings and the Virginia Tech Northern Virginia campus is right down the road from me, I did not have to put my career on pause to pursue a Master's degree.
 
What are 1 or 2 things you have come to appreciate about the program since you began?
I’ve really come to appreciate the wide variety of courses that are available to me as a student. Urban planning is a very diverse field and I’ve loved having the opportunity to take courses across a wide array of sub-disciplines.
 
What would you like to do after you graduate?
I'm very passionate about the provision of safe pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, so I'd like to work for a city as a Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner, or for a non-profit organization in a similar capacity.
 
How is the MURP program preparing you for that goal?
During both of my semesters in the MURP program so far, I've been fortunate enough to take classes that focused on sustainable
transportation. Next year, I'm also planning to take a studio course in which I'll be able to have hands-on experience with bicycle and pedestrian planning for a local municipality.
 
In what ways do you feel connected to your classmates and the program? 
It's been great to meet and connect with so many other people who share similar professional interests with me. My background is in geography and I currently work as a GIS analyst, so prior to entering the program, I hadn't had the opportunity to meet many planners or those with similar research/professional interests.
 
Overall, how do you feel about your decision to study at VT for a MURP?
I am very happy with my decision to study at Virginia Tech for my MURP degree. My experience so far has been nothing but positive.