(Describer) Title: I Can Be Anything I Want to Be, A to Z. The title turns and the background opens to the Career Lab, with kids working at different stations.

[upbeat music]

♪

Guys, my research into sociologists is really intriguing. They observe how people act in society and interact with each other. They can then forecast trends that impact how communities are managed and grow. Landscape architects can impact neighborhoods too; for example, by building peaceful pathways or beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, like a yard or a park. Max, what are you doing? Don't worry, Quinn, I'm checking your lungs, like a medical doctor. They use tools like this stethoscope to diagnose illnesses, like the flu. I learned that there's a need for more family doctors. Quinn, you sound okay, but you might want a second opinion.

[pinging]

(Describer) On a screen...

[pings] (female) Attention, attention.

The Office of the Alphabet is calling with an urgent career request. Please stand by. Get that second opinion later. We've got more careers to investigate.

(Describer) They go to the screen, which goes through different letters.

[beeping]

(Describer) It stops.

"U"! Unique. U--I wonder if I have any careers with a "U." Ultrasound technician? Upholsterer. Umpire--someone who calls the balls and strikes in a baseball game.

(Describer) On the screen...

[pings]

Urban planner? Urban? Does that have to do with cities? As a matter of fact, it does.

To learn more... [pings]

we'll talk to an urban planner named JM. I'm JM Rayburn, an urban planner with the City of Dublin. Can you tell us what an urban planner is? We look at the design and function of cities. We work with communities and city staff to review products and determine the best development or building for different parts of the city. JM, what do you do day-to-day on your job? Regarding urban planning, I do what's called "comprehensive planning." Every day, I meet with members of the city staff and we discuss projects within our community. The Bridge Street District is an exciting area that is undergoing some urban-planning work. Now, we're looking to take an old, tired part of town and remake it into a "mixed-use development," which combines housing and shopping into one building. Looking at projects like Bridge Street, we often use 3D modeling and computer-based software to show how the project could appear when finished. Besides comprehensive planning, what other types of work can urban planners do? As an urban planner, you can work in different areas. Some include working in environmental planning, transportation, and in housing. JM, urban areas should be more fun. How about adding a waterslide or roller coaster downtown? I don't know about that, but we could add a new park or playground. Oh! That's something a landscape architect could help with. Thanks for talking to us today, JM. Thanks, Lab Squad, for letting me share my career.

(Describer) She presses a button.

[pings]

Urban planners have to combine many skills-- a little design, a little sociology... and a whole lot of problem-solving. Imagine what parks and cities will be like in the future! Kids everywhere will love this career! We have to tell them about it first. Right.

(Describer) Titles: Think TV, CET, Public Media Connect. Copyright 2017 Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.