Srishti Jaipuria Headshot

Programs
Master of Urban and Regional Planning


CONNECT

/ Recent Taubman Graduate

Srishti Jaipuria

Going to school here has not only allowed me to grow as a planner in leaps and bounds, but it has also provided me with an incredibly supportive community of peers to learn from, lean on, and form long-lasting friendships.

Hometown
Maharashtra, India

Degree Program(s)
M.U.R.P.

Graduation Date
May 2023

Academic Areas of Interest
 Transportation Planning, Urban Informatics

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Traveling, reading, and listening to podcasts, Socializing

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
Everything about Taubman College felt right! The curriculum is constantly being updated to keep up with the new changes in the field and beyond. The professors at Taubman are involved in significant research projects, and students have the opportunity to collaborate with them on these exciting projects. Taubman College offers students incredible resources, such as academic advising, professional development opportunities, and career advising. Even though I am only in my third semester, I have become more confident in my abilities and am eager to take on more challenges.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
As an international student, the decision to attend Taubman was both exhilarating and daunting. What I value the most are the people and what I have learned from both peers and professors. I have grown tremendously not only as a planner but also as an individual. I have learned to give careful attention to each stage of the urban planning process, and I have collaborated with peers and mentors with vastly different skills and interests. There are numerous opportunities to learn new things at the Taubman, whether through a public lecture, an exhibition, or through peers. I have developed as a student who shares her voice and has become a more active member of my academic community. It is truly a place of acceptance, diversity, and group mentality. Going to school here has not only allowed me to grow as a planner in leaps and bounds, but it has also provided me with an incredibly supportive community of peers to learn from, lean on, and form long-lasting friendships.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
Taubman boasts exceptional resources. The faculty is engaged in pioneering and extraordinary research, including international research. There are ample opportunities to collaborate with them on these research projects. The professors are extremely approachable and I never felt intimidated to ask them questions. They go above and beyond to ensure a valuable learning experience. Taubman provides students with the perfect environment to cultivate their skills and achieve their academic goals.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
Through class projects and interactions with fellow students, I have gained confidence in both my technical and intellectual critical thinking skills. Over the course of the year, I have explored new career paths, especially in the areas of sustainability, urban informatics, and real estate. I have also developed the ability to seamlessly integrate my previous experiences with my current student life. Having studied urban planning in India, I have learned to effectively apply international planning concepts to my education in the US.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
At Taubaman, students have numerous opportunities to participate in real-world problem-solving through planning. Students can choose a capstone, a thesis track, or a six-credit professional project with a client. Additionally, grants and fellowships like the Dow Fellowship provide funding for grassroots research and real-world problem-solving initiatives. Taubaman also offers a variety of job opportunities, including work in the Fabrication Lab, Library, Career Services, Admissions, and more. Students also have the opportunity to serve as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) for classes both within and outside of Taubman, which offers a great opportunity to work with students across all years and programs. This position is valuable as it provides a tuition waiver for the semester and a monthly stipend.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Refresh your skills, including Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, or Google Slides, ArcGIS. If you aren’t familiar with these softwares, do not worry, you will get to learn and explore them in your coursework and projects. If you have a particular course in mind, research the course and familiarize yourself with the instructors, their work, and the resources available at the school, such as labs and books. Spend time reading books like Color of Law and Human Transit. Consider implementing time-management techniques. The more time-saving tips you can gather, the more advantageous it will be. Be sure to take some time for rest and relaxation before the start of the semester.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
Be compassionate, flexible, kind, and inquisitive. When exploring new ideas and ways of thinking, be deliberate and confident. Utilize the Taubman alumni network, as it is welcoming and willing to provide constructive feedback on your work. Stay focused on your long-term goals and make the most of your time in the two-year Taubman program, as it flies by.