Katie Caskey

Senior Planner,
Minnesota Department of Transportation

Degree: MURP 2009
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Why did you choose the Humphrey School?
I chose the Humphrey School for two main reasons. First, because it's a planning school located within a policy school. The other planning schools I was considering were in schools of design. I thought that the planning/policy relationship would be more beneficial. Also, I knew I would be looking to stay around the Twin Cities after graduation. And there really isn't a better option than the Humphrey School in terms of networking in the Twin Cities.

How is the Humphrey unique?
I think the most unique thing about the Humphrey School is its extensive network and fantastic reputation in the Twin Cities area. Being a Humphrey graduate really does give you an advantage when searching for jobs. The Humphrey network is absolutely why I have my current job!

How did your experiences at the Humphrey shape your career?
Given my undergraduate degree in architecture, I went to graduate school in planning thinking that I would end up on the design side of planning. But through my time at the Humphrey School, I became much more interested in the policy side of planning. Also, the research opportunities I had while at the Humphrey School solidified my interested in transportation planning.

What is your job?
I am transportation planner at MnDOT in the Office of Statewide Multimodal Planning. Our office coordinates planning across modes and across the state, within MnDOT and with partner agencies.

April, 2013