How to break into the transport sector
Post on: 2011-11-02 By: admin
Consultancies, local authorities and big operators are all options
Friday 28 October 2011 23.01 BST
How to break into the transport sector
This article was published on
guardian.co.uk
at 23.01 BST on Friday 28 October 2011.
A version appearedon p4 of the Work section ofthe Guardian
on Saturday 29 October 2011.
It was last modified at 00.09 BST on Saturday 29 October 2011.
Transport management is big business. But which way forward? Photograph: Scott Barbour
Transport in the UK is big business, even if funding has dropped off a cliff. Graduates in transport management (as opposed to logistics) can expect to do anything from helping develop local transport plans and policies, to working with schools and businesses to encourage alternatives to the car. Current emphasis tends to be on ways to better manage what the UK already has, rather than new infrastructure. Consultancies are an established career option, as are local authorities, and there are always opportunities with big transport operators, many of which operate internationally.Getting InDr Jeremy P Toner, director of learning and teaching, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds "There are a few universities that do undergraduate courses – but these are more geared towards logistics. Our BSc in economics and transport studies is aimed more towards those going into transport planning and problem solving. Lots of our graduates go on to work for consultancies, although we have a lot going to county councils."Most people in transport planning have a master's and we offer three; an MScEng in Transport Planning and Engineering, an MSc in Transport Planning and an MA in Transport Economics. Transport is not always something people think about when they're at school, so you often find that the people coming into it already have a degree in another discipline."Getting OnStuart Bromley, group practice manager at consultants Mott MacDonald"We are a global management, engineering and development consultancy with more than 14,000 staff, £1bn revenue and we work in 140 countries for the public and private sectors. As such, we look for an attitude and approach in graduates that reflects the ability and flexibility demanded by interesting and exciting projects."We provide a structured and fully-supported training programme, whether that be in engineering, environment or business disciplines within our transport sector work."Locations could be anywhere in the world, although the UK offers sufficient challenges for those less inclined to travel. Directly relevant degrees are not necessary; most important is aptitude, willingness to learn and the ability to work in a team environment."View From The InsideTom Key, website content manager, DFDS Seaways"I joined DFDS in June, having previously worked in the public sector on an online project. Day-to-day, I'm responsible for the online content about the Dover to Dunkirk route, creating videos, ensuring graphics adhere to brand guidelines, and so on."I'm also responsible for updating the company's international websites. This opportunity to dip in and out of overseas markets, and deal with different marketing messages, is particularly appealing – as has the opportunity to travel. I have just got back from France, where I met with a tourist board."Transport is a dynamic and innovative industry and there are still plenty of opportunities. My degree was in sociology and that gave me a good understanding of analytics, which has been vital in this role."Lisa Bachelor
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How to break into the transport sector
This article was published on
guardian.co.uk
at 23.01 BST on Friday 28 October 2011.
A version appearedon p4 of the Work section ofthe Guardian
on Saturday 29 October 2011.
It was last modified at 00.09 BST on Saturday 29 October 2011.
Comments in chronological order (Total 3 comments)
29 October 2011 11:43PM
It is worth noting that consultancies have laid off thousands between them in the transport sector over the last couple of years, including Mott McDonald.Other consultancies have increased the working hours in the week.
Despite the economic downturn, there should still be a demand for transport managers. In fact, if cars become less affordable, public transport may benefit and if the economy recovers, logistics should. Then there are possible careers in traffic management and planning.As with everything these days, nothing is certain.
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