Case studies : Transport planner: Lindsey Turner

Lindsey works as a transport planner at a consultancy in Birmingham. She graduated from the University of Derby in 2008 with a degree in geography and accounting.

Up until my last semester at university, I was unsure on what career path I wanted to follow when I graduated. This changed when I undertook a module in transport geography in my final semester. It made me realise that we are all affected by transport issues to some extent in our day to day lives. Necessity of movement makes transport vital to modern society and our lives and I wanted to be involved in this and make a difference to transport in the future.

I studied geography at university and found that this gave me a good background to transport which helped to secure my chosen position. Other parts of my degree such as data analysis, being able to extract and process relevant information from large amounts of data and being able to produce well written reports have also proved imperative to the job.

I originally applied online and was then asked to attend a two-day graduate assessment event. This involved completing various tests such as numerical, verbal and logical assessments. It also included an interview discussing my skills and the reasoning behind wanting to work for the company. After being told I had been successful in the assessment process, I had an interview at my chosen office with my potential managers.

I would suggest that potential transport planners take time to read up on current events in the news and to read transport publications. I also think it is important to show your potential employer that you are keen and enthusiastic with a willingness to learn.

My day to day role involves accessibility planning for a variety of clients. I have also been involved in undertaking post-opening evaluations of Highways Agency schemes and survey and data analysis. However, the role as a transport planner is varied and there are numerous opportunities in areas such as traffic modelling, safety audits, travel plans, walking/cycling studies, to name just a few.

One of the best parts of the job is the variety of work that I have been able to undertake as a graduate. This has given me the chance to see what type of work I enjoy and do best and to give me a well rounded knowledge in transport planning. I have also been involved in some very interesting projects and there are always new things to learn. I find that I have the benefit of working as part of a small team but while also having the benefits of working for a big company with lots of opportunities.

I would like to gain chartered status and progress to the role of a senior manager where I would like to be increasingly involved in winning work and developing the business in my specialist area of accessibility planning.

Occasionally, pressures of working to tight deadlines and managing client expectations can be difficult. However, I find working in this challenging environment to be rewarding.