Passenger transport manager : Entry requirements

Although this is a career open to all graduates, a relevant degree/HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• transport management and planning;
• logistics;
• business studies/management;
• mathematics;
• town planning;
• civil engineering;
• economics;
• geography;
• marketing.

Because of the nature of the skills required, professionals working in transport can come from many different disciplines and, generally speaking, personal skills and experience are more important than the degree subject. Major suppliers of passenger transport run graduate management training courses open to graduates from a wide range of subjects.

Transport managers working in local authorities often have a degree in a relevant transport or engineering subject, such as transport planning and management, transport studies, civil engineering or transportation.

Postgraduate courses in transport studies are available, but a pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential.

Entry without a degree may be possible for those with relevant sector experience.

Relevant work experience in a customer-focused environment, or general management experience from any other sector, will be an advantage.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• a commitment to teamwork;
• leadership and motivational skills;
• organisational and time-management skills;
• project management skills;
• financial and commercial awareness;
• flexibility and the ability to think logically and make quick decisions;
• IT skills;
• an understanding of the transport sector.

Some companies operate abroad or deal with international passengers, so language skills can be useful. A clean driving licence may also be necessary.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.