Transport planner : Career development

Currently, there is a great demand for qualified transport planners. Road user charging schemes and transport improvements for the London Olympics will further increase employment opportunities across the country as consultancies and contractors use all available resources.

Promotion usually involves taking on increased responsibilities, starting with the technical aspects of larger-scale projects and then staff management. It may be necessary to move to a post in a different public sector body or consultancy to achieve promotion. This might involve relocating to another part of the country, although this is unlikely to be the case in a large city. Movement between the public and private sectors does occur, although there are differences between the two, making transfer less appropriate at more senior levels.

A relevant Masters degree facilitates career progression, and some employers sponsor employees through Masters degrees on a part-time basis.

Chartered status of one of the following relevant professional bodies can also aid career development (many employers will have a preference as to which one you join):

• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)
• Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)