Many people who work at Metro Transit take on new responsibilities and roles throughout their careers. Career Tracks highlights the paths employees have taken to their latest assignment and where they see themselves going next. To learn more about career opportunities, visit metrotransit.org/careers.
How did you begin your career at Metro Transit?
I came to transit in a roundabout way. I was in academic publishing, and when that industry bottomed out, I found myself out of work. I answered an ad to work in the Transit Information Center (TIC) and worked there for about four years answering phones and helping people understand how to use our transit network. I moved to Service Development in 2018 and now serve as a schedule coordinator assigned to East Metro Garage. There are about 1,300 trips, 200-plus operators and 130 buses out of this garage and it’s my job to figure out how to put all that together.
What were your career goals and what steps did you take to achieve them?
My career goal is not a specific title or role. Rather, I wanted to pursue new challenges that would allow me to grow personally and professionally. When working in the TIC, I was generally the first to jump at a task – even the especially tedious ones – so I could learn more about how a transit agency functions day-to-day. When I started in scheduling, I prioritized learning the HASTUS software, including its proprietary coding language, to fully leverage the software’s capability. There is an art to scheduling, which I continue to hone with each service change. In short, I plan to continue learning both the concept and techniques underpinning scheduling.
What advice do you have for others who want to take on more or different responsibilities?
Say yes to new opportunities. Be open to new possibilities. Be brave and get outside your comfort zone. I found that at this agency people genuinely want you to succeed if you apply yourself.
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If you’re looking for a rewarding career with outstanding benefits, explore openings and learn how to apply at metrotransit.org/careers