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 at Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council, visit metrocouncil.org/Employment.
How did you begin your career at Metro Transit?
My dad was a Metro Transit bus operator for 29 years and encouraged me to build a career here. I started as a bus operator in 1996 and after three years moved into Bus Maintenance as a cleaner/helper. Before coming to Metro Transit, I’d worked in retail and customer service, including at an auto parts store, so I had the experience I needed to join Material Management as a stockkeeper. Since then, I’ve held almost every position at every location. I get to meet people throughout the organization, which would not have been possible in other departments. In December 2021, I was promoted to supply chain supervisor. Today, I lead a team of 15 people at six work sites and help the department run as smoothly as possible. Since we work with every department, we have the opportunity to make a real impact.
What were your career goals and what steps did you take to achieve them?
I'd always thought about advancing and took advantage of every opportunity I could, including LOD leadership classes, MentoringWorks, and Council Leaders programs. As I was watching other people move up, the common denominator seemed to be education. So, I started an accelerated night program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Working, raising two young children, and going to school was like having three full-time jobs at the same time! But it reminded me to never lose the desire to keep learning and completely changed my worldview.
What advice do you have for others who want to take on more or different responsibilities?
If you’re not sure what you want to do, find out what you’re made for by taking several skills assessments. One such assessment I really appreciated is Career Direct, which considers your attributes and gives you careers that fit those skillsets. From there, look around the organization and see what kind of paths there are to grow in current areas or expand into new ones. Most importantly, be patient with yourself – you’re going to start in one direction then life is going to swing you another way. The quicker you can let go of things and focus on doing whatever you’re doing to the best of your ability, the better off you’ll be.