Transport managers play a key role in helping corporations meet the expectations of clients by overseeing the coordination of transport related issues within a business. Work can be of an administrative or project management nature as tasks can include monitoring costs, crisis management, developing transportation relationships, negotiating transportation fees or environmental management. Employers of transport managers may be logistics firms, private or public transportation providers, consultancies or freight companies and specialist qualifications can be obtained through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation.
Here are some insights from graduates working in the field of transport management;
1. Day-to-day tasks
‘A typical day will see me spending time and working on live projects within the various engineering departments. I am on a 16 month rotation which will see me spending time in each of the departments; after which, I will spend either eight months in one department, or four months in two departments, gaining a greater knowledge of how they operate. Depending on the department, each day can vary massively.’ Engineering Projects Coordinator – Graduate Trainee, at easyJet
‘I have been working in the Capital Development team which sits within the Roads Directorate. I am responsible for the development and delivery of road schemes on the Transport for London Route Network, specifically looking at the London Borough of Lambeth. These schemes can vary from pedestrian improvements, providing new cycling facilities etc.’ Graduate Transport Planner, at Transport for London
‘In the office for 4 days a week total, and normally have a combination of field work, site visits and meetings making up a fifth day. Not on rotation, but my department works on a wide range of projects so the work is varied.’ Assistant Consultant, Transport Consultancy at Steer Davies Gleave
2. Best and worst things about your job
‘Autonomy, freedom to develop personal experiences and portfolio, lots of experience within the business and many more willing to help. Hours risk being long and antisocial – but this can be mitigated by good time management and controlling what you get involved with.’ General Management Graduate, UK Bus at Arriva
‘Exciting and interesting work, which is making a real difference in one of the world’s greatest cities. Lots of support and encouragement from colleagues, who are all very welcoming towards graduates. Good work/life balance. A lot of red tape, which means it takes a long time to get things done.’ Transport Planner, at Transport for London
‘Extremely interesting and dynamic working day, great colleagues and fantastic work life balance. Frustration around the lack of communication within the business (although this is improving), and disappointing engagement between sites.’ Inbound Operations – Supply Chain Graduate, Steel Logistics at Tata Steel
3. Average working hours
8am – 5pm
4. Average graduate salary
£25,000 – £27,000
5. Interview tips
Application Advice: ‘Research the company extensively.’
Interview Advice: ‘Show enthusiasm for the subject for which you’re applying. This is nearly as important as having the experience in the subject, as you learn a lot of the skills on the job.’ Graduate Transport Planner, Transport Planning at WSP Group
Application Advice: ‘Do some research on the ways that TfL controls traffic in London before your assessment centre. In-depth knowledge is not required but some insight is helpful.’
Interview Advice: ‘Think about how you think different modes of transport in London should be prioritised in different situations.’ Graduate Traffic Control Engineer, Outcomes Management at Transport for London
Application Advice: ‘Make a simple and striking CV – demonstrating past relevant experience and/or a masters degree/relevant bachelors degree will help secure an interview.’
Interview Advice: ‘I dressed smart and turned up early. I discussed past experience and explained the relevance of my qualifications to the job. I tried to show my enthusiasm and interest – asking questions about the interviewers, what sort of work I might get to do if I got the job, as well as who I might work with / the team I would be in.’ Graduate Consultant, Transportation at AECOM Ltd
Click here for the full collection of graduate job reviews for jobs in the transport management field.
