Thea Wattam: Associate Transport Planner

Job title:

Associate Transport Planner at AECOM

Location:

Penryn, Cornwall

What inspired you to go into engineering?

An inspirational talk by a female Engineer in 6th form - until then, I thought engineering was all about machines.

What do you love about your job?

I love the variety of it! Transport affects everyone in so many interlinked ways, so my job can really change people's lives day to day. The problems I solve are often quite different and bespoke to the place and the people they relate to. I often have to build up a picture of somewhere with the data I have at hand, and understand the story of that place to know the problem (and then the solution).

How did you get your job?

My first employer asked me in my interview "how many new cars are bought in the UK every year?". I got my job not because I knew the answer, but because I worked through a plausible answer using the things I did know or could estimate e.g. the population of the UK, how many could/might drive, how many people shared a car, how often you might need a new car. The answer was irrelevant - my problem solving skills and willingness to have go were what got me the job.

What advice would you give to a young person looking to start a career in your industry?

Get interested in transport, and make that interest shine through. That might be reading about local transport issues and new improvements in your area, signing up to the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transport (CIHT) to get to know more about the hot topics in the industry, or getting some work experience with a local transport consultant or the Council.

What do you think will be the most exciting developments in your industry over the next 5-10 years?

AI will be a big thing in the way transport planners use time efficiently, and in the way our transport networks operate (think self-driving cars, driverless trains). I personally am excited at transport becoming more inclusive and bringing communities together more (think more/safer/greener space for walking and cycling, easier and more joined up public transport and affordable/better ticketing). Sometimes, small local changes can make the biggest impact!

Why would you encourage more girls to pursue a career like yours?

Our entire transport system in the UK has been historically designed by men, with men's 9-5 commuting patterns in mind, and mostly centred around the car. This doesn't always work well for women, who are often juggling many roles making lots of 'multi-chain' trips (e.g. from work, via the supermarket, then school drop off etc.). When we add climate worries, and needing to feel safe and healthy into this mix too, it's so important that we as girls and women design and plan for ourselves. If we don't get involved, we won't get the transport we need to make our lives better.