You’re a transportation planner. How do you balance technical skills with project management skills?

1 Know your tools

Technical skills are essential for transportation planning, as you need to collect, analyze, and visualize data, model scenarios, and evaluate alternatives. You should be familiar with the tools and software that are relevant for your field, such as GIS, CAD, traffic simulation, and optimization. You should also keep up with the latest trends and innovations, such as smart mobility, big data, and machine learning. However, you should not rely on your tools alone. You should also understand the underlying principles and assumptions behind them, and be able to communicate their strengths and limitations to others.

2 Define your scope

Project management skills are crucial for transportation planning, as you need to plan, execute, and control your projects effectively and efficiently. You should be able to define the scope of your projects clearly and realistically, based on the needs and expectations of your clients and stakeholders. You should also be able to break down your projects into manageable tasks, milestones, and deliverables, and assign roles and responsibilities to your team members. You should also monitor and track your progress and performance, and adjust your plans as needed.

3 Communicate your results

Communication skills are vital for transportation planning, as you need to convey your findings and recommendations to various audiences, such as decision-makers, policy-makers, engineers, and the public. You should be able to tailor your messages and formats to suit your purpose and audience, using appropriate language, visuals, and media. You should also be able to listen and respond to feedback, questions, and concerns, and address any issues or conflicts that may arise. You should also document and report your results and outcomes, and share your lessons learned and best practices.

4 Collaborate with others

Collaboration skills are important for transportation planning, as you need to work with others who have different backgrounds, perspectives, and interests. You should be able to establish and maintain good relationships with your clients, stakeholders, partners, and team members, and respect their views and values. You should also be able to coordinate and cooperate with them, and leverage their skills and expertise. You should also seek and provide support and guidance, and recognize and appreciate their contributions.

5 Learn from experience

Learning skills are beneficial for transportation planning, as you need to constantly improve your knowledge and skills, and adapt to changing situations and demands. You should be open to new ideas and opportunities, and willing to try new things and take risks. You should also reflect on your experience and practice, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You should also seek and accept feedback and criticism, and use them to enhance your performance. You should also pursue and participate in professional development activities, such as training, mentoring, and networking.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?