How can you develop your career in transportation planning to make a positive impact on your organization?

1 Assess your strengths and goals

The first step to developing your career in transportation planning is to assess your current strengths and areas for improvement, as well as your short-term and long-term goals. What are the skills, knowledge, and competencies that you excel at and enjoy using? What are the gaps or challenges that you face or want to overcome? What are the roles, responsibilities, and projects that you aspire to take on or lead? By answering these questions, you can identify your career interests, motivations, and directions, as well as the areas that you need to focus on or develop further.

2 Seek feedback and mentoring

The second step to developing your career in transportation planning is to seek feedback and mentoring from your peers, managers, and other professionals in the field. Feedback can help you understand your performance, achievements, and areas for improvement, as well as the expectations and opportunities for your career growth. Mentoring can provide you with guidance, advice, and support from someone who has more experience, knowledge, or influence in the field. You can seek feedback and mentoring through formal or informal channels, such as performance reviews, surveys, interviews, networking events, or online platforms.

3 Pursue learning and development opportunities

The third step to developing your career in transportation planning is to pursue learning and development opportunities that can enhance your skills, knowledge, and competencies. Learning and development opportunities can range from formal education and training programs, such as degrees, certificates, courses, or workshops, to informal or self-directed learning activities, such as reading, researching, or practicing. You can choose the learning and development opportunities that suit your needs, interests, and goals, as well as the availability of resources, time, and support from your organization.

4 Expand your network and visibility

The fourth step to developing your career in transportation planning is to expand your network and visibility within and outside your organization. Networking and visibility can help you build relationships, exchange information, share ideas, and collaborate with other professionals in the field. They can also help you showcase your skills, knowledge, and achievements, as well as raise your profile and reputation as a transportation planner. You can expand your network and visibility by participating in or organizing events, conferences, webinars, or publications, as well as by joining or leading professional associations, committees, or groups.

5 Take on new challenges and responsibilities

The fifth step to developing your career in transportation planning is to take on new challenges and responsibilities that can stretch your skills, knowledge, and competencies. Taking on new challenges and responsibilities can help you demonstrate your initiative, creativity, and leadership, as well as your ability to handle complex, uncertain, or changing situations. They can also help you gain exposure, experience, and recognition, as well as advance your career prospects and opportunities. You can take on new challenges and responsibilities by volunteering, applying, or proposing for new or different roles, projects, or tasks within or outside your organization.

6 Reflect and celebrate your achievements

The sixth and final step to developing your career in transportation planning is to reflect and celebrate your achievements. Reflection can help you evaluate your progress, outcomes, and impacts, as well as identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Celebration can help you acknowledge your efforts, accomplishments, and contributions, as well as appreciate your supporters, collaborators, and mentors. You can reflect and celebrate your achievements by keeping a portfolio, journal, or blog, as well as by receiving or giving feedback, recognition, or rewards.

7 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?