My first Rollingstock Networking Event (RSN) - Pride Park, 11.07.2019

The team (Phil Crew & Satt Basra) and I set out today to the Rolling Stock Networking (RSN) event in our home city of Derby.

Today was my first rail, rolling stock (all things trains) networking event which filled me with excitement and nervousness. I was excited as it was an opportunity to meet with rail professionals working across the industry and learn firsthand from those working within the heart of the rail industry. I was nervous because I would be speaking with professionals who knew more about rolling stock than I could possibly ever know, with the main concern being asked a question that I was not able to answer properly, perhaps making me look silly.

Getting ready for the event – I decided that my image would reflect on who I aspire to be as a young professional attending, ensuring the right image was portrayed, is important to me. I wore a white long-sleeved shirt (I soon wish it was short sleeved when the sun was beaming down on me!), black trousers, white shoes and took my little handbag, which I soon regretted with all the free gifts given to me today, thankfully some companies gave out free bags!

In short - I wanted people/professionals in the rolling stock industry to see me as a young professional looking to develop my knowledge, not just a young person who hasn’t got anything to say.

Before attending the event, I felt apprehensive, I thought to myself that I would feel out of my comfort zone and nervous, which I discovered isn’t always a negative thing! However, when we walked through those doors to the event and saw the stalls with the company information and free pens, pencils, mugs, water bottles and friendly faces, I instantly felt more at ease.

The main part of the event that stood out to me was the diversity of what is involved in the rail and rolling stock industry from intricate parts, branding trains, manufacturing trains, etc. I found senior professionals willing to take time out to speak to me, and explain in way that allowed me to take information in bite sized chunks, which was great. 

For any young professional in any industry, if the event is related to your work topic, attend it! I can honestly say once you get over the nerves/anxious feelings, you really do enjoy yourself, if you aspire to learn and grow with your company, people at these events will take time to answer your questions.

I had the pleasure of being in company with industry leading professionals including meeting with @Ravi Taheem (CAF Rolling Stock UK), hearing from @Hein van der Schoot (Stadler) who discussed entering the UK market, in addition to other industry heavy weights.

Who else attended the Rollingstock event today in Derby?

#RollingStock #RSN #Networking #Derby