Principal Sponsor, Station Development | TfL London Underground
Transport Planning and Management MSc- 1987
The course gave me a good grounding in a variety of transport issues, focusing on different modes. I believe my degree was an important factor in getting me the interview with London Underground and therefore was instrumental in starting my chosen career in public transport.
What are you doing now?
I have worked for almost thirty years for London Underground, acting in the role of sponsor for major station upgrade and line extension projects.
This involves my working closely with project teams to set objectives and requirements, develop business cases, secure funding and ensure that benefits are realised. Achievements to date include major upgrades of Wembley Park (for the rebuilt National Stadium) and Green Park and Stratford stations (for the 2012 Olympics), along with securing the Powers to extend the Metropolitan and Northern lines. I have recently been made a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport.
What did you find most valuable about your course at Westminster? How did the skills you learnt during your degree help you to shape your career?
The course gave me a good grounding in a variety of transport issues, focusing on different modes. I believe my degree was an important factor in getting me the interview with London Underground and therefore was instrumental in starting my chosen career in public transport.
Why would you recommend Westminster as a place to study?
I had a very enjoyable year at Westminster (then the Polytechnic of Central London), especially as I had had two years of work experience prior to this following completion of my first degree. I had a very good relationship with my tutors and kept in contact with one of them for many years after graduating.
What was the best thing about being a student in London?
As a Londoner born and bred, it was very convenient studying in my home city, especially as I lived (and continue to live) in northwest London.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career?
Working for Transport for London in general, and London Underground, in particular, is generally very rewarding. The benefits are pretty good (free travel, etc) and jobs are pretty secure, especially compared to most of those in other industries. There is a massive range of roles available (operational, engineering, project management, communications and legal to name but a few) and the company is making big efforts to ensure its workforce reflects that of London as a whole in terms of gender, diversity, etc.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
I've had three books on the subject of the Underground published and regularly give talks on the subject.