Rider's Almanac Blog

Many people who work at Metro Transit take on new responsibilities and roles throughout their careers. Career Tracks highlights the paths employees have taken to their latest assignment and where they see themselves going next. To learn more about career opportunities at Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council, visit metrocouncil.org/employment.

How did you begin your career with Metro Transit?

My mother-in-law worked for the Council’s Environmental Services division for 35 years and told me, “You have to get in.” I applied for several positions before I was offered a position as a light rail helper in May 2014. I was a helper for almost eight years when I applied and got into the Leadership Academy program as a rail transit supervisor (the Leadership Academy allows frontline staff to earn supervisory experience while temporarily serving in acting supervisor roles). 

What were your career goals and what steps did you take to achieve them?

My goals have always been to learn as much as possible and to take advantage of every opportunity. When I came to light rail, I was brought up to the Rail Control Center, where supervisors monitor and manage service. I thought this was the place for me. I spent several years figuring out how to get in there. I went to Century College and received associate degrees in business administration, communications and liberal arts and science and certificates in communications and entrepreneurship. I chose those degrees because I knew I wanted to move up and work in the RCC, and I want to own a company one day. The people in the RCC were willing to answer my questions and help me whenever needed.

What advice do you have for others who want to take on more or different responsibilities?

Be open and willing to learn new things, even if they’re hard. Find great supporters to help you through everything you do. Do the Leadership Academy! It’s a perfect opportunity the Council offers so you can learn and figure out where you belong. It takes a very strong person to do what I did, to work 40-plus hours on the night shift with two kids and going to college. I had a 4.0 grade point average the whole time and was on the Dean’s List every year. I was hired in October 2020 as a rail transit supervisor and work 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. My daughters (8 and 4) and my husband are so understanding. My husband was the person who pushed me to go to finally live my dream and put myself through college.