Posted by Drew Kerr |
Thursday, March 27, 2025 9:58:00 AM
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, visit metrotransit.org/careers.
How did you begin your career at Metro Transit?
When I was in school at St. Paul Technical College, I was looking forward to a job in the diesel field. As I was about to graduate, my Diesel Truck Technology instructor suggested applying at Metro Transit because they were hiring and offered competitive benefits, stability and a nice shop environment. I ended up taking his advice and began my career as a technician at the Heywood Garage in June 2004.
What were your career goals and what steps did you take to achieve them?
After being a mechanic for a while I was looking for a new challenge in my career. In 2009, I applied to a program that gives frontline workers the chance to work temporarily in supervisory positions and gain the experience needed to apply for future roles in management. I completed that program in 2010 and became a Bus Maintenance supervisor at the East Metro Garage two years later. In 2021, I moved to a supervisory position at the Overhaul Base where I oversee a team that maintains all the vehicles we use that aren't buses or trains. Here, my knowledge and skillset has grown extensively.
What advice do you have for others who want to take on more or different responsibilities?
Don’t be afraid to make the leap. It might be rough at first but it will become easier over time as you adapt and overcome everchanging situations. Learn, try to gain understanding, and have empathy for how and why people do what they do. It will help you immensely in leading a team.