Meet the minds that make up Hub - Siobhan Fisher
After a flurry of new appointments and a rapidly expanding portfolio, our team here at Hub are spilling the tea on life working in transport planning.
Siobhan Fisher is starting off our new series on life behind the scenes at Hub:
What does a typical day look like for a Principal Transport Planner?
My days tend to vary depending on what I’m working on. From building, calibrating and analysing outputs of local junction models, to analysing incoming data, attending resourcing meetings with the team, report writing, reading into policy changes, drawing access designs in CAD, and of course nice coffees and lots of food!
Why did transport planning appeal to you as a career choice, and what makes it a good industry to work in?
I graduated with a degree in Maths, with no real idea of direction in terms of career. I worked in pensions for a while, then tried a bit of marketing. I ended up working in Transport Planning through a recommendation from my Grandad, who was a structural engineer. I did some research into the technical side of the work and the “real life” feeling of modelling and seeing the impact of your work come to life really appealed to me.
I particularly enjoy the diverse range of projects you get to work on, the varied client base, and the technical challenges and problem solving the work brings.
What do you enjoy about working for Hub?
Hub has a really welcoming, relaxed and supportive atmosphere. I felt at home here from my first week. I’ve learnt a lot and continue to do so in a judgement-free environment, with an available and willing support network.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on several Transport Assessments, Travel Plans, Scoping Notes and Access Appraisals, mostly for residential sites varying in size from 50 dwellings to 600+, including a school, local centre and a care home - I'm trying to get a wide variety of projects to broaden my knowledge and experience.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the field of transport planning?
Do’t be afraid to ask questions. No question is a stupid one, especially when it comes from a place of interest and wanting to learn and develop. No one knows everything, so don’t be embarrassed if you don’t.
How do you unwind after a particularly challenging project or day?
I weightlift regularly at the gym; this allows a release of emotion and energy in a way that benefits me physically too. I’ve also recently started going to reformers pilates classes, this challenges my body in a slightly different way. I also make sure I get out for a walk before work, at lunch, and in the evening – I find being out in nature really helps to ground me. Having recently bought a house, I’ve also found myself slowly getting into gardening this summer – lots to learn there!