Yazan Madi

I am a civil engineer by profession, and I work in the field of project management for major infrastructure and transit-related projects. I currently work for the Government of Dubai and managing the Dubai Tram Phases 2&3 project. The Tram project contributes to the enhancement of the public transport facilities in line with the government’s vision for providing an effective and integrated transport system to the residents of Dubai. As a project manager, I have the overall responsibility for the successful initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure of the project “Not an easy job but I enjoy it”. 

My experience with ITS presented an opportunity to grow on both a professional and a personal level. During my study, I have focused on subjects related to transport planning and particularly transport technologies. I have presented my thesis research paper to the European Commission, which has been published in the Transportation Research Procedia journal. My ITS experience taught me the importance of asking the right questions to the right people and gave me a competitive edge in making significant decisions for myself and at my work. In addition to the subject knowledge gained, I have also developed many transferable skills that have helped me greatly in my career. 

So many different factors made me choose my ITS course and the University of Leeds, mainly the course for its diverse curriculum and the fact that it provides the required technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills for a successful career in Transport. Furthermore, the University reputation and ITS ranking, the highly qualified academic staff and subject matter experts involved in the course and finally the wide global ITS Alumni network. 

My advice for future students is to make sure that the selected Masters Course matches what they are looking for and what they hope to get out of the course, particularly if they are looking to grow their professional expertise in a particular transport field such as Planning, Sustainability, Economics, etc. 

I took part in, and would highly recommend students to attend, the ITS employer Visits. These sessions are very important to understand the current market skills needs. 

Working for both private and governmental sector, I have transformed myself from an engineer to a senior consultant and then to a project manager for major civil infrastructure and developments projects throughout the region. My recent work in transit infrastructure has been contributing to one of the most important factors for the country's progress. 

My advice to new and potential ITS international students who are seeking work in the transport sector is that the transport sector is very challenging; work hard, stay motivated and spend some time identifying which transport career path you want to follow. In addition, for ITS international students, “You have made the right choice: ITS is the home to all International transport sector enthusiasts”.