Jonathan Gomez Vilchez

After completing my MA in Transport Economics at ITS, I moved to Germany for personal reasons. After completion of my four-month internship at the German Agency for International Cooperation, I was offered a position as a Junior Transport Policy Advisor in the same organisation. Since then, I have been involved in various transport projects in developing countries. My work, guided by sustainability principles, aims at improving the transport sector in those countries by providing policy advice on how to overcome key transport problems such as congestion, CO2 emissions and road safety. My tasks include assessing international transport policies, preparing reports, editing publications, providing expert advice as well as undertaking other project management related tasks. The economic concepts and tools I learned during my masters have proven successful to fulfil my position.

In mid-2012, I decided to take my understanding of the economics of transport to another level and I have started doing a PhD on Transport and Energy at a German university. At the same time, I continue to work part-time as a Transport Consultant for the same agency.

Germany, located at the middle of Europe and consequently the heart of the continent’s transport network, is an excellent example of how a complex transport system can work effectively. The country has one of Europe’s most extensive land transport networks (railways and highways), a leading transport hub for air traffic and logistics (Frankfurt) and a major port such as Hamburg. There is a relatively high level of awareness on sustainable transport issues, with bicycle use being actively promoted and indeed representing a convenient transport choice for daily urban travel.

Germany offers interesting job transport opportunities and a high standard of living. For non-German speakers, the language can be a (major) barrier, which can be overcome through ability and strong willingness to learn it.

I decided to study at ITS for three main reasons: the Institute’s international reputation on transport studies and research, the recommendation I received from my professor of Economics at University of Malaga, and the positive impact the Institute had on me when I attended one of the “open days”.

The year I spent doing my masters at ITS was challenging and demanding, yet also motivating and rewarding. It gave me a good understanding of important transport issues and adequately equipped me with key skills, which I currently use and am further developing my expertise on the subject. Furthermore, it offered me the opportunity to meet great people.

Today, I have no doubt ITS was the right choice for me. The Institute’s reputation is excellent: this is something I often perceive when I meet other transport experts e.g. at international conferences.