Jes joined Paul Basham Associates over 10 years ago as a Graduate Transport Planner in summer 2014. Following the completion of her Geography degree at the University of Sussex and then some time spent volunteering in Sierra Leone, Jes decided that she wanted to start a career in Transport, after seeing first hand just how important transport links are. 10 years on, Jes is now a Senior Associate and is a Team Lead in our Southern Transport Planning team.
What does your job involve?
My role here is varied. Being a team leader means I get stuck into a little bit of everything. Whilst I primarily focus on the more strategic elements and managing the team, I also still enjoy being involved in the more typical transport planning tasks including report writing, junction modelling and design work. I attend lots of meetings, and help problem solve with the team on projects I’m not involved in to help the team get the best possible outcome.
What made you choose a role in Transport Planning?
After graduating, I spent 4 months volunteering in Sierra Leone. It was here that I realised how important transport was to everyday life, business and the economy and how fortunate the UK is with its transport links. When I returned I started looking at careers involving transport and learned about the role of Transport Planning and thought this would be a good fit with my geography skills and being able to impact my local area and improve transport links. The links to sustainability also appealed to my geography experience and how we can help future proof developments and our movements.
What achievements are you most proud of since joining Paul Basham Associates?
There are many achievements I am proud of since joining, both personal and company related. Having been here for nearly 11 years, one thing I am proud of is seeing how the company has grown and evolved and being part of that growth. Having been part of a small 6-person team in one office, to part of a team of over 30 members split across 3 offices and supporting the other team leads who started at a similar time it’s certainly something I am proud of. I am also proud of completing my Masters in Transportation Planning and Engineering part time working alongside building my career here which was equally challenging and rewarding.
What do you get up to in your free time?
Being a mum, my free time is limited, but I love spending time with my family and creating memories. My little boy Brody loves being outside, going for walks and being in a swing. We love exploring new areas and stopping for lunch.