Hugo Terry

Project Management Graduate, Surface Transport
Joined September 2007

A wide spectrum of experiences

I'm currently a Project Manager within the Surface Transport Programme Management Office. My days are a real mixture - it really depends on what you want to take away from your placement. My placements have all been very wide ranging in terms of what I undertake. Most days I will be having meetings with one of the projects that we're running EVA (a project management tool) to forecast future problems. I will also be reviewing the new process being rolled out by the Managing Director's Office to ensure projects are being well managed and that they're completing all the required documentation for managing a project. Otherwise I could be in meetings learning the management processes and decision-making structure in TfL.

A massive organisation which offers lots of opportunity

I joined TfL because working for such a large organisation that works with so many other bodies, from local boroughs, to contractors to the Olympics, presents many opportunities. I was also attracted by the benefits and the chance to work for such a recognised company on some of the biggest projects in UK and Europe. The best thing about TfL is definitely its size. It's involved with so much that happens in London, which affects so many people, and every day I learn something new about the organisation.

Helping out with some of London's biggest projects

One of the biggest highlights so far has been my placement with Major Projects. I supported the Project Manager and Engineers on designing the 11km Greenwich Waterfront Transit that will run through south-east London and over the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge to link up with the East London Transit.

Being at the heart of London's transformation

It's good to get an understanding of the problems facing transport in London. There are so many constraints and providing solutions is a real challenge but also an opportunity to leave lasting legacies across London. There is so much change within the city at the moment with the Olympics, the transformation of large parts of east London, its growing population - it is very important to get it all right so that London continues to be a world class city.

A company dedicated to your development

The training is second to none, and career development is excellent. You need to be self-driven and if you want to be involved in something, you need to ask. If you can justify why you should work somewhere within TfL as part of your training you will usually find that you can.