Bader
Graduate Transport Planner
Bahrain
What is your role at AECOM?
I am a Graduate Transport Planner at the Bahrain Office, where I work on and contribute to Traffic Impact Assessment studies, Master Plan Support studies and corridor studies within Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
How long have you worked for AECOM?
I have been with AECOM since November 2023
Why did you choose to join AECOM’s Graduate Program?
Driven by my passion for Transportation Planning, AECOM was my first choice to pursue a career in this field. As a globally recognized engineering firm, I was convinced it was the ideal place to launch my career in Transportation Planning and continue my professional development. The unique structure of the Graduate Program, offering hands-on project experience, mentorship from senior team members, and a comprehensive curriculum for developing both hard and soft skills, solidified my choice to join and contribute to the organization’s success.
How has AECOM helped you in your career development?
Opportunities for career development within AECOM are boundless. Since joining, I’ve been offered opportunities to contribute and get involved in diverse challenging projects, enhancing my technical knowledge in transportation planning and collaborating with professionals and stakeholders from diverse disciplines. Engaging with clients and authorities in meetings has not only enhanced my communication and presentation abilities but also improved my decision-making skills. Mentorship from senior team members has been pivotal, fostering a collaborative environment. The organizational diversity allows interaction with professionals from various disciplines, fostering valuable connections and broadening my technical background. In summary, the company’s supportive culture and diverse opportunities have been instrumental in my career development, aligning seamlessly with my aspirations and contributing significantly to my success. If you have the enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, AECOM will support you in developing your skills and advancing your technical knowledge.
What motivated you, as a Bahraini National, to pursue a career in the private sector?
Choosing to join the private sector, specifically AECOM, was a decision driven by the sector’s dynamic learning environment. It aligns perfectly with my career goals, as the rapid learning curve corresponds to my dedication to continuous professional development. The private sector’s commitment to a vibrant and challenging work environment, along with diverse growth opportunities, perfectly mirrors what I seek in my career. I was attracted to the sector’s innovative problem-solving approach and the emphasis on delving deep into the technical aspects of each project. This decision reflects my dedication to staying at the forefront of industry developments and contributing meaningfully to complex problem solving within a dynamic and forward-thinking workplace.
What has been your favourite project to work on at AECOM?
I consider each project I’ve worked on as unique, with new challenges that demand innovative solutions. One project stands out in particular, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This project presented challenges in terms of tight timelines and new technical aspects. During this experience, I explored and delved into a new topic, Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL) analysis. I familiarized myself with various manuals on trip generation and parking rates from the GCC region, along with the ITE manual, to conduct trip generation and parking estimates. Working on large-scale projects like this always poses diverse challenges for transport planners.
What’s your proudest moment at AECOM?
My proudest moment at AECOM was when we received an invitation from the University of Bahrain, where I pursued my B.Sc. in Civil Engineering. We were invited to deliver a presentation to students about transportation planning and career opportunities within AECOM. Alongside the senior leaders, the Country Manager and the Regional Director of Civil Infrastructure of AECOM Bahrain, we delivered an engaging presentation for civil engineering students. We discussed insights into the transport planning field, showcased some of our projects, and explored exciting career opportunities within AECOM. It was a rewarding experience, as I had the privilege to share insights about my journey and experiences as a graduate transport planner. Returning to the university as an alumnus and sharing insights about my journey was a moment of great pride.