Let's Talk Logistics - Zubin Motashaw
Zubin Motashaw
Huddersfield Business School Graduate
Hello, my name is Zubin Motashaw. I graduated from Huddersfield Business School in 2022 and I am now an Amended Timetable and Rolling Stock Planner for Southern & Gatwick Express.
What makes the Transport and Logistics industry such an exciting field to be part of?
I think it’s exciting to be part of this industry because it has an important story - we’re in charge of moving people and goods. I have always had a strong passion for the transport industry, and with the expansion of sectors such as air transport and buses, there are lots of exciting opportunities for others with the same interests in transport. Working in this industry comes with numerous benefits. For instance, I live on the Southern network which means my commute to work is free because we get free travel. I can travel anywhere on the network for free and I get 75% off any other train operator!
Did you already want to work in the Transport and Logistics sector before applying for university?
My journey into the transport and logistics sector began at Kingston College in Southwest London, where I studied a BTEC in Travel and Tourism. Throughout my studies, we received visits from guest lecturers from various transport companies and travel operators. The college also provided opportunities for work experience. These experiences shaped my decision to pursue a career in the transport industry. Choosing the University of Huddersfield was the right decision for me, as it was the top university offering my desired course. When I visited campus, the positive atmosphere and experienced lecturers impressed me.
What did you do for your placement year?
I had the opportunity to work with Govia Thameslink Railway for my placement year, which transitioned into a full-time role following graduation. Within the engineering planning team, I worked on a range of train planning activities, and organising replacement bus services for Thameslink and Great Northern, also spanning Peterborough, Bedford, and even Gatwick and Brighton. I also played a key role in formulating service specifications, which I now use in my current position.
This fantastic experience on my placement year resulted in a part-time position and now a full-time role with Govia Thameslink Railway.
My decision to pursue the placement year at Govia Thameslink Railway stemmed from a guest lecture during my second year. Many of my colleagues have come through the placement programme and have backgrounds in geography, as geography is interconnected with the transport and logistics sector.
How did the modules from your course link with your placement year and current role?
In my second year, I studied a module called ‘Passenger Transport Management,’ which covered various aspects of the railway industry, as well as bus and shipping operations. This module covered railway-related content, including delay management and service planning, which directly aligns with the tasks I manage in my day-to-day work. It provided me with valuable knowledge and skills that I consistently apply to my role.
What does your role entail on a day-to-day basis?
In my role, I primarily focus on train planning for the Southern and Gatwick Express network, particularly during engineering works and special events. Achieving smooth, delay-free plans brings me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing the impact it has on countless passengers’ journeys. It feels incredibly rewarding to facilitate seamless travel experiences for commuters, eventgoers and people travelling to see family and friends. Our network covers Victoria and London Bridge, down to Brighton, Southampton, Ashford, Eastbourne, and Kent. We work with several other industry partners, such as Network Rail who validates our train plan, other operators who run trains on our routes such as Thameslink, South eastern and other internal teams who help us bring the train plan to life.
What are your next steps and career goals for the future?
While I am currently a planner, I would like to advance into a role focusing on long-term planning or strategic train planning with Govia Thameslink Railway. There are lots of opportunities opening in the rail industry, particularly with GTR, other train operating companies and Network Rail. There are numerous graduate schemes, as we hire graduates coming straight from university. The field of Transport and Logistics offers career growth, a multitude of opportunities to work for diverse organisations in different roles, spanning multiple sectors.
To find out more about studying at THE Business School of the Year 2023, please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/subjects/business/