Exploring Transportation Careers in Oakland

In December 2023, eight of our student members visited the Bay Area during Winter Recess. While traveling, we visited with public agencies and private firms, bonded with other ITE student chapters, and grew as a team. This article is part of a longer series documenting the trip.

We began our day at BART headquarters in Oakland, where we heard from Dan Wu, Hannah Lindelof, Frances Fisher, and Jennifer Easton. Through a thoughtful discussion, we learned more about BART’s approach to post-pandemic transit ridership levels, solutions to fare evasion, and art integration at BART stations.

Checking out BART memorabilia in the lobby	Discussing BART initiatives
We are always keen on asking questions!	Group photo at BART

We then crossed the street (literally) and joined HNTB for lunch; huge thank you to USC ITE alum Arlo Fischer, for coordinating the event! At HNTB, we heard from Kathryn Magee, Andy Guan, Samuel Ricklefs, Mark Young, Brian Gaul, Brandon Wong, and Daniela Delarosa who shared their work experience and career tips.

A warm welcome at HNTB	Career discussion panel
Learning about airfield design	Group photo at HNTB

After HNTB, we walked to BART’s Lake Merritt customer service center to pick up some limited edition Clipper cards celebrating 50 Years of BART.

50 Years of BART Clipper cards!

Our tours for the day concluded at the Port of Oakland, where Matt Davis provided a phenomenal overview of the Port’s role in the world of transportation, as well as a comprehensive tour of their facilities.

Discussing port electrification initiatives	Port of Oakland Board Room
Behind the scenes of key machinery	Group photo with a view!

We wrapped things up with some Filipino food and a three (3) hour BART excursion to check out eBART in Antioch!

Group dinner	On the move
eBART at the Antioch terminus	We love BART!